This heavenly life
We caught up with avid traveler Laura Nicole to learn more about her wellness journey and how her travels have enriched her wisdom along the way.
Home: Where are you from? Where do you live now?
I am Swiss and currently live in a very small town in Switzerland surrounded by mountains, but my heart and soul lives in the tropics… my mind is there 24/7!
Purpose/Life’s work: How did you find your calling to Yoga and Pilates?
In my early teenage years, I was Introduced to Yoga by my mother who joined a weekly yoga class in my hometown. I sporadically joined her on a class and really enjoyed it. I did Ballet dancing since the age of 5 but after a snowboarding accident I wasn't allowed to dance for an extended period. My mom started taking me to her yoga classes on a more regular basis and I was fascinated by the gentle approach and the health benefits I experienced from the practice. It instantly clicked with me. Not many people were into Yoga back then in Switzerland especially not in the rural parts where I am from, so through traveling to the States and Asia I was introduced to the different styles of Yoga and a whole new world opened up to me! I searched on Youtube for a Yoga practice that suited my needs and discovered the "Boho Beautiful" channel. Through this channel I was also introduced to Pilates. Pilates came to me naturally because of its similarities to Ballet exercises.
Source of Inspiration: What motivates you to stay physically strong?
I noticed a significant change in both my physical body and mental state when I had to stop doing ballet. I needed to find a healthier and more enjoyable way to stay active. Movement is my meditation, whether it's running, yoga, Pilates, or any other form of exercise. Longevity is very important to me, as staying active will allow me to fully enjoy life even as I grow older. I want to be an elderly woman who can still run, move, dance, and walk without pain. That's why a regular practice of yoga and Pilates is essential for me, ensuring that I stay fit and lean in the long run.
Movement as Medicine: What is your philosophy in teaching and practicing ‘movement as medicine’?
Movement truly is medicine. There's not much I can preach about it; I can only encourage people daily to try it for themselves and experience the significant difference that regular, healthy movement makes in their own bodies.
Nourishment: What feeds your soul? Body? Mind?
My daily practice of thankfulness is essential. Doing something good for myself each day is a priority. For me, that means being in nature — whether it’s a walk with my dog, a run in the forest, or a hike on a sunny day. Being in touch with nature and a greater life force is incredibly nourishing for my body, mind, and soul. Movement on my mat is also a form of nourishment. Some days, my body craves vigorous, strengthening exercises, while other days call for a softer, gentler practice. Nourishing my body with the right food is equally important. I've been fully vegan for over eight years, and I feel my body thrives on it. I feel more energized, both mentally and physically, when I fuel myself with wholesome, nutritious, and balanced food. I also find energy and inspiration from listening to positive podcasts or reading good books, whether during my daily walks or while cooking in the kitchen.
Vote with Your Dollar: How you do shop sustainably?
I only buy what I truly need and love to wear. Sometimes, less is more, and investing in quality is key. It's far more rewarding to purchase items that last. I still wear my Teeki pants from my first solo trip to Bali over 10 years ago.
Community Connection: Can you share some of the ways you’re involved in your local community, both as a Pilates instructor and Yogini?
Over half a year ago, I started teaching Pilates and yoga classes in my hometown, in the same room where my mom first introduced me to yoga. The energy in that beautifully designed space is special, and my clients feel it too. I love sharing that sense of safety I felt years ago. I’ve introduced Pilates to people who now attend regularly, and I blend yoga stretches into my sessions for a balanced practice. Recently, I launched a Yogalates class, combining yoga flows with Pilates for a full-body workout. Sharing this journey with others is truly rewarding.
Wanderlust: We love to see all the places you visit. What wisdom have you gained from all your travels?
Traveling is where I gain the most life wisdom. Visiting foreign countries broadens my perspective, reminding me how small we are in this vast world and how minor my problems really are. It allows me to step back and see things from a different point of view. Traveling to less developed or wealthy places reminds me that we need very little to be healthy. Witnessing the environmental and economic challenges in these regions, often caused by choices made in wealthier countries, keeps me grounded and motivates me to contribute positively toward a healthier, eco-friendly world.
Advice: Best advice you ever got? What advice can you give us?
Laugh at the world and the world will laugh back at you.
Most of the time the drama or problem is merely inside of you and not actually out there in the world.
You create your own reality.
Try not to be reactive to circumstances around you and stay aligned, calm and in peace with yourself.
A peaceful mind lives a peaceful life.
Websites: https://www.yogalatesbylaurani.com/
