http://www.essenceofliving.com.au/

Essence of Living, Gold Coast (2025)

01/10/2025

🌿✨ Meet Your Local Active & Healthy Teacher ✨🌿

At Essence of Living, we are so proud to share our team of heart-led, highly trained teachers who bring movement, mindfulness, and connection to the Gold Coast community every week. All of our teachers are personally trained by Michelle Cassidy, ensuring only the very best hold space for you in our low-cost and free classes as part of the Gold Coast City Active & Healthy Program.

Today, we’d love you to meet Laurel Collofello 💚

🧘 Community Classes
• Yoga – Thursdays 7:30–8:30am @ Kirra Community Centre | $5 cash
• Pilates – Mondays 6–7pm @ Carrara Community Centre | FREE

☕ Coffee order: Almond cappuccino
📖 Currently reading: My Favourite Mistake by Marian Keyes
♉️ Star Sign: Ta**us 🐂
🍫 Favourite food: Dark chocolate
🌊 Fun fact: You’ll often find Laurel catching waves at Burleigh in the mornings!

Laurel embodies the spirit of our community—uplifting, grounded, and deeply passionate about sharing the gifts of yoga and Pilates with all. Come join her classes and feel the difference of moving in connection with yourself and your local community. 🌸

10/04/2025

I found my calling at Yin Yoga Teacher Training!

The 200hr Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Essence of Living was a truly transformative experience.

The location was incredibly tranquil, providing the perfect setting for presence and practice.

Michelle is a beautiful soul, inside and out, and her deeply compassionate nature shone through every day.

She created a safe, open, and supportive space for us all to learn and grow.

The theory was so intriguing, and the daily yin and meditation classes were amazing.

The facilitators were so wise and insightful, bringing the theory to life with clarity and depth.

Through this training, I feel like I’ve truly found my calling, and I am so grateful to Michelle for her love and encouragement throughout the journey.

I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone seeking a comprehensive and heartfelt Yin Yoga training.

I’m already looking forward to doing more trainings with Michelle in the future.

For more information book free a call to chat with Michelle today about any questions you have about the trainings & your future prospects.

Link in bio ☝🏻

25/03/2025

Forest = FOR + REST

Join me for my monthly Forest Bathing session April 12th, 3pm at Lions Park on Syndicate Road, Tallebudgera Valley.

This practice opens the door to a much deeper connection with all of life & the full feeling of being truly alive & aligned with nature.

Nothing makes me feel more present than noticing the finer details of nature through this simple yet powerful practice of sensory awakening & activation.

These sessions are sponsored by & cost only $5 on the day.

11/03/2025

With the recent wild weather reminding us how powerful Mother Earth is and at the same time how powerful community is when we come together to support each other in times of need.

It’s also incredible to reflect on how wonderful it is to be surrounded by like minded souls who all seek to grow, learn & evolve to the next evolution of the human experience.

Meet Iset, Iset is another name for the Egyptian goddess Isis who recently completed her Pilates Mat Teacher Training with us which was expedited due to the cyclonic conditions we encountered 🌀

Hear what she has to say about her journey with us as she evolves from being a competitive dancer & dance teacher to now moving towards becoming a Pilates professional…

“I would recommend anyone who wants to get into the Pilates space to do this course.

Michelle has the biggest and warmest heart ❤️

She will turn you in to not only the best teacher you could be, but also the best version of yourself.

I am forever grateful for everything I’ve learnt and for Michelles guidance, support and love.”

If you feel called to become a Yoga or Pilates teacher or are curious to learn more check out our website with many more courses still available in 2025!

You can also book a call with Michelle to chat about your potential in this space.

05/03/2025

Hello friends all classes on Thursday & Friday are cancelled & we look forward to seeing your smiling faces again next week.

Stay safe during the storm & beyond 🥰

Thursday
6am Yoga - Thorn Park, Miami
6am Pilates - GC Recreation Centre, Palm Beach
7am Yoga - Kirra Community Hall, Kirra

Friday
9am Stretch - Coomera Space Centre, Coomera
9am Pilates - Carrara Community Centre, Carrara
10.15am Yoga - Carrara Community Centre, Carrara

03/03/2025

My Yoga Teacher Training with Essence of Living was an unforgettable journey & I owe so much of that to my incredible teacher, Michelle.

From the first day, Michelle’s presence was a source of inspiration, warmth & wisdom.

Her ability to create a safe, nurturing space allowed me to dive deep into my practice & emerge transformed.

Michelle’s teaching is a perfect blend of expertise & compassion.

She guided us through every aspect of yoga—pranayama, asanas, anatomy, philosophy & adjustment techniques —with clarity & patience.

Her deep knowledge & passion for yoga were evident in every session, & she had a unique way of making even the most complex concepts feel accessible & relatable.

What truly set Michelle apart was her ability to see & honour each of us as individuals.

She encouraged us to embrace our strengths, confront our challenges, and grow at our own pace.

Her thoughtful feedback & unwavering support gave me the confidence to step into my power, both as a student & as a future teacher.

In just two weeks, Michelle helped me uncover a deeper connection to myself & to the practice of yoga.

Her emphasis on mindfulness, self-reflection, & authentic living left a lasting impression on me.

This training wasn’t just about learning to teach yoga—it was about learning to live with intention, grace & joy.

The supportive environment made all the difference!

My fellow trainees became like family & the sense of camaraderie we shared was invaluable.

Whether we were practicing together, sharing stories, or simply sitting in silence, I always felt a deep sense of belonging.

By the end of the immersion, I not only earned my certification but also gained a renewed sense of purpose & clarity.

I now feel equipped to share the gift of yoga with others & am forever grateful for the tools & insights this program has given me.

To anyone considering this training, I can’t recommend it enough.

Michelle’s guidance, combined with the transformative curriculum at Essence of Living, it will not only prepare you to teach yoga but also inspire you to live a more meaningful & connected life.

14/02/2025

Depths of Divorce to Light of Love… Ten years ago my best friend asked me to marry him after what he jokingly calls my ‘4 year apprenticeship’.

Those who know me know that I love, love.

I’m that girl who loves romantic movies, but the truth is life isn’t always like a romantic movie & there are definitely peaks & troughs to move through.

One thing I learnt after my first failed marriage is that the most important decision I have ever made in my life is choosing the ‘right’ partner!

Studies have revealed that choosing our life partner is the most important decision we will ever make in our lives!

In fact, it is proven to be 4x more influential & indicative in our overall feeling of happiness, health, contentment & longevity than the career choice we make.

With this wisdom both lived & learnt I can’t help but make a conscious effort to educate my kids on not only what to look for in a partner, but also what are important qualities to cultivate within to BE a great partner.

Here are 5 key qualities I believe are important to seek externally & sow internally;

1. Open mindset - the willingness to learn & adapt as we change over time. I believe it’s helpful to have the flexibility to shift, change & rearrange through the seasons of life.

2. Be kind - to everyone & everything, especially in all communication & conflict resolution situations. I believe the storms will come & when they do, it will be nice to know that you will have the capacity to talk it through to calmer conditions.

3. Healthy habits - balanced exercise, nutrition & lifestyle. I believe health is wealth as it not only prevents physical illnesses, but also supports mental health which is super important in maintaining an intimate lasting relationship.

4. Be the change - if we want something in life we must be willing to do it & be it in order to attract it. Don’t just complain, be proactive & create the change you seek.

5. Be positive - the quality of our lives is based on the meanings we choose to make. We can choose if the glass is half full & we can choose to focus on the rainbow instead of the rain. Life is brighter & better when we lean into the light of optimism.

More 👇🏻

18/12/2024

So happy to be apart of the summer holiday activities this season offering yoga & Pilates classes with !

Make sure you check out the link above for all the school holiday fun also as I will be sharing Forest Bathing sessions also 👆🏻

20/10/2024

This course is designed for anyone who has already completed a 200hr yoga teacher training course either online or in person, giving you the incredible opportunity to;
✔️refine your practice & communication skills
✔️systemise & customise your teaching methodology
✔️build confidence & competence in creating meaningful sessions for your students.

Whether you are a new or seasoned teacher it doesn’t matter as this course is a safe & supportive learning environment that is designed to meet you where you are at.

If you are wanting to take your yoga practice & teaching to the next level this course is for you 🫵🏼

If you are looking for an in-person, hands-on, practical approach to fine tuning your teaching, sequencing & adjusting skills this course is for you 🫵🏼

If you are ready to immerse yourself into 5 days of living, breathing & doing nothing but yoga this course is for you 🫵🏼

If you are thirsty to drink from the well of wisdom gained from over 25 years of committed practice & 20 years full-time teaching experience this course is for you 🫵🏼

If you are wanting to meet more like minded people to connect, collaborate, share & grow with this course is for you 🫵🏼

If you are drawn to an accelerated, accessible & affordable teacher training course that truly over delivers this course is for you 🫵🏼

Book a call with Michelle 🥰 today to learn more about her unique offering & how she can best support you on your journey.

Link in bio 🔗

09/10/2024

Meet who is an amazing mother of 4 who gave up her career in law to follow her heart, devoting her life to her greatest love motherhood & movement.

I am beyond grateful for the incredible direction my life has taken since beginning my teacher training journey with Michelle at Essence of Living.

After working in big corporate companies and then becoming a paralegal officer, I put everything aside to fully embrace motherhood and raise my beautiful little humans.

After falling in love with yoga and starting a regular practice I felt there was a part of me that needed to be rediscovered.

In 2019, as a mum of three, I embarked on my first teacher training with Michelle, completing my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training.

The experience was more transformative than I could have ever imagined.

Michelle’s guidance not only deepened my love for yoga but gave me the confidence to begin teaching my own classes—something I had never thought possible.

Eager to continue learning and grow further, I returned to train under Michelle once again.

By 2021, now a mum of four, I completed my Pilates Barre Training.

Michelle’s unwavering support, belief in my abilities, and her gentle, yet firm encouragement pushed me to reach heights I didn’t know I was capable of.

She consistently inspires me, not only through her teaching but also by the example she sets—always striving for excellence and authenticity.

Michelle has truly been the catalyst for this beautiful new path I’ve taken, and I am forever grateful for her mentorship and friendship.

Without her, I would never have discovered the teacher within me.

Thankful for Michelle, for guiding me every step of the way and showing me what’s possible.

If you are thinking about starting your teaching journey we have 3x more teacher training courses in 2025.
🍑Pilates Hybrid (Sat & Sun) 19th Oct - 17th Nov
🧘🏻‍♀️Yin Yoga Hybrid (Mon-Fri) 21st - 25th Oct
👌🏼Yoga Adjusting & Sequencing (Mon-Fri) 11th - 15th Nov

Book a discovery call with Michelle today to chat about your personal path 🦶🏼

29/09/2024

It’s one thing to become a yoga & Pilates teacher, it’s another to become a yoga & Pilates studio owner & over the last 16 years I have had the good fortune to be at the beginning of that journey for many aspiring teachers & studio owners.

Sowing the seeds & sharpening the swords of countless spiritual warriors has been both an honour & privilege I feel blessed to call my life’s mission.

Today I thought I’d share with you one of many messages that enter my inbox each week from studio owners who call me for advice & support along the way.

Darling Michelle,

I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for my training and for your love and guidance as a yoga and Pilates teacher.

I think of you all the time when I’m teaching and send love and gratitude your way just mentally and spiritually thanking you for everything… in the hardest time of my life you literally were a massive part of my healing and I will always be grateful for you.

Thank you for being the best teacher I could have ever hoped for.

Love you loads
Nat 🩷 .squeeze_

Natalie is one of the most incredible women I have ever meet & in the last 16 years there have been two earth angels that have come through my academy that have shined brighter than the sun ☀️ Natalie is one of them!

Her selfless service rescuing wildlife (primarily possums & koalas) for the last 18 years is truly inspiring.

Just being in her presence, she lifts your frequency to another level.

If you are looking for a heart driven studio & want to be surrounded by high vibe people look no further than .squeeze_

If you are looking to start your yoga & Pilates teaching journey look no further & book a call today! Link in bio

22/08/2024

NEW $5 YOGA CLASSES @ KIRRA HILL HALL

We are so excited to announce that we will be offering another 2x Yoga classes with our amazing academy teachers at Kirra Hill Hall starting next week!

Mondays 730am with
Thursdays 730am with

Both Frency & Shelly are senior teachers with hearts of gold & are much loved by all of their regular students!

Why not start your day with an early morning surf or walk, followed by a delicious flowing yoga class to start your day on an epic trajectory.

Like they say ‘win the morning, win the day!’

Please bring a mat, wear comfortable clothes & $5 pocket change.

Classes are sponsored by

Essence of Living

01/10/2025

10/04/2025

25/03/2025

11/03/2025

05/03/2025

03/03/2025

14/02/2025

18/12/2024

20/10/2024

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29/09/2024

22/08/2024

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