Our Passion & Philosophy
“Yoga has been described as wisdom in work or skillful living amongst activities, harmony and moderation” / B.K.S Iyengar
Our passion is to share the gift of Yoga in it’s deepest essence which is beyond the Physical, and to empower the individuals. To be reminded of the immense strength and intuition that reside within each and everyone of us. To reclaim our power and support each other on this path called Life.
Our main form of practice and the lineage from which we come is Vinyasa yoga, a dynamic flow which gives the freedom to creatively express oneself. This is what we consider the essence of Yoga, linking Breath and Movement with Intention, celebrating the joy in life and the wisdom of Yoga as a lifestyle.
We see Yoga as a way of life — something to practice both on and off the mat. Yoga allows us to become more present and free of stress, to reconnect with our spirit and the truth of who we are. At Sukha Mukha our classes are physically challenging and spiritually uplifting. We always draw back to the meaning, source and Philosophy of Yoga and realize just how relevant they are to our lives today. At the end of class you will leave feeling in harmony with your body, mind and soul.
Our classes are suitable for all people, all ages and all religions.
What does
Sukha Mukha mean?
Sukha is joyous, happy, blissed and Mukha is face, hence; Happy Face Yoga.
I was looking for a name that would present what I believe yoga is and should be. Going through many different names and Sanskrit terms I was blessed to have Jasmine, my teacher from NYC come to teach in Sydney, and during her workshop she kept saying “bring some Sukha to your Mukha”. it took me a few times hearing it to be able to translate it in my brain, and I immediately knew in my heart that that was the name I had been waiting for.
This is how Sukha Mukha Yoga was born into this world.
Idit Hefer Tamir
Idit, the founder of Sukha Mukha Yoga and the Director of Sukha Mukha Yoga teacher training, has been immersed in the practice and philosophy of yoga for over 25 years.
Her transformative journey began during her travels in India when she discovered yoga. Since then, she has dedicated herself to delving deeper into this ancient discipline, completing her first teacher training in 2006 with Katie Rose, and continuing to study with numerous inspiring teachers.
Yoga has provided Idit with a language to explore and confront various aspects of life. It has introduced her to an ancient philosophy that addresses the very questions she has pondered and offers pathways to overcome challenges and difficulties.
Guided by teachers who embody the teachings both on and off the mat, Idit's personal journey continues to unfold with each passing day. One of her influential teachers, Jasmine Tarkeshi, played a pivotal role in inspiring Idit to pursue the path of becoming a yoga teacher. Upon moving to Australia in 2006, she met Katie Rose, who has remained a long-time teacher and dear friend.
Idit continues to study, grow, and develop advanced training programs. Motivated by the profound positive impact that yoga has had on her own life, Idit is driven to share its teachings, wisdom, philosophy, and joy with others. Her hope is to facilitate healing, empowerment, and a rediscovery of the immense knowledge, power, and wisdom that resides within each individual.
Idit's primary interests lie in Vinyasa flow, viewing it as a form of body poetry and expression. She also explores Alignment as a means of aligning the body, mind, and spirit, and embraces Restorative Yoga as an essential practice for relaxing the nervous system and navigating life's magical yet often challenging journey.
As Paramahansa Yogananda wisely said, "If you make up your mind to find joy within yourself, sooner or later you shall find it." Idit invites you to embark on this journey of celebration and exploration, as she guides you towards discovering joy, self-discovery, and a deeper connection to the transformative power of yoga.
Come and join her on this extraordinary path of self-discovery and growth.
Our lineage
Jasmine Tarkeshi is the Co-Founder of Laughing Lotus Yoga Centers in NYC and SF and co-creator of Lotus Flow TM Vinyasa Yoga and Teacher Training. Jasmine has studied with a large number of the great teachers, saints, sages, mystics, masters and madmen of yoga’s vast healing traditions of Integral Yoga, Sivananda, Kundalini, Iyengar,vinyasa, bhakti, aryuveda, karma, tantra, yantra, meditation and mantra as well as with the great contemporary masters Sharon Gannon and David Life who truly turned her on to being a Yogi in the world.
Donna Farhi has the rare skill of explaining the most complex teachings in a way and language that makes it easier for us to understand & embody.
Donna emphasizes self-inquiry and fosters trust in one's own perceptions. She encourages students to explore their own experiences and adapt their practice to suit their unique needs. With a firm foundation in anatomical principles for safety and sustainability, she provides progressive levels of engagement, allowing individuals from all backgrounds and traditions to develop their own authentic yoga practice.
Seane Corn is an internationally celebrated yoga teacher known for her impassioned activism, unique self-expression, and inspirational style of teaching that incorporates both the physical and mystical aspects of the practice of yoga. Her classes integrate dynamic vinyasa flow asana with the application of precise alignment, meditation, visualization, intention and prayer to create an inner journey towards healing and empowerment.
Katie Manitsas was the director of Jivamukti Yoga Sydney (formerly Samadhi Yoga) for many years but has now handed over to advanced certified Jivamukti Yoga teacher Doug Whittaker, so that she can focus on her young family, her passion for activism and her studies. Katie was the first certified Advanced Jivamukti Yoga teacher in Australia and has also studied extensively with the Wise Earth School of Ayurveda under the guidance of Mother Maya, as well as being a qualified Kundalini Yoga teacher. She completed training as a doula (birthing companion) in 2009.