The Teacher Who Sparked a Project: A Tribute to Francesca Rubinato
In this special episode of Deep Dive, we shift our focus from documents to a person: Francesca Rubinato, the inspiring yoga teacher who ignited the 'Exploring Yoga' project.
More Than Just a Teacher
Francesca wasn't just good; she was transformative. Her secret? A potent combination of deep philosophical knowledge and what we call her 'radical humanity.' This rare blend made her classes more than just a workout; they were an experience.
The Word-of-Mouth Wonder
Before I even met Francesca, her name was whispered around Barcelona. Finding her class felt like discovering a hidden gem. This grassroots recommendation spoke volumes, proving the authenticity of her teaching.
Presence and Skill
Her classes at Shantaveda Studio weren't performances. Her simple, human presence created a sense of home. And beneath that presence was rock-solid technical skill, honed through years of practice and study.
A Unique Blend: Ashtanga Meets Jivamukti
Francesca's background in Jivamukti and Ashtanga yoga created a fascinating synthesis. The rigor of Ashtanga combined with the philosophical depth of Jivamukti resulted in classes that were both physically challenging and intellectually stimulating.
Radical Humanity: The Core Catalyst
What truly set Francesca apart was her 'radical humanity.' In a world often obsessed with perfection, she was refreshingly authentic. She shared her struggles, her joys, and her life outside the studio, making yoga relatable and accessible.
From Surfboard to Sutras
Francesca seamlessly wove her personal experiences, like surfing, into her teachings. A wipeout became a metaphor for resilience, connecting the physical act of getting back on the board to the challenges of holding a tough pose.
Making the Abstract Concrete
She had a gift for connecting ancient yoga philosophy to everyday life. Take Abiasa (consistent practice). Instead of just saying, 'do the work,' she'd share a story about repeatedly wiping out while surfing, making the concept tangible and relatable.
The Moment of Inspiration
The seed for this project was planted during a class at Lti. Francesca handed out handwritten mantras, explaining their meaning and energy. This sparked the idea: what if we combined her deep knowledge with modern tools?
Tradition Meets Technology
Experimenting with AI, we discovered that while technology could provide information, Francesca provided life. She was the professor who taught us how to write poetry with the words. This realization fueled our mission: to make this level of teaching accessible to everyone.
A Legacy of Gratitude
As Francesca embarks on a new chapter, the community responds not with sadness, but with gratitude. Her teachings have taken root, and this project is a continuation of her ripple effect.
Your Turn: Reflect on Your Catalyst
Who is the teacher who changed things for you? The one who helped you grow, question, or soften? Honor those guides, for they are the catalysts of our own deep dives.
