Gary Mahler, Vancouver/Canada
President MICI™
garymahler.com
«Barbara is a rare find in this world. She is an oasis of love that one is lucky to encounter. She is a healing and soothing retreat for the mind and soul. She is a seeker of adventure, truth and passion.
She takes the humdrum, mundane and lackluster existence that pervades this time in history and creates magic with those she meets and works with. It is truly inspiring to find someone who has chosen a path they desire: While most people conform to the norm, put their nose to the grindstone, work endlessly and without joy, only to retire into a coma like existence, Barbara lives a life of adventure and engages those with whom she works with to become fearless and do the same.
It has been my absolute pleasure to have Barbara in my life. She is my dive master of the soul, for the world. She helps those she meets to become comfortable in the waters of their lives, whether those waters be clear, warm, choppy or freezing. She then gently coaxes full expression of hidden desire. The result is a symphony of play, work, commitment and powerful impact with tangible results.
Please do yourself a favour and spend some time with Barbara. Your life will never be the same.»
Anne Flores, Burbank, CA/USA
Senior Manager, Los Angeles Metro
@froggyforgy
«I first met Barbara on a yoga retreat some years ago. She impressed me with her knowledge of and commitment to yoga, not just the physical practice but the spiritual and cognitive application as well. As often happens at yoga retreats, we formed a friendship that I cherish to this day. Despite the geographical distance between our homes, I was fortunate to have other encounters with her, to learn from and be nurtured by her passion for growth and awareness. During the pandemic, I participated in several of Barbara’s virtual yoga classes, and on some difficult days the light and hope that she brought to the mat helped me tremendously. Because Barbara shares her true self and her vulnerabilities, she helps me to be more human too.
If you have a chance to practice with Barbara, or even to just say “hello”, I urge you to do it, your day will be brighter.»
Barbara Stöckli, Lieli/Switzerland
Accountant
«Barbara’s style of holistic yoga teaching inspired me from the very first session, as it was not just a rigid sequence of yoga exercises, but a flow in which the body can gradually expand and become more supple. She incorporated different styles such as Hatha, Yin, Vinyasa, Chakra work and Myofascial training into her classes. After just a few weeks I noticed a huge change in my body and mind. Barbara responded to each person individually and gave variations according to the level of training resp. of body flexibility. Her enthusiasm, her sense of humor and her down-to-earth nature gave each lesson a relaxed and comfortable setting. Too bad Barbara no longer teaches group yoga classes.
Barbara is also a gifted energy massage therapist. The mindful touches of the energetic healing massage dissolve blockages in body and mind in a wonderful way. The result: lightness, mental clarity and a deeply relaxed well-being.
What I appreciate about Barbara is that she always communicates openly and transparently and she actively listens. Her presence makes me feel that it’s all about me, something very few people today convey. I am grateful that a friendship has developed despite her moving to the Bernese Alps and that I can ask for her advice any time. Knowing Barbara has enriched my life.
Anyone who has the opportunity to work with Barbara should definitely take advantage of it.»
Sarah Anderson, Chicago, IL/USA
Graduate Student Mental Health Counseling, National Louis University
«Barbara and I came to know each other on a yoga retreat in Oregon. She radiates sun energy: bright, warm and transformative. Barbara as a teacher and guide offers a creative, informative and deeply sensitive approach to the experience on the mat. Her ability to think complexly and deliver simplicity is a gift to her students.
Michael Fortunato, Madison, IN/USA
PhD, Founding Partner, Creative Insight Community Development
creativeinsightcd.com
«I have known Barbara since 2013 and we have kept in touch ever since. In the Spring of 2020 – during the pandemic – she asked me to join one of her virtual yoga classes. As a somewhat reluctant first-timer, I was inspired by her skill and compassion for providing an experience that was relaxing, refreshing, and appropriate for both beginners and more experienced practitioners. I was pleasantly surprised on what a positive effect it had on my body and mind. Barbara’s teaching is clear, concise, and compassionate. She is committed to the well-being of others, and makes everyone feel like family.
As a coach, Barbara is masterful at maintaining presence, serenity, and clarity – and possesses an intellectual curiosity that drives her to a deeper understanding of our universal truths. Our conversations always leave me in a state of gratitude and with a heightened energy. Barbara is one of the wisest people I know.
I recommend working with Barbara to anyone – especially those who are new to energetic movement, holistic health, wellness, and coaching.»
Gabriela Knobel, Goldau/Switzerland
PR Consultant
«Barbara made me look in the mirror: open, honest and respectful. At the right moment she gave me food for thought with her experienced outlook, which set in motion sustainable change processes. Her loving support on the way to more mindfulness and serenity is purposeful and encouraging. The effects are fabulous.
In her yoga and energetic movement sessions, Barbara tailored the sequences to my needs: from the pace, through the severity of the postures, to the exercises designed to improve breathing techniques. Her zest for life is contagious and her humor provides extra training for the abdominal muscles!»
Janette Doering, Blackfalds, AB/Canada
Fine Art Appraiser,
MyArtSyndicate.com
«Barbara delves into life like no one else I have ever known. She graciously shares her passion for living with each person she encounters. Her curiosity and ingeniousness let’s her connect with people from all walks of life. Barbara listens to what you have to say with her whole self. She is honest about her opinions and compassionate with her responses. Authenticity is her trademark.
True to herself, she sets life goals, formulates plans to exceed those goals and follows through on her objective. She helps others to do the same. She guides them to step out of their comfort zone and not only to dream big but to make these dreams happen.
I have known Barbara for over 20 years. She has long been like a sister to me. I am a better person because I get to share my life with her, even if oceans and continents separate us. If you have the chance to be in her presence don’t waste a minute to do so.»
Trey Kauffman, Columbus, OH/USA
Entrepreneur
MosaicLife.co
«I try to not take for granted the ways in which people come into my life. A few years ago it would have been outside the realm of what I would have considered possible to make friends in parts of the world I’d never had the opportunity to visit, and yet that’s exactly the chance I got with Barbara. Not only has she been a source of light and support in my life in the time we’ve known each other, but she’s shown me a new level of independence, courage and sense for demanding the best for herself that I didn’t know was possible. Barbara is truly someone whom I look up to in life and someone whom I look forward to working with well into the future.»
Michaela Ortlieb, Esslingen/Germany
Project Manager MarComm,
MAHLE International GmbH
«During my travels in Chile early 2020, I met an extraordinary woman in an extraordinary place. I am convinced that there are no coincidences, because Barbara and I have been in close and regular contact ever since. Barbara is inspirational, charming and sincere. Her authentic and empathetic way, as well as her open and transparent way of communication elate me. Professionally and personally, Barbara is an asset and I consider myself lucky to have her as a friend and professional advisor in my life. Dear Barbara, thank you for your always valuable input! You have so much to give and I’m thankful we know each other!»
Jillian Szafranski, Los Angeles, CA/USA
Mind-Body Instructor
YogiJillian.com
«I met Barbara in 2012 on a yoga retreat we were both attending in California. I immediately connected with her. If a yoga retreat is designed and facilitated well, they can bring out the most sincere parts of a person, making it an incredible place to meet lifelong friends and/or teachers. I think I can speak for both of us when I say Barbara and I are extremely inspired with the healing magic of retreats. Which is why I am not at all surprised that Barbara has continued to take her love for yoga and energetic movement, the art of human connection, and her commitment to deepening friendships to create a teaching practice that is solely her own. If you have the opportunity to attend any of her offerings, consider yourself very fortunate!»
Veronica Defièbre, Lieli/Switzerland
Psychotherapist
«The Energetic Healing Massage with Barbara is something very special. I have never had such a massage experience, although I am frequently going to massages. It is a blend of classic massage strokes and passive movement that creates a very special form of relaxation. In the course of the massage one can let go more and more, confide and relax in a very deep way. I always come back from another world.»