Le Mandala brings inclusive yoga to Guyana for every body and every belief

In a time when self-care and wellness are more important than ever, Le Mandala is offering a refreshing approach to yoga — one that is inclusive of individuals on the autism spectrum, those with physical disabilities, and anyone seeking mental, emotional, and spiritual balance, regardless of religion or ability.

At the heart of this movement is Melissa Sonaram, a New York-based Guyanese yoga instructor, who recently returned home to share her expertise.

Melissa, a certified Hatha yoga instructor with additional training in adaptive and children’s yoga, is on a mission to change how Guyanese perceive and access yoga.

“My practice is centred around meeting people exactly where they are — physically, mentally, emotionally,” she told News Room in a recent interview. “Yoga is for everyone.”

Her passion for inclusivity is personal. After sustaining injuries that traditional therapies couldn’t fully remedy, Melissa found complete physical restoration through yoga. That experience, combined with her work in New York’s public school system and with various government agencies supporting individuals with disabilities, shaped her approach.

“I work a lot with children and adults on the spectrum, as well as those with physical and learning disabilities. Whether it’s speech delay or sensory processing disorders, yoga helps to reconnect the body and mind,” she explained.

And now, she’s brought that experience home.

Melissa is offering free yoga classes at The Kendra in Georgetown, thanks to their generous donation of space. “This is a soft launch. I may not be moving back full-time just yet, but I’m laying the groundwork — offering training, doing workshops, and hopefully expanding the reach of inclusive yoga in Guyana,” she said.

The free sessions are open to the general public, though registration is required. “I want to ensure I give individual attention. My classes are hands-on, even off the mat,” she said.

For those wanting a deeper dive, Melissa is hosting two specialised workshops. The first focuses on upper-body tension — particularly in the shoulders and neck, common pain points for desk workers. The second is a restorative yoga workshop featuring supported poses and guided breathing practices. These workshops, unlike the free sessions, carry a small fee and offer more time for discussion, Q&A, and individual practice.

At the heart of Melissa’s work is Le Mandala, her brand and vision. The term “mandala” — often associated with sacred geometry and spiritual wholeness — represents “universal wellbeing,” she says. While the practice of yoga has historical roots in Hinduism, Melissa is clear that it is spiritually inclusive.

“Yes, yoga comes from Hindu traditions, and I practice in an ashram within a Durga temple in New York. But we have people from every religion and background. We chant ‘Om’ and say a prayer for world peace — but participation is always optional,” she said.

“Yoga doesn’t ask you to convert; it simply invites you to connect — with yourself, with your breath, and with the present moment.”

Melissa hopes that more Guyanese will give yoga a chance — not for the flexibility or the physical feats, but for the mental clarity and emotional balance it can provide.

“We’re overstimulated. We’re anxious. We’re overwhelmed. Yoga helps slow that down. It helps us breathe again,” she said.

To register for a session or learn more, Guyanese residents can contact Melissa via WhatsApp. More information is also available at www.lemandala.com or by emailing info@lemandala.org.

As Melissa puts it, “You don’t need to be Hindu, young, fit, or flexible to practice yoga. All you need is the willingness to show up — for yourself.”