Meet Benny
Founder of Yin Yoga Africa
Benedetta "Benny" Giuliani is the heart behind Yin Yoga Africa, bringing transformative Yin Yoga practice to Kenya's stunning landscapes. Based in the tranquil paradise of Kipungani on Lamu Island, Benny has dedicated her life to sharing mindful movement, stillness, and self-awareness with students across East Africa and beyond.
The Journey
Benny's yoga journey began at age 15 with Hatha and Iyengar yoga. These alignment-focused styles gave her deep understanding of body mechanics and mindful practice. In 2015, she discovered Yin Yoga - a revelation that changed everything. After years of yang-style practices, the slow, meditative, introspective nature of Yin opened new dimensions of healing and self-discovery.
Recognizing her true calling, Benny completed her Yin Yoga teacher training in 2017 and has never looked back, becoming one of Kenya's most respected Yin Yoga teachers.
Training with the Masters
Benny's extensive Yin Yoga background includes training with influential figures:
- Paul and Suzee Grilley - pioneers who brought anatomical understanding and meridian theory into Yin Yoga
- Sarah Powers - who named the practice and integrated Buddhist psychology
- Jo Phee and Joe Barnett - respected teachers whom Benny assists at workshops globally
This deep lineage has given Benny a rich, multifaceted understanding she brings to every class and training.
Teaching Philosophy
Despite her strong alignment background, Benny's classes take a functional approach honoring each person's unique body structure. Central to her teaching is cultivating self-awareness - understanding that true harmony comes from intimate knowledge of ourselves and our relationship with our environment.
One of Benny's primary disciplines is human anatomy, which she considers fundamental to any yoga training. Her approach combines alignment-based precision with Yin Yoga's yielding qualities, creating safe and deeply transformative practice.
Life in Kipungani, Lamu Island
Benny has made her home in Kipungani (meaning "the place of fresh air"), a small village on Lamu Island's southwestern coast. This remote paradise at the end of a stunning 12-kilometer beach, where mangroves meet the Indian Ocean, provides the perfect setting for deep introspection that Yin Yoga cultivates.
While maintaining regular teaching in Nairobi's studios, her spiritual home remains Lamu's tranquil shores.
The Vision: Yin Yoga Africa
Through Yin Yoga Africa, Benny offers studio classes in Nairobi, teacher training programs, retreats and workshops on Lamu Island, and assistance at international trainings. Her vision is making Yin Yoga's profound benefits accessible to everyone in East Africa and beyond.
"It is important to cultivate a sense of self-awareness with regards to our body and mind so that we may be truly in harmony with ourselves and our environment." - Benny Giuliani