XpatAthens

Thursday, 12 June 2025 09:52

Alin Batanian - Yoga & Pilates Instructor

Alin was born and raised in Athens. She holds a degree in Food Technology and Nutrition from the Technological Educational Institute of Athens (2009) and graduated from the Professional Dance School “Rallou Manou” (2011). Her journey in movement began early—at the age of four, she enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) training program, studying classical ballet under Carol Hanis and reaching Advanced Level II.

Her deep interest in the study of the body led her to the teachings of Michalis Mahatman Saraswati and Swami Nirvikalpa (Olga Alexiou), where she completed her first Hatha Yoga Teacher Training (RYT 200hr, 2013), followed by specializations in Restorative Yoga (120hr), Healing Parts of Yoga (120hr), Chakra Work – Level 1 (32hr), and Clinical Yoga for Hypertension (120hr, 2018). She also studied Kriya Yoga under Alessandro Ortona from 2016 to 2018. Over the years, she expanded her practice by attending workshops in Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga, Anusara, Acro, and Aerial Yoga across Greece, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

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As a dancer, she has taught classical ballet at the Gymnastics Club of Irakleio Attikis (2010–2011) and contemporary dance at The Henny Jurriëns Foundation in Amsterdam (2012). She has performed in productions across the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Portugal (2012–2014) under the choreography of Manuel Ronda.

In Greece, she has collaborated extensively with choreographer Menti Mega on projects such as Unlimited Access—a European program supporting professional dancers and individuals with motor, cognitive, or visual impairments (2014–2016); the educational program Triples and Triplets (2017–2018); and the performance Sweet Abyss (2015). She also participated in the 3rd Young Choreographers Festival at the Onassis Cultural Centre (Fläche en Handfläche by Ioanna Angelopoulou, 2015) and in Stavros Petropoulos’ documentary I Am a Dancer (2016), all produced by the Onassis Foundation.

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In recent years, she has worked closely with Irini Kourouvani, organizing dance workshops and performances in public primary schools across Attica. These initiatives, part of the International Olympic Truce Centre’s educational programs, aim to help children reconnect with their bodies, explore rhythm and movement as forms of expression, and embrace the diversity of every body.

She also volunteers with the “Pisti” Association at the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital in Athens, offering dance therapy and yoga sessions to young patients and their families in the Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Unit (POAIM – K.E.TH.).

Certifications

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Tuesday, 01 July 2025 18:56

Valia Zahariou - Heal Your Life Teacher & Wellness Programs Designer

With decades of experience facilitating transformational workshops and experiences both online and live in beautiful destinations like South Africa, the UAE, and now in Greece, I am committed to guiding individuals and groups using practical tools and deep inner work. Whether you're an individual seeking personal growth and emotional healing, or a professional team wanting to design custom wellness programs, I am here to support your unique path.

As a certified Heal Your Life®️ Licensed Teacher, Workshop & Retreat Leader, I am a passionate wellness guide dedicated to supporting human journeys toward whole-being and harmony. My mission is to help conscious humans to align their body, mind, emotions, energy, and spirit.

I’d love to partner with you to craft transformative experiences that resonate deeply with your clients or community. Whether you need a one-on-one coaching, group workshops, or a full retreat, I’m here to bring my expertise to support your vision. Get in touch with me by email: valiazack@gmail.com.

Wellness Programs Designer
I specialize in full-spectrum healing, supporting physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, always customized to the individual’s unique needs.

Heal Your Life®️ Teacher
I lead powerful group workshops inspired by Louise L. Hay’s ground-breaking teachings. Offered both virtually and in-person at sacred locations, helping individuals shift limiting beliefs and embrace self-love.

Emotional Intelligence & Mindfulness Facilitator
I provide practical strategies to cultivate resilience, emotional balance, and inner peace in everyday life; this means tools you can use anytime, anywhere.

Transformational & Intuitive Guide
As an intuitive, I tailor my techniques to individuals and groups, helping release limiting beliefs, strengthen self-worth, and align with your soul’s true purpose.

WhatsApp/Viber: +30 698 339 0026 / +27 84 651 9055

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Wednesday, 02 July 2025 14:30

Maria Polydorou - Yoga Instructor & Wellness Advocate

My journey began in the world of shipping and business, but the demands of that fast-paced life eventually led me to seek deeper meaning and balance. This search brought me to yoga, meditation, and holistic healing. What started as a personal practice soon transformed into a heartfelt calling: to guide others toward healing, self-awareness, and inner peace.

I am a certified yoga teacher, meditation and pranayama guide, Bach flower remedies practitioner, and Somatic Experiencing practitioner. Over the years, I’ve pursued extensive training in restorative yoga, trauma-informed approaches, and the therapeutic aspects of yoga and Ayurveda.

With compassion and clarity, I hold space for those who wish to reconnect with their bodies, heal from trauma, break free from limiting patterns, and reclaim their self-worth. By blending body-based wisdom with strategic insight, I support individuals on their journey toward emotional clarity, fulfillment, and awakening.

My work is an invitation to remember who we truly are, to rediscover the magic woven into everyday life, and to live with courage, authenticity, and love.

You can find me here: www.somadhiyogalab.gr

Maria Yoga Instructor Wellness Advocate 2

My Certifications

* 300-hour foundational yoga teacher training with Swami Nirvikalpa (Olga Alexiou) and Mahatman (Michalis Evaggelidis), including an introduction to meditation techniques and retreat organization. During this time, I also had the opportunity to study at the Bihar School of Yoga in India. 

* 300 hours of advanced training with Mahatman, focusing on restorative yoga, the healing aspects of yoga and Ayurveda, and clinical yoga. I also completed my teaching practicum with him, both as a teacher of students and as a trainer of future teachers (Train the Trainer). 

* 90-hour Prenatal Yoga training with Gaia Laskou 
* Thai Yoga Massage at Sunshine House (with Krisnatakis & Alexandros Petridis) 
* 90-hour Budokon Yoga at the Budokon University of Mixed Movement Arts 
* Nada Yoga – the yoga of sound 
* Anatomy and yoga class sequencing 
* Raja Yoga – the yoga of the mind, including meditative practices 
* The phases of womanhood: Conversations with the Womb 
* Train the Trainer (instructional design and teaching methods) 
* Yoga for Children 
* Personal coaching and career counseling at the Vocational Training Center of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens 
* Facilitator Training with Kommunikationslotsen 
* Ongoing studies in Somatic Experiencing (Peter Levine's method) 
* Trauma-Informed Yoga with Hala Khouri 
* Bach Remedies and Mental Health with Gaia Dimitriou 

For more information visit: www.somadhiyogalab.gr

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Wednesday, 20 August 2025 19:45

Hoâme - Vegan Holistic Wellness Agency

Home /hoʊm/ + âme /ɑm/, the French word for soul. Your heart is your home! Founded by Fouli Micheli, Hoâme is a vegan hospitality and wellness consulting agency enhancing plant based ethics and holistic well-being by combining protocols on both physical and energy body, and providing services which navigate (identify, clear, energize) our psyche by addressing your emotions, psychosomatic dis-eases (body) and soul awakening and development.

Motto

The secret is in the heart(s).
Release (what weights you down) - Relax (stay still , observe) - Reset.
Karma is the roadmap to our evolution.
It is love that heals, not time.

Mission

Hoâme Mykonos has one soul mission to welcome and facilitate anyone who has decided to follow back the path of return to a healthy state of mind , body and soul and address the root of the ailment (physical & emotional).

Hoâme Vegan Holistic Wellness Agency 1

Services

Pranic Healing Can Improve Your Health, Relationship, Emotions, & Business! From the comfort of your home, we offer:

> Psychotherapeutic Services

Ever wonder: Why is this happening to me? In 3 sessions you will receive your emotional modus operati.

> Mind (talk therapy)

Emotional introspection method ( our signature method)

Triptych: relationship with myself, with others, with my family.

> Body (talk & energy therapy)

By mapping your psychosomatic (physical ailments- dis-ease), we will identify the possible root cause and address it with Pranic Healing (energy healing).

Highly recommended to opt for functional medicine consulting & nutritional therapy (physical body therapy).

> Soul (no talk - no touch energy scanning)

Energy Scanning method ( as taught in Pranic healing by Master Choa Kok Sui, founder of modern Pranic Healing).

Once you share your name, we can scan the aura & chakras and identify the energy level, and blockages preventing from being healthy, happy, holy and wealthy.

> Relationships Therapy

Relationships healing (Pranic healing)

Relationship Healing is the application of Pranic Healing techniques dealing with relationships. Any negative thought and emotion, from a simple stress, to irritations, resentment and disagreements tend to cloud the mind and lodge in the chakras. Once the chakras get clouded, the person starts seeing his/her partner through all these negative thoughts and emotions. The effects are increased arguments, hatred coldness and eventually break up. Relationship Healing works on both persons involved in a relationship to remove the negative thoughts and emotions from the aura and the chakras and increase the love and harmony

This can lead to:

Reduced emotional baggage.
Increased emotional resilience.
Improved ability to manage emotions in a healthy way

> Business Healing (Pranic Healing)

Pranic healing can be used to improve focus, strategic thinking and decision-making abilities, right planning, right message and channels of communication, productivity, creativity, focus, success, better performance, greater growth and create a positive, motivating work environment.

> Plant Based consulting & nutritional therapy

We believe and follow a plant-based diet (but everyone is welcome) and we swear by vegan functional medicine and nutritional therapy (naturopathy) which main focus is to promote health through a holistic and bio-individual approach and to support the body and mind in reaching their optimal functioning and balance.

> Conscious vegan business & hospitality consulting

Let’s spread the word about holistic plant based wellness, where we address both physical and energy body with scientific proven methods, where we normalize spirituality for everyday modern life, where healthy food, natural elixirs and communities can thrive!

Contact Info

Website : https://www.hoamemykonos.com/

Pranic healing involves scanning the human aura to detect the imbalances of energies, known as energetic congestion and depletion. It then uses cleansing technique to remove negative and used-up energies and energizing techniques to improve the flow of energy and strengthen the aura and the chakras. Once the aura is balanced, clean and strong, the health of the body gets improved (source).

It can be applied to both individuals and corporations and is perfect for challenges such as low productivity, finances, stressful work conditions, lack of execution, etc.

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Energy Pranic Healing (Prana: /ˈprɑːnə/, Sanskrit word for life force) is highly systematic and scientific-based.

It is a no-touch, no-drug complementary therapy system that uses prana to heal a wide range of physical and psychological ailment.

It was developed by Grand Master Choa Kok Sui and it is now being practiced in over 120 countries and incorporated in a number of hospitals around the globe.

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Thursday, 05 February 2015 13:16

My Week in Athens… Sep 6

This week we say hello to our member Pamela, who sent us this submission:

Dear XpatAthens,

I enjoy your weekly posts and thought I’d send you my comments on a wonderful experience I had this past weekend.

I am originally from the U.S., but have lived in a number of places over the years. I now call Athens ‘home’. I try to participate in all that Athens has to offer – and I know there is lots on offer. I particularly enjoy the hidden galleries and coffee spots that one never would experience until leaving the usual paths.

This past Friday, there was nothing ‘hidden’ at all. The city center was absolutely crammed with Athenians of all shapes and sizes! The famous blue moon, and the unofficial last day of summer, brought the city out onto the streets and into the cafes and tavernas. From Plaka to Thissio and on every street corner in between, the city was alive like I’ve never seen before. I’m told that this is an annual tradition, and that the blue moon was a special draw.

I am writing this because that evening inspired me, it made me happy ‘on the inside’, to see families and friends out for a stroll in their ‘backyard’. What a lovely feeling to be reminded of the fabulous social culture that we live in. It left me with a smile.

I hope that other expats had the chance to experience the same thing on Friday. It’s already gone in my calendar for next year !

Pamela

Many thanks for sharing, Pamela!

Until next week,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

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Wednesday, 10 September 2025 17:30

Eva Papadogiorgaki - The Cretan Nutritionist

Born and raised on the beaches of Crete, I developed a deep connection with nature and a passion for healthy, natural food. After moving to Canada, I studied Holistic Nutrition and spent the next decade gaining valuable experience in roles ranging from retail to corporate. Life in Greece, Canada, and the USA, along with extensive travel, has shaped my global perspective on wellness.

I believe strongly in the mind-body-soul connection and love helping others feel their best through simple, attainable nutrition and lifestyle practices. My goal is to make the journey to wellness both enjoyable and accessible—because healthy living should be fun and fulfilling!

Screenshot 2025 09 11 at 5.28.40 PM

As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist my experience and services include:

Speaking Engagements where I bring expert insights to your audience on all things wellness—from food to lifestyle.

Workshops that take your cooking skills up a notch. Whether it’s a themed session or geared to any age group, I’ll help you cook your way to better health.

Consultations (available online), where I’ll help you build simple, balanced meals and share practical tools for smart food planning and self-care.

Custom Meal Plans & Recipes crafted just for you—easy to follow, delicious, and nutritious.

Digital Goodies like ebooks, recipes, and blog content to keep your wellness journey inspiring and accessible—no matter where you are.

Each service is designed to be approachable and tailored to your life, making healthy living practical, inspiring, and enjoyable.

CONTACT INFO

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Thursday, 05 February 2026 17:44

Valen Therapy – Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy

About Valen Therapy

Founded by John Sinclair, Valen Therapy is built on a foundation of cognitive behavioral hypnotherapy. It provides English-speaking services tailored to both local clients in the Swiss-Romand and French Lac Léman regions, as well as expats across Western and Central Europe, including Greece.

Our Approach

Valen Therapy’s methodology focuses on:

Empowering clients to overcome mental and emotional hurdles
Helping individuals unlock their full potential
Supporting clients in leading a fulfilling, balanced life

Through personalized guidance and a compassionate approach, Valen Therapy makes transformative growth accessible, practical, and sustainable.

Why Choose Valen Therapy

Experienced in working with international clients and expats
Offers both face-to-face and online sessions
Provides a safe and supportive space for personal development

Practice Locations:

Geneva and Thonon-les-Bains (Face-to-Face)
Online across Central and Western Europe

Website: www.valentherapy.com
Email address: john@valentherapy.com
Phone number: 0041 79 267 5495 & 0033 6 99 34 44 95

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Thursday, 02 April 2026 17:55

Spiritual Director | Private Retreats & Life Transitions

Chloë Rain offers private retreats, small group retreats, and mentorship for those navigating significant life transitions and seeking a more intentional relationship with the direction of their lives.

Her work is shaped by over fifteen years of ceremonial training in Peru, extended periods of solitary practice, and a Master’s degree in Indigenous Studies from the Arctic University of Norway. Through ritual, reflective practice, and immersive experiences, she supports a deeper relationship with presence, inner listening, and the direction of one’s life.

Private retreats are available on request for individualized one-to-one work. Her upcoming Sacred Renewal retreat on Tinos, September 5–12, 2026, offers a quiet, intimate setting for contemplative practice, meditative walks, guided ritual, and meaningful reflection.

Explore deeply. Step intentionally through life’s thresholds.

Services

Private One-to-One Retreats (by request)
Life Transition & Threshold Work
Spiritual Direction / Mentorship
Small Group Retreats
Ritual & Contemplative Practices

Experience & Certifications

Chloë brings depth, discernment, and grounded experience to her work through more than a decade of immersive spiritual practice.

She is a Certified Native American Healing Arts Practitioner, a Mindfulness Meditation Instructor, and trained in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique/Tapping).

Her work is further informed by extended apprenticeships with Indigenous healers, years of solitary living and practice in the mountains of Virginia, and research in the Arctic Circle focused on the sacred landscape of Sápmi.

Designed for those in meaningful periods of change, this work invites a deeper level of reflection, presence, and personal inquiry.

To enquire about private retreats or mentorship, please reach out via email.

Contact Info

Email : hello@exploredeeply.com

Website: exploredeeply.com

Social media: instagram.com/exploredeeply

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Thursday, 05 February 2015 13:18

My Week in Athens… Sep 14

Having grown up in Canada, one would think that I’ve seen Cirque du Soleil shows before. Sadly, I have not. I never knew what all the hype was about… I mean, it’s a circus, isn’t it?

Sure, but it’s so much more.

Last night my eyes were treated to a great performance of Allegria at the OAKA complex. From the beautiful contortionists and the fantastic aerial trapeze, to the theatrical costumes and the music – atmospheric, live, gorgeous music. Everything was perfect – amazing acts, other-worldly creativity, choreography and dance – and music that really stuck in my mind. I’ve just downloaded the soundtrack :)

Did I mention the clowns? Hilarious!

We had a great night out at Allegria. Two hours of beautiful escape from reality. Hopefully some of you had a chance to see it too!

Until next week…

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

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Friday, 31 May 2024 07:00

5 Tips For A Healthy Lifestyle Brought To Us By Ancient Greeks

Is embracing a healthier lifestyle one of your New Year Resolutions? If not, then it should be! A healthy way of living not only can provide you with a higher quality of life, as well as more confidence and joy, but it can also prevent chronic diseases and long-term illnesses.

If you're wondering where to start, here are 5 tips on how to lead a healthier lifestyle, according to Ancient Greeks!

1. Eat meals in social settings & gatherings

If you've ever been to Greece, you probably know that Greek meals are very communal, and it's only natural to witness large groups of people coming together to enjoy their favorite Greek dishes. This was the case in antiquity too, when dinner was almost always a social affair. Ancient Greeks used to dine with their friends, and after their meal, they would hold a banquet, known as a symposium, that involved drinking, dancing, recitals, and conversation. Engaging in intriguing conversations during their dinner would help them eat less and slowly, thus preventing indigestion.

2. Drink wine

The ancient Greeks thought that wine was essential to good health, and they would accompany every meal with a glass of wine, often watered down to encourage moderation. Indeed, red wine is rich in phytonutrients that offer a variety of cardiovascular and cognitive benefits. According to studies, moderate wine consumption can reduce inflammation in the brain and help it clear away toxins, including those associated with various brain illnesses.

3. Embrace a healthy diet

You are probably aware of the famous saying: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Well, according to Hippocrates, this is completely true. The Father of Medicine famously wrote: “Let thy food be thy medicine", to emphasize the importance of nutrition to prevent or cure a disease. A healthy diet, as the Ancient Greeks perceived it, would include a variety of foods such as fruits and vegetables, as well as fish, legumes, and poultry, whole-grain products, and healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, and seeds.

4. Engage in physical activity

Ancient Greeks used to say: "A healthy mind in a healthy body." They believed that our mind and our body are directly linked, so, to maintain a healthy mind, it is essential to maintain a healthy body, and vice versa. Physical fitness is particularly beneficial since it helps maintain a healthy body by regulating the blood flow, increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, keeping organs active, and eliminating toxins.

5. Pay attention to your dreams

When Freud proposed his psychodynamic theory a century ago, he emphasized the importance of dreams. However, thousands of years before, Ancient Greeks had highlighted that dreams can indicate the overall state of one's health. Hippocrates analyzed dreams to help make diagnoses, while, according to Galen, dreams could reveal specific problems someone could be suffering from.

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WELLNESS HUB

Alin Batanian - Yoga & Pilates Instructor

Valia Zahariou - Heal Your Life Teacher & Wellness Programs Designer

Maria Polydorou - Yoga Instructor & Wellness Advocate

Hoâme - Vegan Holistic Wellness Agency

My Week in Athens… Sep 6

Eva Papadogiorgaki - The Cretan Nutritionist

Valen Therapy – Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy

About Valen Therapy

Our Approach

Why Choose Valen Therapy

Spiritual Director | Private Retreats & Life Transitions

Services

Experience & Certifications

Contact Info

My Week in Athens… Sep 14

5 Tips For A Healthy Lifestyle Brought To Us By Ancient Greeks

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