Discover Jivamukti Yoga Vienna

DISCOVER JIVAMUKTI YOGA VIENNA

In conversation with Jivamukti Yoga Vienna Studio Founder, Christina Bruns.

1. What inspired you to open a Jivamukti Yoga studio?
I’ve always loved the energy of big rooms filled with people who are deeply dedicated to their practice. Studios like the ones in Berlin, Munich, and Paris inspired me a lot — spaces where you can feel the passion for Jivamukti Yoga, but also a strong sense of community. Places you walk into and immediately feel at home.
That’s exactly what I wanted to create in Vienna: that feeling, that space, that sense of community — a place that feels like home.

2. How would you describe the mood of your studio in three words?
Open-hearted, welcoming, authentic.

3. What’s the most unique fact about your studio?
One of the most unique things about our studio is that we opened our yoga school in 2021, yet our recent transformation makes it feel like we’ve just started all over again. We have the experience, community, and history of the past five years, but at the same time, this new chapter feels incredibly fresh and exciting — almost like a new beginning.

4. Which teachers are currently offering 500HR Jivamukti Apprenticeships at the studio?
Christina Bruns.

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5. How does your studio contribute to the local community?
We offer free weekly Kirtans every Friday at 7 pm at our Schlossgasse studio.
We also offer charity classes to support local initiatives and collaborate with local businesses.

6. What do you love most about the Jivamukti Yoga method?
I love the community and the fact that Jivamukti is a lineage. It’s not a fast-moving trend, but a method with deep roots — you immediately feel that and see it in the practitioners and their dedication. It’s pure, raw, and comes from the heart.
We mainly practice asana, but Jivamukti is actually so much more than asana. At its heart are Bhakti and Yoga Philosophy, which invite you to reflect on who you truly are and how you want to act, think, and behave in this world.
For me personally, this method has changed my life. It has helped me build more conscious and mutually beneficial relationships — both with myself and with others — and continues to inspire me to live with greater awareness. It encourages me to reflect on my intentions and, from there, consider how I want to act and show up in the world. It creates a sense of meaning and connection.
And ultimately, I simply love to practice, chant, meditate, and share with others what this practice has given me.

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7. What is your favourite Jivamukti Yoga sequence and why?
Awkward Twist — because Parivrtta Parsvakonasana was really challenging for me. It was a sequence I didn’t like in the beginning, but now I absolutely love it.

8. Can you share a memorable moment from a class at your studio?
It’s not a single moment, but rather something I’ve experienced throughout the journey of establishing Jivamukti Yoga in Vienna. It has been a wild journey, especially because the method is still relatively unknown here.
Seeing more and more people come to practice, connect with the method, and become part of the local community fills my heart. Watching this community grow, seeing friendships develop, and feeling how Jivamukti is slowly finding its place in Vienna is incredibly special to me.

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9. What’s the best feedback you’ve received from a student?
“I discovered yoga through TRBY, and it has given me so much more than just a form of exercise that I genuinely enjoy and find easy to stay committed to. I’ve also made wonderful connections and friendships along the way, and I love seeing how the sense of community at TRBY continues to grow.
As a beginner, I’ve always felt incredibly welcome and supported, and never judged or embarrassed when I’m not yet able to do certain asanas. I feel truly privileged to practice regularly at TRBY and am incredibly grateful to you for creating such a beautiful space and community!”

10. What is one piece of advice you have for someone new to Jivamukti Yoga?
Stick with it. It might feel weird at first, and you might ask yourself, “Why?” But keep showing up, keep going — it will touch your heart and bring so much joy into your life. Because when you change the way you see the world, the world begins to change around you.

11. What type of classes or events do you offer that are unique to your studio?
We are currently establishing Yin & Sound Bath as a regular offering. We are also working on a breathwork class, and I would love to establish a strength and mobility format as well.

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12. Can you share a fun fact about your studio’s history or inception?
We started during lockdown as an online yoga platform — with no real plan for how we would eventually open a studio. And now, five years later, we’re an official Jivamukti Yoga studio, and it still feels like the beginning.

13. What are your future plans or goals for your studio?
At Studio Burg, I’d love to refresh the welcome area and make it even more of a community space — adding more colour, warmth, and a little touch-up.
At Studio Schloss, we’re planning to add showers and modernise the changing rooms to better match the style and atmosphere of the studio.
We’d also love to bring online classes back and start this chapter of our online offering again.

14. What do you hope students take away from their experience at your studio?
That the real yoga practice starts off the mat, and that with every moment and every breath, they have the opportunity to reduce fear and suffering and choose love and peace.

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15. How do you stay connected with the global Jivamukti Yoga community?
I always try to travel to different cities and practice at other studios, and I make an effort to see and practice with my mentor, Dana Sertel, as much as I can.
We also regularly invite guest teachers to Vienna, which allows us to build the local community while staying connected to the wider Jivamukti Yoga community.

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16. What is your favourite time of day for your sadhana and why?
Mornings — I’m an early bird.

17. What is your favourite vegan recipe?
At the moment, vegan scrambled eggs — yum! Especially with sourdough bread and avocado.

Photo credits: Lisa Syberg

If you are in Vienna, go and practice to Jivamukti Yoga Vienna:

Address:
Schlossgasse 14,
1050 Wien,
Austria

Studio Website:
https://trbyoga.com

Social Links:
https://www.instagram.com/jivamuktiyogavienna/

Studio Founder(s):
Christina Bruns