Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Bulda.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in Lake Arrowhead, and came to San Diego for college. I got my degree, met my husband, started a family and a career. I was an elementary teacher for 31 years, and retired about a year and a half ago. I have been practicing yoga since college and it has been a part of my life, in various forms, ever since. About 5 years ago I found a studio in Poway to attend regularly, which then led me to participate in teacher training there. I completed my 200 hour training and additional mentorship. I began teaching yoga a couple of times a week and really enjoyed it! The yoga community at Mello Yoga is amazing!
In life, as you walk through a new door you are often met with a broad array of new doors! This entry point led me to pursue further training in Yin Yoga, Reiki, and Sound Healing. I have traveled to Spain and Portugal to pursue further training in Yin Yoga. I have completed my Level 1 and 2 Reiki training in Jikiden Reiki. I have trained in Sound Healing Meditation and Sound Bath practices.
Since retiring in 2025 I have grown into my second career utilizing all of these skills. I am teaching about 10 classes a week in addition to several special events each month. I am enjoying the freedom to pursue my passions, share my skills, and create opportunities for energetic healing. I am looking forward to where this will take me in the future!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Anytime you choose to step off the known path into the unknown, of course there is some anxiety and doubt. Transitioning from a full time, stable career into a business where I am responsible for marketing myself, social media, etc, has had a bit of a learning curve! I always welcome a challenge as an opportunity for growth. I am learning to be comfortable with not always knowing the “right” thing to do! I am allowing myself to explore and learn and grow, and make mistakes along the way. In the end I trust that things will evolve as they are meant to.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I believe yoga is for everyone. In all the classes and events I lead I feel it is crucial to allow for individual needs. I think it is essential that people have agency over their space, their body, their energy, and their healing. I teach people to connect inward, learn to observe and listen to their needs without judgement, and honor the messages they receive. My role is to create a safe space, offer guidance, and opportunity. My students always have the choice to follow along, or adjust to their own needs.
The yoga classes I teach are primarily Gentle Flow Vinyasa and Yin Yoga. Both are completely open to all levels of experience and mobility. I adapt my classes for Chair Yoga as well. My Sound Bowl Meditation classes teach some meditation techniques, and then provide a practice session guided by Himalayan Sound Bowls. These bowls create a vibrational environment which is soothing, healing, and enhances the meditation experience. I offer Reike experiences individually, as well as in a group setting combined with Yin Yoga. Jikiden Reiki is a hands-on style that comes directly from Japanese origins. It is a powerful energetic tool for releasing stagnant energy, and creating an environment for the body to heal.
I have really enjoyed my journey into sound healing, especially the environment of the Sound Bath. The crowning jewel of my Sound Bath is the gong! I have opened new pathways of learning and insight in learning about playing the gong in this setting. Being able to take participants on a sound journey that releases stuck energy and emotions, soothes the physical and energetic bodies, and facilitates transformation and clarity, all in a space of compassion and acceptance, is a powerful thing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://earthmothermb.my.canva.site/
