Open Studio

When Michael De Manincor Realised Yoga Wasn’t Accessible To Those Who Most Needed It, He Set Out To Change The Status Quo. Erin Fisher Finds Out More.

- Erin Fisher

I have been to a few yoga classes and practise occasionally at home, but if I’m being honest, it wasn’t until I talked to Australian psychologist Dr Michael de Manincor that I really gave some thought to the sorts of people showing up to class, and all the groups of people who were missing from the studio. Quite simply, yoga isn’t accessible for many people who would greatly benefit from it, but Michael is on a mission to change that. His story, experiences, compassion and determination are a reminder of how one person can make a positive impact on so many lives.

One for all

As a young person, Michael was fairly active and loved sports, with a strong interest in meditation, but these two activities remained separate parts of his schedule. When he stumbled into yoga during his university studies, he knew he had discovered a powerful and holistic practice that integrated both mind and body.

“The best way I have to describe it was that from the very beginning, it felt like coming home to myself,” Michael recalls.

He continued with his personal practice, but it wasn’t until he completed his first degree that Michael developed a deeper understanding of yogic philosophies and its ancient history. “It’s a holistic approach, so you can’t leave the body out of the picture, but yoga has very little to do with stretching and flexibility. That’s one of the popular misconceptions,” he says, detailing how it’s primarily about mindfulness, meditation, and breathing and relaxation techniques.

“Yoga covers the whole range of the human condition, with a particular focus on understanding the way the mind works, the role it plays in the suffering we experience, and the opportunity to reduce and deal with that suffering and improve the quality of our lives,” Michael says. “As a psychologist, that interested me enormously.”