Every yoga teacher brings a unique energy to the shala, but when you fuse a deep background in psychology with a decade of dedicated teaching, something truly magical happens. Meet Niki Lundberg, a vital part of the Vikasa family and a guide for the 100-hour Vikasa Yin Teacher Training. Niki’s approach to the practice goes far deeper than physical poses; she views yoga as a lifelong tool for self-inquiry and biological peace.
Whether she is guiding future teachers, navigating the beautiful transitions of motherhood, or finding stillness on the shores of Koh Samui, Niki embodies what it means to live yoga off the mat. We sat down with her to talk about her personal journey, her daily grounding rituals, and why you are far more ready for your next evolution than you think.
The Journey to the Shala
Can you tell us a little about your personal journey into yoga… was there a moment when you realized yoga was something you wanted to teach?
“It was in one of the first classes I took I understood that yoga was much more than just a physical thing and it was this that set me off on a new path. After practicing for a while, I found a teacher who didn’t just deliver incredible classes but whose way of teaching really sparked something in me—a hunger to teach was born. Not long thereafter I did my first yoga teacher training and from my very first class until this moment, 10 years later, teaching has the ability to put me in a state of complete presence. It’s magical.”
Q: How has your background in psychology shaped your teaching?
“I’ve always been interested in the mind, and the way we operate as human beings, and this curiosity is definitely something I bring with me into my teaching. I like to invite my students to go beyond the physical, to look further and deeper inside and to open up for self-inquiry, exploration, and connection.”
Stepping Into Your Evolution
Q: What would you say to someone who feels curious about joining the 100hr Vikasa Yin Teacher Training but isn’t sure if they are ready?
“You’re ready. Just do it.”
Q: What do you hope students carry with them after the training?
“A closer connection to themselves. And of course all the different practices that can hold us through the highs as well as the lows in life.”
Life Off the Mat
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself outside of yoga? Who is Niki when she’s not teaching?
“After spending almost my whole grown-up life within this field it’s hard to separate the two. I feel immensely lucky to be doing what I’m doing as it’s really just an extension of me. I often talk about the importance of yoga off the mat and it’s exactly how I try to live my life. One thing, though, that some might not know is that I love to push myself physically at the gym, during a run, etc. There’s a little beast inside of me!”
Q: What kind of music, sound, or environment helps you feel most connected to yourself?
“Nature! I love feeling the sun on my skin. Sand under my feet. Waves crashing. Birds singing. I also really vibe with music—a certain tune can take me back in time, or simply make me feel closer to the moment, and what I listen to depends on where I want to go.”
Q: What is one small habit that has made a big difference in your wellbeing?
“The simple, yet powerful act of pressing pause. To leave more space in between my words, to respond rather than react, to give myself time to really feel in before making a decision. It’s changed the way I move through life.”
Q: What is something you are currently learning or exploring?
“I’m exploring myself after having two kids. Our youngest just started nursery and even though not that much has changed, it’s like a new chapter has begun. I’m curious to meet myself beyond motherhood.”
Rituals, Overwhelm, and Island Favorites
Q: What does a grounded day look like for you?
| Time | Activity |
| Early Morning | Wake up early for something physical (gym session, yoga, or a run) and return before the kids wake up. |
| Morning Routine | Spend an hour getting the kids ready, drop them off at school, and head to my favorite cafe for a ritual matcha. This is where I journal, plan my day, and answer emails. |
| Midday | Head to Vikasa for a healthy brunch, followed by teaching a class or two for the Yoga Teacher Training (YTT). |
| Afternoon | Pick up the kids at 3 PM, head home to play, and enjoy dinner together. |
| Evening | Enjoy a quiet evening and read a great book before closing my eyes by 10 PM. |
Q: When you feel overwhelmed or emotionally stretched, what helps you come back to yourself?
“A few deep breaths, a cuddle with my kids, a chat with my husband, a walk in nature, a cup of matcha, a yoga practice, teaching a class.”
Q: If someone had one free afternoon in Koh Samui, what would you recommend they do?
“Have a coffee or matcha at Flo, then go straight to Chaweng Noi beach for a swim, continue to Vikasa for a hearty meal (don’t forget the dessert!) and an incredible view, and finish off with a Thai massage.”
Q: Is there a book, article, podcast, film, or idea that has been inspiring you recently?
“I love getting inspired and am a big fan of books and podcasts. This is an episode I shared with our YTT graduate group which I really liked: Niki’s Recommended Spotify Episode.”
Finding Balance in the Transitions
Niki’s journey reminds us that yoga is not a rigid destination, but an ever-evolving relationship with ourselves. From the intentional pauses she takes before making decisions to the wild landscape of Koh Samui that fuels her soul, she shows us that tuning into our internal biology is where true healing begins.
If you have been feeling the pull to slow down, explore the mind-body connection, and step into your own personal evolution, remember Niki’s words: You are ready.
Ready to deepen your practice? Niki teaches the 50-hour Reiki, 100-hour Flow, 100-hour Yin, 100-hour Refresh, 200-hour Foundation and 300hr Advanced yoga teacher trainings at Vikasa. Check the upcoming dates here.