Interview with Lilo Berg, Mallorca 2026

Michael, just a few decades ago, yoga was something for esoteric types, but today it has a huge following. Do you have an explanation?

Yoga can be more than just physical exercise. It promises access to the supernatural, to the transcendent. Western exercise programs lack this, and that is precisely what makes yoga so fascinating to modern societies. The trend began as early as the 1960s and has gained momentum with each passing decade. Today, many people feel that science, philosophy and religion cannot satisfy their longing for transcendence. They are searching for a way to transcend their own bodies and perceive the world beyond our senses.

And can yoga be a gateway to that world?

Yes. The connection to meditation is important. That’s often neglected these days. A veritable yoga industry has developed, one that focuses primarily on physical exercises like the traditional asanas. Everything revolves around fitness, youthfulness and self-improvement. There’s nothing wrong with that. But yoga has so much more to offer, especially in our fast-paced, rapidly changing world.

There are so many different schools of yoga. What is your approach?

What I intend is developing a body-centered awareness. It is about using the body and the breath to train the mind. And heightened awareness of the mind in my experience leads to a more peaceful life. Meditation plays a key role in that process. My approach is about threading different fields of influences together – Yoga, Spirituality, Psychology, Philosophy and Mythology.

Mythology? That sounds unusual.

Well, the combination with Yoga is quite rare. In Zurich I offer classes called Mythos where we explore what traditional myths could mean for us today. We talk for example about the heroic journey of Odysseus and connect this old story to ourselves. It’s about using primal images to put our own lives in a bigger perspective and learn from that. The classes combine reading, discussing and Yoga practice.

In Zurich you also offer Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and Restorative Yoga: Which of the classes is best suited for whom?

I have people coming from different age groups ranging from their 20s to in the 70s. The weekly classes lend themselves more to a physical practice. The longer formats, like weekly restorative classes, weak-long retreats, and month-long courses, are more focused on spiritual development.

Who do you consider your audience?

Anyone interested in my approach to teaching yoga. No prior experience is required. I teach both experienced yoga instructors and beginners – everyone is welcome. I recommend taking a few trial classes to see if it is the right path for you.

Let’s turn to your own path: How long have you been practising yoga and meditation?

For 35 years now. I started with Za-Zen meditation and then discovered yoga. I studied its traditional forms, such as Ashtanga and Iyengar yoga, after which I returned to meditation focusing primarily on Mahasi-style  Vipassana.

What has been so fascinating about the different paths to you?

Ashtanga’s dynamic-style set sequences gives you a self-practice and makes you to some degree teacher-independent. Iyengar introduced me to an awareness of the body as a whole. Vipassana meditation heightened my awareness, preparing me for working with mind and emotion.

If one looks at the photo gallery on this website, one can see how incredibly flexible you are. Do you do body practise every day to stay that way?

I practice regularly, though not every day. For many years I practices postural yoga intensely six days a week, mostly for a couple of hours at a time. That seemed to make me quite flexible and strong, and it seems to be holding. What I do now is to make sure there is enough time for meditation as well. Sitting and watching the mind gives me a deep connection to life.

You teach in English. Do you also know a little Swiss German?

Yes, I can understand it. Speaking it I am a little hesitant, but if needed I will do it.  

You have trained a lot of Yoga teachers. Will you continue with that?

There is an ongoing demand for these trainings. But I intend to reduce on them and head for new horizons.

Please tell us more about your plans.

I would like to create a community of people with a profound interest in meditational Yoga. There would be workshops, trainings and retreats where I can pass down the techniques I have been practising for so long. They have a tremendous depth and offer a perfect counter energy to the stresses of modern life.