Yin Yoga & Cacao: The Power of Softness – Interview with Lottie De Bruijn

201: In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Lottie De Bruijn — a
woman who embodies a rare and beautiful combination: grounded
strength and clarity, paired with warmth, softness, and a deeply
nurturing presence. Her Yin Yoga classes and cacao ceremonies are
truly authentic. She genuinely lives what she teaches — with
integrity, simplicity, and heart. Lottie has been part of my
retreats here in Portugal, and from the very first moment we met, I
felt a connection. In this conversation, we explore the power of
yin — and why our modern world so desperately needs it. This is a
warm, heart-opening, cozy dialogue about softness, ritual, and the
gentle medicine of cacao. Maybe grab a cup of cacao… and listen
from the heart. In this episode, we talk about: - Lottie’s personal
journey into Yin Yoga and ceremonial cacao - The correlation of
being and actress and teaching yoga - The difference between yin
and yang - Where yang energy dominates our modern lives - Why yin
can feel uncomfortable — and why that discomfort matters - How Yin
Yoga affects the nervous system differently than performance-based
practices - What happens when societies undervalue receptivity,
rest, and slowness - The origins of ceremonial cacao and its
indigenous roots - The idea of plant spirit and how cacao works as
“heart medicine” - Why cacao and yin practices complement each
other so beautifully - How to cultivate yin qualities in our
everyday lifestyle Journal Reflections for you: - Where in your
life are you pushing instead of softening? - What feels
uncomfortable about stillness — and why? - What would it mean to
truly receive instead of constantly doing? Books on Yin Yoga: -
Bernie Clark – *The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga - Sarah Powers –
*Insight Yoga - Paul Grilley – Yin Yoga *Practice with Lottie* If
you’re in Portugal (Aljezur area), you can practice with Lottie in
person. She also co-facilitates retreats — including one at the end
of October. Contact: Lottiedebruijn@yahoo.com Lotties Retreat Page:
https://www.instagram.com/retreat_portugal_2026?igsh=dnNjeWk1YmplbnU1&utm_source=qr
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