Story of Me

It’s Ece Ertemalp.

Just like you, an explorer, a nature lover, and passionate about cooking, plants, singing, dancing, and painting.  Also, I am an Industrial Engineer who spent 8 years in international sales.  Here is the story of the new chapter of my life:

Despite achieving everything on my life's checklist, I still felt unfulfilled. I faced struggles with stress, relationships, finding my true passions, and my body’s deeper imbalance signals through chronic issues like stomach pains and inflammation. The turning points came with my dear fellows; Yoga, Ayurveda, mindfulness, and self-compassion, which opened the doors of holistic healing and wellbeing.

A woman with long wavy hair, standing outdoors in a lush, green field. The sun is shining brightly, creating a lens flare across her face, and her eyes are closed. Mindfull moment, feeling, a soulful woman, yoga, meditation, spiritual

My yoga practice, which began in university, has grown over the years, leading me to advanced teacher training. Alongside this, I delved into the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. The 'science of life' became my cornerstone, by defining health as a symphony, a balance between my inner (mind, body, soul) and outer (nature) environment. This wisdom reshaped my understanding of healing from one-size-fits-all approach to embracing the unique harmony inherent in each individual. Self-compassion further guided me to find the real joy of life in authenticity.

Eventually, my journey brought me to the Netherlands where AAYU came to life, allowing me to share my passions in a space dedicated to exploring art of living.

Woman running into the ocean at the beach with hills in the distance. Mindfull moment, feeling, a soulful woman, yoga, meditation, spiritual, free soul

Story of AAYU

The essence of 'AAYU' lies in discovering the art of living. Derived from Sanskrit, 'aayu' means 'life', which captures our focus on holistic well-being. AAYU is your place where your authentic self and well-being are being crafted. Here I offer pathways to a deeper understanding of your body, mind, and soul for embracing life fully. If you seek a healthier, more balanced, and joyful life in harmony with nature AAYU welcomes you. Discover my holistic practices as a blend of yoga, mindfulness, self-compassion, and Ayurveda.

A woman practicing yoga on a sandy beach near the water, with trees in the background and paddleboards lying on the sand. Mindfull moment, feeling, a soulful woman, yoga, meditation, spiritual, free soul

My Journey

  • (2025) 10-day Vipassana (Silent Retreat)- France

  • (2025) Sacred Space Facilitator Training with Kirsty Ka- Bali

  • (2025) New Earth School- Cooking Internship- Bali

  • (2025) 100H Heart of Yoga TT with Godfrey Devereux

  • (2024) Vocal Freedom with Uria Tsur

  • (2022-2024) 300H Advanced Ayurveda Training with Ulli Almendinger

  • (2024) 45H Advanced Ayurveda Training with Dr. Rama Prasad in India

  • (2023) Self Compassion & Nature Connection Retreat - The Sharpham Trust- UK

  • (2023) Oxford Mindfulness Foundation - 8Weeks Mindfulness for Life Course with Ruth Baer

  • (2021-2023) 500H Yoga Alliance Advanced Yoga TT

    • 200H Yoga Alliance Mindfulness-Based Hatha Yoga TT with Esra Sert

    • 100H Holistic Yoga Therapy with Sevgen Bengi (Spine and Joint Problems, Digestive System, Anxiety & Depression, Chronic Pain Disorders)

    • 100H Yin Yoga & Yoga Anatomy TT with Deniz Bagan & Mehmet Ali Kara

    • 40H Meditation: Principles, Teaching, Embodiment with Deniz Bagan

    • 30H Sequencing and Teaching Advanced Yoga Poses with Ozlem Caliskan

    • 15H Yoga Philosophy with Güliz Taylan

    • 15H Anatomic Integration Through Psoas with Deniz Bagan

  • (2021-2022) Voice Training

  • (2015-2023) Eczacibasi Consumer Goods- International Sales Manager -Asia, Africa, Levant

  • (2013) Business Management- Burgundy School of Business - France

  • (2009-2014) Industrial Engineering, BSc, Sabanci University - Turkey