Yoga and Buddhism: How to Build a Practice That Actually Frees You

What does it really mean to build a life around practice — not just on the mat, but in how you love, how you work, and how you show up for your community?

In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Harmony Slater welcomes Sonia and Luis, the founders of Agora Lisboa — a space in Portugal dedicated to yoga, meditation, and the deep study of Buddhist philosophy. This is a couple who left careers in international development and high finance, followed the thread of practice across continents, and landed in Lisbon to build something rare: a community where dharma and asana are not separate from how you live.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why Sonia chose yoga over a prestigious French government contract — and what her teacher said that changed everything
• How Luis discovered Zen Buddhism through the beauty of Japanese temple gardens at age 20 — and then meditated alone for 12 years
• The humbling moment Luis realized community is non-negotiable on the path to freedom
• What the ancient Greek word 'agora' has in common with Sanskrit and Portuguese — and why it became the perfect name
• Why crises are turning points (not breakdowns) — and the etymology that proves it
• How Ashtanga yoga and Buddhist meditation aren't just compatible — they're sibling traditions
• The difference between practicing for self-improvement and practicing for freedom
• Why you can't build an island of happiness in an ocean of misery — and what that means for your community
• Sonia's beautiful story of finding her pranayama practice while rocking her twins to sleep
• Why Harmony is teaching at Agora Lisboa June 25–28 — and how you can join her

Sonia was born in France to a Brazilian mother and French father, trained at Ashtanga Yoga Paris, and worked in international development across Africa before stepping fully into teaching. Luis grew up in Colombia, moved to France at 18, discovered Zen Buddhism in Japan, and spent a decade in finance before burnout and love conspired to change everything. Together, they created Agora Lisboa — a name that holds multitudes: the Greek marketplace, the Portuguese word for 'now,' and a Sanskrit term for light.

Whether you're navigating your own crossroads, deepening a contemplative practice, or longing for community that holds your whole life — this episode is for you.

CONNECT WITH SONIA & LUIS:

Website: agora-lisboa.com

Instagram: @agora_lisboa

JOIN HARMONY IN LISBON:

Harmony teaches at Agora Lisboa, June 25–28. Register at agora-lisboa.com.

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