A Journey Through Yoga and Beyond

From Childhood Fascination to Global Connection

I remember it clearly—one of my earliest memories, actually. I was about five years old, and I walked into my father’s room only to find him balancing in a perfect headstand, completely still, upside down. For a little kid, this was nothing short of magical.

I stood there, awestruck, thinking: how does he do that? That image stuck with me as I grew up, playing in the back of my mind like a riddle waiting to be solved. Movement, balance, and understanding the power of the human body became a lifelong fascination, shaping the way I see the world and myself. Little did I know that one day, yoga—something I first saw in that moment—would become a cornerstone in my journey.

I’m Milan Bihlmann, and together with my brother in adventure, Muammer Yilmaz, we’ve journeyed through over 90 countries. We’ve hitchhiked through bustling cities, trekked across remote mountains, and shared unforgettable moments with strangers who quickly became friends. But through it all, our quest for deeper understanding kept pulling us back to one question: what does it mean to live a fulfilling life?

And if you’re wondering, no, we haven’t quite found the one-size-fits-all answer. But along the way, we’ve discovered that a common thread exists—across borders, cultures, and even generations. From the mystical mountains of South America to the spiritual centers of India, the practice of yoga kept showing up. People, from all walks of life, would smile and say: yoga will give you peace; yoga will help you live happier, healthier, and with less fear. So, naturally, I dove in headfirst.

From Berlin to Bangalore: The Call of Yoga

After practicing yoga for several years in Europe, I found myself craving more. Berlin, where I spent a lot of time, surprised me with its diverse yoga scene—over 400 different schools. Hot yoga, techno yoga, Iyengar yoga—you name it, I tried it. I’d go from one class to another, soaking up the energy, learning something new each time. Berlin felt like the European capital for yogis, and yet, despite the richness of the experience, I felt this tug to go deeper. I had this dream of one day doing my yoga teacher training, but how could I choose the right school in India from just a website? And honestly, the costs seemed overwhelming for someone who thrives on minimalist adventures with no luggage!

That’s when we first heard of the Art of Living. We had met fellow travelers along the way who spoke about this global organization, founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, with its focus on stress relief, meditation, and yoga. One day, after returning home to Berlin, I decided to attend a class. I was instantly struck by the depth of the program and the genuine warmth of the people, particularly one teacher, Swami Jyotirmaya, whose authenticity left a mark. The special breathing techniques we practiced gave me a profound sense of union and peace.

I felt the need to share this experience. So, naturally, I called Muammer, excitedly insisting that he and his girlfriend come to Berlin to try it for themselves. You have to experience this! I told them. And so, the seed was planted for what would soon become a wild ride across Asia and into the heart of India.

Leaving for Asia: No Luggage, Only Freedom

If you know me, you know I love a challenge. So, in early 2019, I packed... well, nothing. I set off alone for Asia with just a credit card and an open heart. No luggage. No plans. Just the feeling that the world was full of endless possibilities. Traveling light has always been a thing for me—it frees me up to experience the world fully, without the weight (literally) of unnecessary baggage. I hitchhiked through Vietnam and Cambodia, bouncing from one crazy motorbike ride to another, staying in vibrant, colorful hostels that pulsed with life. The freedom was intoxicating.

A few weeks into my journey, Muammer joined me, and the real adventure began. We hit the road, hitchhiking our way to the border of Laos, where things took an unexpected turn. What do you mean he can’t come in? The border guard looked at us and calmly explained that Muammer’s passport was simply too full of stamps. I mean, really? Too many stamps? We tried to talk our way in, but no luck. So, like all good adventurers, we improvised. We headed for the Myanmar border instead, where a friendly border officer and a few card tricks later, we were welcomed with open arms. Hitchhiking through Myanmar was magic—Lake Inle, Bagan, Yangon—all places that felt like something out of a dream.

But the dream had another chapter waiting for us in India.

Vibrant Trailer of our journey in Asia

India: The Ashram, Silence, and Yoga Teacher Training

Our goal was to make it to the Art of Living Ashram in Bangalore, India. We had heard so much about this place from fellow travelers, and I was determined to go deeper into the world of yoga. But first, we had to survive a 10-day silent retreat. Yep, no talking, no phones, just silence. For someone like me, who’s used to always being on the move, meeting new people, and chatting with strangers, this was tough. But it was also transformative. In that silence, I found a new way to connect—not with words, but with simple gestures and expressions. It’s incredible how much can be said with a smile or a knowing glance.

Then came the Yoga Teacher Training—a 21-day immersion into yoga that would change both Muammer and me forever. Every morning, we’d wake at 5:30 a.m., ready to dive into asanas (postures), pranayama (breathwork), and philosophy. It was intense, to say the least. But the beauty of it was that we weren’t just learning from textbooks or teachers. We were learning from each other, from the community around us. There’s something special about being surrounded by people who are all on the same path, seeking to grow, to understand themselves, and to connect with something bigger.

And of course, there were moments of lightness. Like when a fellow classmate pointed out that we were chanting a mantra to the god of Haribo (yes, the gummy bear company), instead of Haribol. Oops! The energy in that place was incredible—so vibrant, so alive. I felt like a sponge, soaking up everything around me. It was in this space that I knew I had found something profound.

Reconnecting with My Father

Now, let me share a deeply personal part of this journey. One of the dreams I’d had for years was to reconnect with my father, to travel with him once more. But life had a way of keeping us apart—he was always busy with his work as an entrepreneur, and I was off exploring the world. But after the premiere of our second film, I Have a Dream – Africa, someone in the audience asked me what my dream was. Without hesitation, I said, to travel with my father again. For four years, nothing happened. Then, as if by some miracle, I mentioned the idea of joining me in India, and after weeks of thought, he agreed.

Seeing him arrive at the ashram, guitar in hand, was something I’ll never forget. My father had always played guitar, but I had never heard him sing—until that night. During a gathering with fellow students, something shifted. He began to sing, his voice strong and clear. It was as if years of self-doubt had melted away. I watched in awe, and in that moment, I realized that there was hope for me to find my own voice too.

My father during his Yoga teacher training in March 2020

The Unexpected Turn: Lockdown in India

But of course, life is full of surprises. In March 2020, just as my father was settling into the ashram for his own training, the world came to a halt. COVID-19 exploded, and India went into lockdown. The yoga school canceled its programs, and suddenly we were all confined, facing uncertainty like never before. Yet, through it all, we remained calm—grounded by the teachings of yoga. We practiced every morning at 6 a.m., finding solace in the simplicity of breath and movement.

It was during this time that I truly understood the essence of equanimity—the ability to remain steady, even in the face of chaos. And as I sat with my father, playing music, practicing yoga, and sharing stories, I felt something shift within me. This was the power of yoga. Not just as a physical practice, but as a way of being.

Coming Full Circle

So here I am, writing this from my father’s home in autumn 2024. Yoga, for me, isn’t just something I do—it’s a way of life. It’s a tool that helps me navigate the inevitable changes and challenges that come with this wild, unpredictable journey we call life. It’s helped me find calm in the storm, and I know it can do the same for you.

Whether you’re looking to find peace, reconnect with loved ones, or simply explore something new, I encourage you to give yoga a try. It doesn’t matter where you start—whether in a local class, through a book, or by diving headfirst into an ashram in India. Yoga is for everyone, no matter your age, gender, or background.

And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll find yourself singing when you least expect it, just like my father did.

"Yoga isn’t just something I do—it’s a way of life. It’s a tool that helps me navigate the inevitable changes and challenges that come with this wild, unpredictable journey we call life."

For now, I invite you to discover the magic for yourself.