Mixing Beats and Breath: Carmelinda DiManno's Unique Path
The way I met Carmelinda DiManno was through a girlfriend who couldn't stop raving about this exceptional yoga instructor in Toronto.
At the time, I was writing for "Health is Hott," so my curiosity was piqued, and I reached out to meet Carmelinda to see what all the buzz was about. The moment I met her, I understood. She enters a room with the perfect blend of confidence, love, peace, and creativity. You can feel that she genuinely lives the lifestyle she preaches.
Not only is Carmelinda DiManno an incredible yoga instructor, but she also happens to be an amazing DJ. Known for her deep, sexy house music that gets the energy level up and inhibitions down, Carmelinda frequently spun at d|bar, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto in Yorkville, Escobar, Vertigo, Parlour Room (Toronto), Boho House, Sofia, Level 6, and Joia Beach (Miami). She has played for prestigious events like Formula One in Montreal, Electric Island, and Tmrwtday Festival. Carmelinda is also a certified Hatha and Kundalini Yoga Teacher and a Certified Transformational Coach using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). With over 10 years of experience, she helps her clients find balance using music, movement, breath, and EFT methods to stimulate energy levels, reduce stress, and increase self-confidence. Originally from Ontario, Carmelinda is now living her best life in Miami. She graciously offered us a sneak peek into some of her wellness secrets.
Interview with Carmelinda DiManno
Anouk Malavoy: How do you personally define happiness, and what are three pointers you could share that are steps you have taken to reach your definition of happiness?
Carmelinda DiManno: Happiness for me means living from an internal space of trust. Trust in self and life. Happiness is seeing oneself in their highest light and joy and remembering that it’s your birthright to live a life that you design and can celebrate. Health, financial security, positive attitude, and community are big pieces for me.
Anouk Malavoy: What are three steps you take to reach your definition of happiness?
Carmelinda DiManno:
- Daily Breathwork and Prayer: This sets me up for a great day! Starting my day with breathwork and prayer helps me center myself and approach the day with a positive mindset.
- Practicing Deepening My Ability to Believe in Myself and My Goals and Vision: I continuously work on strengthening my belief in myself and my vision. This practice helps me stay focused and motivated.
- Being Kind to Other People: Kindness is a powerful tool. When you are kind to others, it often gets reflected back at you, creating a positive and supportive environment.
Anouk Malavoy: As a yoga instructor, what do you believe to be the most transformative aspect of practicing yoga for the modern-day individual?
Carmelinda DiManno: For me, it's the way in which yoga calls us to be still with ourselves. I think it's challenging for people with emotion, stress, and a lot of thoughts to find comfort simply being in their bodies. Yoga is a good segue to getting people into a place of stillness while still having some anchor in the movement and fine-tuning alignment. It helps to quiet the mind because it gives you an anchor.
Anouk Malavoy: I want to represent people who are more of my personality type, you know, type A, who move very fast. There have been moments when I'm still, but my mind is still racing. Am I still yet? Am I relaxed? I struggle with what you're describing in terms of being still and comfortable with it. What pointers can you share with people like me to get started? Are there daily practices to prepare the mind to be more open to that stillness?
Carmelinda DiManno: I understand and can relate. This is why I love yoga. When we consider that the expectation is not to be without thought or to be absolutely in a place of inner peace, but rather that every bit of relaxation supports the nervous system progressively, it becomes more accessible. It's not expected to happen right away. You may have a class where you feel stillness and peace, and then the next class your mind is stirring. The expectation is not to be rid of that completely, but yoga progressively supports the nervous system in becoming more neutral and relaxed over time. This experience of deeper calm, quiet, and inner peace becomes more accessible.
Anouk Malavoy: What advice would you give to someone looking to add more stillness and balance to their life? If you were to walk them through the first three months of a transformation that includes yoga, what components would you integrate?
Carmelinda DiManno: Be gentle with yourself and your expectations. When making conscious choices to improve your well-being, whether it's the state of your mind or physical health, the subconscious mind understands that you've made that choice to support yourself. There will be a response to your intention as you make the devotion to it. Honor yourself for showing up and see that commitment and consistency prove effective. Start with accessible goals, like twice a week, and gradually increase. Encourage yourself and pay attention to what works for you physically, like hydration and food intake before practice.
Anouk Malavoy: When looking for a yoga instructor, what key components should one look for?
Carmelinda DiManno: Look for a class that's more foundations-based, like Hatha or All levels. Be open-minded and try different styles and teachers. Gauge preferences through experience, whether they focus on spirituality or anatomy. The teacher's energy will complement you and make you want to come more or less. It's important to find what resonates with you.
Anouk Malavoy: Switching gears, talk to me about your journey in becoming a DJ. What drew you to it initially, and how has your journey transformed?
Carmelinda DiManno: I was a nightclub promoter and loved the electronic underground scene in Toronto. After leaving the industry, I studied to become a yoga instructor. During a stressful time, I needed another outlet and decided to learn DJing. I put a message on Facebook and got connected to someone who taught me. My relationships in the nightclub industry helped me start playing professionally soon after.
Anouk Malavoy: How do you bridge your passions for yoga and DJing?
Carmelinda DiManno: They already come together in my Wellness events, where music is a component. The responsibility to hold space and tune into energy is the same in both environments. I started events like Soul Revival and prana parties, aiming to bring them back to life with DJs of all levels playing at Wellness-based events.
Anouk Malavoy: How can your practices support women through different stages of their evolution?
Carmelinda DiManno: Yoga helps women see they are more than their physical bodies. It fosters a strong relationship with the deeper part of us, making the reflection in the mirror brighter. Music and creative expression, like DJing, can support women in exploring their creativity and finding joy.
Anouk Malavoy: What advice would you give to a young woman facing resistance in following her passion?
Carmelinda DiManno: Find what lights you up and work diligently at seeing yourself in that light, past all obstacles and societal standards. Have a strong vision and make a devotion to it. Explore ways to work on limiting beliefs and understand that life is meant for us to live and love.
Anouk Malavoy: If you could DJ anywhere in the world, any event, what would it be?
Carmelinda DiManno: Festivals like Coachella, BPM, Miami Music Week Ultra, and venues like Space. I love big energy and brilliant events.
Anouk Malavoy: What events do you have coming up?
Carmelinda DiManno: I'm playing in Toronto the weekend of Easter at Myth. In Miami, I have a Sunday brunch at Level 6 in Coconut Grove, which is joyful and soulful. I also have pop-up events in different venues. Check my Instagram for updates. I am also DJing a festival in Ontario in August. It’s August 23 and it’s called the Sunflower festival. Music, art, and wellness.
Anouk Malavoy: What's your Instagram handle?
Carmelinda DiManno: It's my name, @CarmelindaDiManno.
Anouk Malavoy: What are words you live by?
Carmelinda DiManno: "I am the creator of my reality." God wants for me what I want for myself. I replace fearful thoughts with a miracle, which is a shift in perspective.
Anouk Malavoy: Thank you for sharing this space. It's an honor.
Carmelinda DiManno: Thank you, Anouk. You're wonderful and inspiring.
Carmelinda DiManno's YouTube Channel
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