Helen Margaret Giovanelo

Yoga teacher, photographer and author “Narayani” I was born in London, and grew up in Turin, Italy. After studying Philosophy and Human Sciences at the University of Turin, I moved to Paris, France to explore different forms of artistic expression: 

In 1996 I graduated from the prestigious school "The International Center of Photography", New York. I embarked on a successful career as a photojournalist, documenting the human condition in an intimate and personal way. My images have been published and exhibited around the world.

My first encounter with yoga was in 1980, when I began studying Hatha Yoga and Tantric Meditation. In 1999, I discovered the yoga of B.K.S. Iyengar in New York; it was a life-changing experience. 

In 2003, my work in photojournalism led me to move to Mumbai, India, where I met Iyengar yoga master Zubin Zarthoshtimanesh, who remains my mentor. I attended daily Satsang at the house of the well-known Advaita (non-duality) spiritual teacher Ramesh Balsekar. 

In 2007, I returned to Paris and in 2013, I completed the Iyengar Yoga Teaching Training, under the Masters Faeq and Corinne Biria at the Iyengar Yoga Center. 

In October 2014 Helen completed the Yoga for Scoliosis teacher training with Elise Browning Miller in NYC. 

In September 2016, Hachette-Marabout published my first book: 108 Chakra Soups, a mixture of recipes and art of living from Yoga and Ayurveda.

In 2019, I started the former training in “Miksang” contemplative photography as taught in the Shambala Buddhist tradition. 

I currently lives between Paris and Biarritz on the South West coast of France, and I continue to develop international projects in photography, meditation, writing, and yoga.
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Helen Margaret Giovanell