The Team
Our faculty at Awaken bring decades of immersive study, teaching, and personal practice across the fields of yoga, meditation, philosophy, coaching, and contemplative education. Rather than teaching from theory alone, they offer embodied guidance—infused with lived experience, cultural sensitivity, and a sincere commitment to your growth.
Manish Pole
Founder - Awaken
Since 2003, Manish Pole has been a guiding light in the yoga and wellness community, embodying the role of a Yoga Wisdom Teacher and Life Coach. Manish co-founded & led Total Yoga with centres in India, USA, UK, UAE, Singapore & NZ. Manish has been a speaker at significant global platforms, including leading the main Meditation event at Dubai Expo 2020. Manish specialises in curating Wellness Festivals and Corporate Wellness Events that blend Mindfulness, Yoga, Poetry, Music, Art & Dance stitched together through seamless storytelling! These include the AlUla Wellness Festival, CoreUnity Festival Dubai, Sun Festival India amongst others. In addition to his contributions to personal wellness, Manish has made significant impacts through Social Initiatives, from teaching yoga at the Poona Blind School and Singapore’s old age centers to fundraising in India and for crisis-hit regions like Lebanon, Ukraine and Gaza.
Rana Abihayla
Founder - Awaken
Rana has over 20 years of experience designing programs to enhance chronic patient wellbeing, working across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia for a leading American multinational consulting firm. Fluent in four languages, she combines her global expertise with advanced academic credentials from institutions like Harvard Business School, specializing in healthcare value measurement and international business management. A 500-hour certified yoga instructor, Rana has conducted corporate and wellness retreats in India, Bali, and Dubai. She specializes in integrating wellness into corporate lifestyles, helping individuals incorporate balance and mindfulness into their busy schedules. As a dedicated life coach, she blends traditional wellness practices with modern research to empower individuals in their personal growth and transformation.
Upcoming Retreats & Workshops
Awaken events happen across the globe and even online! Explore the whole events calendar and reserve your spot.
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