Esmé Ritstier

Esmé Ritstier (1984) is a 500-hour RYT Meditation & Yoga Teacher (YACEP) based in Ubud, Bali. She trained under Sahajananda at Hridaya Yoga, Mexico, where she lived, studied, and supported the Hridaya team, and where she first fell in love with the teachings of the Spiritual Heart and the practice of meditation and mauna—noble silence—in silent retreats. Over the years, she has continued to nurture her own practice through periods of silence — sitting in 1-10, and 17-day group retreats, 49 day solitary retreats, and time in complete darkness (kayakalpa) — as part of an ongoing, lived commitment to meditation as a lifelong journey…rather than a destination. For the past 13 years, Esmé has been facilitating meditation and silent retreats, and over the last three years, she has dedicated herself full-time to meditation & yoga teacher trainings, silent meditation retreats, and private mentoring retreats. During this time, she has also deepened her practice with Thai monks at the Bali Meditation Center, connecting to the Dhamma method and the teachings of Dhammakaya Temple, which guide her for this year’s Pilgrimage to Peace. During the retreats, she holds space for your inner & outer journey, and guides participants with gentle presence, offering meditation, optional sharing circles, and meditative movement to support reflection, integration, and a deep connection to your heart and nature.