OZ Relax a šport · Real experiences

Stories That Speak for Themselves

Personal experiences from group gatherings, professional sport and individual sessions.

Choose a story to read in full.

Personal experiences

Community & Group Experiences

Experiences from Oasis of Presence, online circles, and group sessions.

Žaneta Morovská – portrait accompanying her testimonial

Žaneta Morovská

“It was a beautiful journey of self-understanding, reconnecting with myself, and self-acceptance.”

Three-month online circle · Google review (translated from Slovak)

Read the full reviewClose review

I had the opportunity to take part in a three-month online circle/seminar with Raasti, and it was a beautiful journey of self-understanding, reconnecting with myself, and self-acceptance. His wisdom, education and experience, combined with compassion and a non-judgmental approach, are exactly what I look for in guides on my personal growth journey. Thank you, Raasti.

English translation of Žaneta’s public Google review, lightly edited for clarity.

Beba Čepčeková, photographer

Beba Čepčeková

“A place to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself.”

Instagram · @beebka ↗
Read the full storyClose story

Oasis of Presence is a place I believe everyone should experience for themselves. I've been coming here for several years, and during that time I've experienced meditation, yoga, massage, and beautiful moments in the garden. It's one of those places where time seems to stand still. You slow down, take a breath, and reconnect with yourself.

The time you devote to yourself takes on a whole new meaning here. I leave feeling calmer, more present, and at the same time filled with fresh energy.

I would recommend it to anyone who feels ready to move forward in life, is going through a period of change, is looking for more peace, or wants to work on themselves with intention.

Understanding gains its true value when we begin to live it. Sometimes all it takes is a first step. And this is a place where that step can naturally begin to turn into lived experience.

Raasti, thank you for what you're creating. For a space where people can stop, breathe, spend a moment with themselves, and reconnect with what truly matters to them.

Beba Čepčeková · Google review · Translated from Slovak

Personal experiences

Athletes

Personal experiences from elite sport and bodywork.

Portrait — Matthias Schwarzbacher — CPS Professional Team, Slovak National Cycling Team

Matthias Schwarzbacher — CPS Professional Team, Slovak National Cycling Team

I had problems with my left leg, specifically my iliotibial band. I saw doctors and physiotherapists for a long time, but nothing made much difference. Then someone recommended Raasti.

Read the full storyClose story

When I visited him, he began working with me holistically. We did different exercises and hands-on release techniques. He taught me to see my body as a whole rather than focusing solely on the pain. Later, I also started seeing him to work through mental stress before races.
This work helped me enormously, not only physically but mentally as well.
Thank you!

Portrait — Ivana Fialková — Slovak National Biathlon Team

Ivana Fialková — Slovak National Biathlon Team

A few years ago, I was struggling with severe back pain. I saw several doctors in Slovakia. Each gave me a different diagnosis, but they all agreed on one thing: “You will never completely get rid of it. The pain will keep coming back.”

Read the full storyClose story

That was when someone recommended Raasti. When we started working together, he helped me not only with my physical difficulties but, more importantly, taught me how to care for my lower back. He showed me the importance of relaxation and a holistic approach. Thanks to him, I was able to compete at the highest level for another five years. Raasti is also a wonderful person who places great importance on mental well-being. After every visit, I felt like a new person — energized, rested and clear-headed.
I am deeply grateful to him.

Portrait — Matej Kazár — Slovak National Biathlon Team

Matej Kazár — Slovak National Biathlon Team

Whenever I begin to feel stiff, tense or experience aches and pains, I go to Raasti.

Read the full storyClose story

After his treatment, I always feel as though I could suddenly jump and run like a deer. His techniques are exceptionally effective for me and help me keep my body in the condition required for biathlon at the highest level.

Portrait — Martin Otčenáš — Slovak National Biathlon Team

Martin Otčenáš — Slovak National Biathlon Team

I was experiencing severe pain in my legs, especially my thighs, and some pain in my right Achilles tendon.

Read the full storyClose story

I was also troubled by tightness and tension in my lower back. From the very beginning, you taught me to focus on my breathing, which helped me tremendously. I gradually began to experience my body as a whole instead of constantly concentrating on the pain. The first time you placed your hands on my legs, I felt an incredible warmth and energy. I was completely immersed in the sensation, feeling warmth and energy move through my body, releasing tension and pain. The work with hot stones, oil and your precise techniques gradually eased the pain. I began to rediscover what natural movement feels like, as though my legs were coming back to life. It felt as if you had literally pulled my legs out of the mud. My right leg responded more slowly, but my left became freer much sooner. I arrived with a strained smile, and with each moment of the treatment, my smile became more genuine. It was as though you had opened a valve and released all the tension and worry. When we finished with the release of my lower back, I felt an immense sense of harmony. My mind rediscovered that I had legs, and everything came back into natural coordination. After the treatment, I was amazed. My body felt rested, and movement was light and easy to control. I felt the joy of movement again and wanted to head straight into training. I climbed the stairs to my room feeling as though I had brand-new legs. Thanks to you, I rediscovered the joy of moving.
Thank you!

Portrait — Michal Kubaliak — Slovak National Biathlon Team

Michal Kubaliak — Slovak National Biathlon Team

I did not know what to expect, although I was full of anticipation. At first, I felt a gentle tingling in my feet that gradually grew stronger.

Read the full storyClose story

Gradually, it felt as if something were radiating from me or leaving my body. On my stomach and chest, I felt as though something heavy — perhaps a book or a brick — had been placed there. That sensation reached my arms, which became so weak I could barely move them. It is hard to describe exactly what I experienced, but it was intense. Then it happened — I began smiling uncontrollably. Suddenly, I became aware of the music, of you, of everything around me. I felt completely relaxed. Everything was peaceful and pleasant, and above all, I was no longer concerned about what was happening. I was simply myself, in a way I had never known before. I experienced an inner peace I had never felt. Even on the journey home, I felt detached from my usual concerns, content and full of peace. I look forward to experiencing that state again.
Thank you, and have a beautiful evening!

Portrait — Henrieta Horvátová — Slovak National Biathlon Team

Henrieta Horvátová — Slovak National Biathlon Team

I came to you with knee and back pain.

Read the full storyClose story

But I left feeling like a different person — free of pain and with a refreshed mind.

Your work does wonders not only for the body but also for the soul.
Thank you for everything!

Photo: Slovenskybiatlon.sk (external fallback)

Personal experiences

Individual Experiences

Personal accounts from people who have attended individual sessions.

Portrait — Quido Pokorný — Student

Quido Pokorný — Student

When our son Quido went through a serious physical and emotional collapse, we felt lost.

Read the full storyClose story

He underwent numerous specialist examinations — orthopedic, neurological, sports medicine and psychiatric — yet the cause of his difficulties remained unclear. The pain, episodes of collapse and psychological symptoms continued. Meeting Raasti was a turning point for us.

For the first time, someone listened to our child as a whole person, rather than focusing only on his symptoms.

In a safe environment, our son could breathe again and regain trust in himself and in life. Today, Quido is back on his bike, plunging into icy water, feeling his body and trusting it.

He changed his lifestyle and diet and learned breathing and movement practices that give him strength. We are immensely grateful to have walked this path with Raasti’s presence, understanding and support.
— Quido and his parents

Quido adds in his own words:
“Raasti helped me so much. Without him, I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today. I changed my diet, learned to breathe, rest and trust my body. Thank you so much.”
— Quido

Watch a short four-minute video in which Quido tells his story:

Quido’s Story — Video with English Subtitles

Portrait — Jakub Suchodolinský — Research and Development Engineer

Jakub Suchodolinský — Research and Development Engineer

For several months, I struggled with physical pain, and medication did not help. Anyone who has experienced persistent pain knows how deeply it can affect mental well-being.

Read the full storyClose story

It was difficult for me to look forward to each new day because I knew that as soon as I got out of bed, the unpleasant pain would be there again. That feeling was wearing me down. Someone recommended Raasti, so I went to see him. I felt relief after the very first visit. The deep-tissue massage helped not only my body but my mind as well. I realized that body and mind are interconnected and cannot really be separated. In the next phase of our work, I received clear guidance on caring for both my body and my mind. I followed it, and gradually the pain diminished until it disappeared completely. Within a few weeks I was fit again and enjoying life.

The story could have ended there, and it would have been a beautiful ending. But life has its twists. A year and a half later, the same pain that I had hated and feared returned. This time, I hoped it would go away on its own, but it grew worse. I felt afraid and helpless. I contacted Raasti, and we arranged an online session over Zoom. Even during that first remote session, following his precise instructions, I began to feel relief both physically and mentally. It was a new experience for me because I had not believed that something like this could work online.

We later met in person too. After the session, I realized that I could tie my shoelaces again without difficulty, and my back pain was minimal. The feeling was incredible! This time, his recommendations made even more sense, as though I understood them more deeply than before. Gradually, my emotional well-being improved, followed by my physical recovery. One thought Raasti shared has stayed with me more than anything else:
“Pain is our friend.”
Through this experience, I came to understand that pain can teach us, accompany us and offer an opportunity to change what needs changing.
Thank you!

Portrait — Viktória Hochreiterová — Student

Viktória Hochreiterová — Student

Our first meeting began with a long conversation. Before long, we realized there was more to address than just my migraines.

Read the full storyClose story

You recognized the emotional vulnerability that was part of my difficulties. Our conversations were accompanied by my tears, but I will never forget how calmly you told me:
“If you follow the recommendations, you will see beautiful results.”
You were right. After two weeks, I noticed that I had experienced only one migraine. Soon, I barely remembered what it was like to have one. At our second meeting, I no longer cried. Instead, I experienced my first powerful meditation — something I will never forget. That was when I felt you truly had an extraordinary gift for healing. A year later, I came for a massage, and by then I was a different person. I had followed your recommendations, and you could finally see me as I had always been — full of life, laughter and positivity. I stepped out of my comfort zone, and you showed me a way through fear.
I overcame that fear, and I will always be grateful.
Thank you for this journey, Raasti. Truly.

Portrait — Ester Grzybová Čepčeková — Self-Employed

Ester Grzybová Čepčeková — Self-Employed

You helped me tremendously with the pain in my arm and with a mind overwhelmed by anxiety. I was going through a difficult time.

Read the full storyClose story

I had heard about you for a long time from people who had visited you, but I had never felt the need to come myself. Then one day, I decided to, and now I can wholeheartedly recommend you. Your approach is healing. From the very first moment, I felt the welcoming atmosphere and a sense of calm that immediately filled me. You taught me to breathe properly and to value myself. Thanks to that, I began to enjoy life again. You gave me incredible strength, something I cannot even put into words. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I always will.
Thank you also for inspiring my son Viliam so much that he began exploring similar practices himself.
Thank you for everything.

Portrait — Petra Kajosová — Chef

Petra Kajosová — Chef

With you, I had an “aha” moment when I realized the answers were already within me.

Read the full storyClose story

I learned to experience painful situations differently — with calm and an ability to move through them. I felt very comfortable in your presence. To me, you seemed like a kind, mysterious and wonderful magician, able to heal not only the body but the soul.
Thank you for this experience.

Portrait — Ovčák Shepherd — Himalayan Guide and Musician

Ovčák Shepherd — Himalayan Guide and Musician

In 2013, I was spending the winter, as usual, in Tiruvannamalai in southern India. But severe back pain made my stay difficult.

Read the full storyClose story

I put up with it for a while, hoping it would go away on its own. After a week or two, I decided enough was enough. I began visiting different therapists — about three in all. Each time, I felt better for a day or two, but the pain always returned. Some of the treatments were not exactly cheap, either. I was getting desperate when someone told me about “a good guy” from Slovakia who helped people with their backs. We happened to meet one day, so I asked him for help, and he came to my home. He got straight to work with great enthusiasm. My vertebrae cracked, and for a moment I was a little afraid, but I trusted him. And I was right to do so. The pain never came back. To my surprise, he did not even want anything in return. A few years later, something similar happened, this time in a different part of my back. Raasti appeared again, “crack, crack,” and the pain was gone. Respect!

Portrait — Sanjay Beery — Spiritual Seeker from Seattle, Living in Tiruvannamalai, India

Sanjay Beery — Spiritual Seeker from Seattle, Living in Tiruvannamalai, India

The artwork is absolutely amazing — a healing experience in itself.

Read the full storyClose story

It feels as though it leaps out of the page and into your heart.
Simply incredible!

I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Portrait — Al Tomanová — Accountant

Al Tomanová — Accountant

I had almost forgotten how wonderful it feels. After my first visit to you, I was free from pain for an entire year.

Read the full storyClose story

Now I feel reborn again — my body and mind are in harmony. Thank you once more!
Ala

Portrait — Ivana Kravčíková — Professional Coach

Ivana Kravčíková — Professional Coach

At first, I had mixed feelings. It was difficult to focus on my breathing, and I felt numbness in my legs, especially my thighs and hips.

Read the full storyClose story

It was as if my legs were not part of me, and the same was true of my arms. I had to devote energy and attention to even the smallest movement just to remind myself they were there. Then it started. An enormous pressure built in my chest, as though something were sitting on it. I could hardly breathe, and the right side of my face went numb. All the while I wanted to shout, “Enough!” But I could not. Only when you took my right hand and began massaging it did I start to feel a gradual release. You continued with my legs and neck, and suddenly I was flooded with an extraordinary sense of relief and happiness. There was only one thought in my mind:
“I want to stay in this state forever.”
Your touch on my face brought me back, along with your words:
“So, this is meditation.”
Wonderful! Your touch was pleasant throughout. Perhaps I approached the experience with a little apprehension, which is only natural when you do not know what to expect. But it was deeply powerful and also a pleasure.
THANK YOU! Iva

Portrait — Tibor Mešina — Window Installer

Tibor Mešina — Window Installer

Thank you for healing my body and soul. For years, I suffered from spinal pain accompanied by headaches and migraines.

Read the full storyClose story

Because my work regularly involves lifting heavy loads, I had almost stopped believing I would ever be free of the pain. It was only when I finally made time to visit my good friend Raasti that I understood what might be possible. After an incredibly relieving massage and valuable advice on how to care for my body, I left feeling like a different person. My back pain eased, and whenever it tries to return, I remember Raasti’s advice — and life immediately feels brighter.
Thank you for everything!

Portrait — Jana Kaššová — Professional Coach

Jana Kaššová — Professional Coach

Your touch-based treatment was a deeply healing experience for my body and mind.

Read the full storyClose story

The beautiful music, warmth from the stove and your full attention allowed me to immerse myself completely in my body and let go of my thoughts. I felt safe, trusting and in professional hands. Every touch was sensitive and mindful. I especially appreciated your guidance in directing my breath — prana — toward areas of tension in my body. You were able to identify precisely where I needed support. The combination of hot stones and oil brought relief and deep pleasure.
When the treatment ended, I felt nourished and full of gratitude.

Portrait — Paulina Vårregn — Artist and Designer

Paulina Vårregn — Artist and Designer

I struggled with scoliosis and back pain, but after several visits with Raasti and following the recommended exercises, the problem disappeared completely.

Read the full storyClose story

The treatment itself is an experience — I highly recommend it.
Raasti is one of my favorite people. He radiates wonderful energy and has a big heart, allowing him to connect with people and truly help them. Thank you for everything!