Natasha, Yoga Teacher and Blogger, So Lucky So Green. Sri Lanka
12 February 2018
There are some people you come across in life that their lives sparkly with the route they have taken with their careers, and Natasha is one of these people. Russian born, Natasha originally came from a career in marketing and sales for cosmetic and fashion companies such as, L'Oreal, Clarins, Diane von Furstenberg and trend forecasting agencies like WGSN, her world now couldn't be further away from this.
Natasha’s yoga journey started 15 years ago when she took her first yoga class in Moscow, since then she was practising with many great teachers around the world. She has taught in studios from London, Canada and most recently in Sri Lanka.
I caught up with Natasha before she jetted off again ..
Do you remember the very first time your practised yoga and how did you bring it into your life?
I would say I started to practice the physical aspect of yoga way before I knew what it is. The story began from looking through the book about yoga which for whatever reason we had at home when I was a kid, I'm not even sure I could read at that time but I was fascinated by the pictures.
Growing up I always liked to be active and experiment with the shapes I can create with my body. And somehow physical culture in Russia is inspired by yoga. Shoulder stand or a wheel pose is something which every Russian kid could do.
When I started to attend yoga classes I was ready to explore the spiritual part and my trips to India, which is one of my favourite places in the world, definitely contributed to my interest in yoga. It's never been just a simple workout for me. The more I did yoga, the better I felt, the more I wanted to do it.
How did you find yourself in Sri Lanka with yoga at Jasper House and what's the best thing about your job?
Over a year ago my adventurous spirit and love for the sun and the ocean brought me to Sri Lanka. I started to teach yoga in a wonderful place called Talalla Retreat, which very quickly became to feel like home. I came back last year and ended up extending my stay and teaching yoga in a sister property of Talalla, Jasper House. It is located steps away from a beautiful Hiriketiya Bay, which is a great surfing spot for the beginners like me. The best part of any yoga job, but particularly when teaching abroad, is to have a chance to meet people from all over the world. I also feel super happy to have first-time yoga students in class and after a while to get a message from them saying how they continue practising and how it has a positive effect on their lives.
Describe your typical day?
I feel a bit guilty to describe my day, I always say how I must have done something good in my previous life to be able to live a life like that now.
Life in Sri Lanka is very relaxed and stress-free. I wake up around 6.30 to get ready for 8 am Vinyasa Flow class. I have my breakfast in Jasper's restaurant with an amazing sea view, which sometimes makes me stay there till noon, doing some work online, posting on social media, planing upcoming classes or trips.
Some days I would have a workshop or private class, some days I go to Hiriketiya beach for surfing or just for a fresh coconut in one of the cute little cafes near the water.
I also like to explore other beaches along the coast or go to the nearby towns for some local shopping experience.
I teach a restorative class in the afternoon and finish my day with a dinner, the best when I can share it with the friends, many of them are my yoga students who I met at Jasper House.
Five items you can't live without?
Our lifestyle definitely affects our consumer behaviour. When I quit my fashion job I realized that I don't need most of the things I thought were essential. It's easy to deal with the shoe addiction when you spend 90% of the time barefoot :)
Right now my list of essential items looks like this
Swimming suit & sunscreen
I love spending time on the beach and feel the best when I'm in the water.
Lots of fresh fruits
My favourite food, especially when living on the tropical island
Yoga Mat
Just because it's such a universal multipurpose item, especially when travelling. Once, when moving houses, I slept on my yoga mat on the floor for a week, it's actually good for your back :)
Internet
As much as I hate modern addiction to the electronic devices, it's an essential tool for staying in touch with my friends and family who are spread all over the world.
Advice to anyone trying to start/improve their yoga practice?
Find a teacher you like, listen to your body and remember that it's not about how you look, it's about how you feel.
follow Natasha on her journey.. here
Ines Loughrey, Yoga Teacher
5 February 2018
Ines, is a yogi who I've followed for a while and before Christmas had the pleasure of meeting with Jaime Tully. Of course in the new year I had to get this lovely lady on the blog straight away to tell her story! Ines teaches at renowned studios such as Core Collective and Frame, her classes are a must visit!
Do you remember the first time you practiced yoga and how did it change your life?
I don’t remember the exact first time as I tried a few different classes and styles. I was feeling quite lost and at a significant low physically, emotionally and psychologically. Although I initially went into those first yoga classes feeling like I had to compete and perform the postures to prove my worth, I soon discovered that I didn’t have to, that I could just create space within which to get clear and heal. And it completely changed my life; the choices I made day to day about the things I said, ate, spent money on, the relationships I cultivated, the possibility with which I approached life. I really do believe that the practice only begins on the mat and really comes into play in the way in which you continue to show up and live your life and integrate all aspects of yourself.
If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it — metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions or billions — what would it say and why? It could be a few words or a paragraph.
That’s a tough question. I always change my mind about this sort of thing depending on what I’ve been reading or listening to. These days I’m enjoying re-reading some Osho books and this one has been lingering in my mind: “Be realistic: Plan for a miracle.”
What's your wellness tip for 2018?
Get enough sleep (that one’s definitely more of a reminder to myself!) move in a way that feels fun for you, and train your mind as well as your body.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do?
I meditate. I meditate even if I haven’t lost my focus too because it helps in preventing me from getting into a situation in which I feel overwhelmed and/or unfocused by getting me out of my mind stuff. It doesn’t have to be for a long time either, even just a few minutes is great! I think meditation is more accessible than ever with loads of apps and online tutorials and books offering guided meditations that you can do at home if you’re not sure where to start.
Where do you breathe, sweat and refuel in London?
These days I mostly practice at Triyoga and Lumi, and I love to sweat at Core Collective! My way of refuelling is usually pretty unglamorous, a coffee and sandwich from Pret on the go in between classes. When I get the chance for something more exciting I love Palm Vaults, Paradise Unbakery and Wild Food Café.
What five items can you not live without?
I have to be honest and say I don’t feel quite right saying I can’t live without the following items because there are people in the world who don’t even have access to shelter, food and clean water.
However, five items that I enjoy having in my life are my phone (especially for listening to podcasts and music on the tube), a good book, dark chocolate, my yoga mat, and my diary because I’m not always very good at remembering where I’m supposed to be.
To join one of Ines's classes... here
She also posts her teaching on instagram.. here
Shannon Rosie aka Living With Rosie, Nutritionist
22 January 2018
If you're anything like me, you would have started January with the intentions to live, eat and breathe better this year, starting with diet! For this reason I've caught up with the lovely clinical nutritionist Shannon Rosie. This blonde beauty has an instagram profile packed with inspiring notes and tips. She's looked into the endless healing abilities of food and shares them with us so that we can all start to shine this 2018!
Shannon also has put together The Good Gut Guide which is a 30 day gut program designed to teach you how to heal yourself from the inside out. Gut health is the base of true health and wellbeing, with this you will learn how to make your body work for you, instead of against you to prevent disease, and become your healthiest self - both physically and mentally.
I caught up with this little lady from the other side of the world to find out more and all about her New Years resolutions.
How did you get into nutrition and what do you love about it?
My journey into nutritional medicine was a long one. As a young girl I spent a lot of time in and out of doctors offices and hospitals, continually being given vague diagnosis, countless doses of antibiotics and even steroids. I knew something was wrong, I knew there must be a better way.
So I decided to take my health into my own hands. I got into cooking, and started researching more and more about the foods I was making. I began to experiment with using my food as medicine. The results were undeniable – I felt amazing, both inside and out. From then on I was hooked. I knew that I needed to know more, so off to university I went and the rest is history.
What I love about nutrition is helping people take their health back into their own hands. Gone are the days where we need to mindlessly follow nutritional advice from a GP that has likely had less than a weeks nutritional study. I love empowering people to use food as medicine to become their healthiest, happiest version of themselves.
What New Years nutritional tips would you give for 2018?
Firstly, always remember that every day you have the opportunity for a fresh start, not just once a year.
No matter if you’re a vegan, a fast food lover, paleo, pescatarian - whatever! - here are 5 tips to be a healthier you:
1. Cut the sugar: it be sweet but its also a toxic slow-killing poison. Removing sugar from your diet it from your diet will help you loose belly fat, feel more energised, clear your skin, balance your appetite, ward off diseases, balance your hormones and so much more!
2. Eat the rainbow: and no I don’t meant a pack of skittles. I’m talking fresh fruit and veggies. The colour of your fresh food is an indication of the nutrients it has, so having a plate full of different colours is the easiest way to insure you’re getting a variety of nutrients on your fork. Also, the darker the colour, the more potent the benefits. For example, kale is far more nutrient dense than iceberg lettuce.
3. Heal your gut: “bad digestion is the root of all evil”. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, said this two and half thousand years ago and today the science is finally proving it to be true. It all starts in the gut. Heal yourself from the inside out to experience health and vitality like never before. Healing your gut will do much more than just clear any digestive issues. It will boost your immune system, improve your mental health, clear your skin, help you sleep better, ward off diseases and make reaching your bodies ideal weight a breeze.
4. Eat your fats: gone are the days where fatty foods are to be feared. The science was wrong and thankfully we know that now. Healthy fats are essential for good health. You need fats in your diet for healthy hormone production, for energy, for your brain to function at its best and for your hair skin and nails to be strong. My favourite healthy fat foods are avocados, nuts and seeds, oily fish such as salmon, and oils like extra-virgin cold pressed olive oil and coconut oil.
5. Stay hydrated: water, water and more water. Water makes up almost half you body weight. You need water to digest your food, for healthy blood, for detoxification, for an effective immune system and so much more. We all know this but a little reminder can’t hurt. I always have giant bottle next to me at my desk. If you find it bland, spice up your water with fruit and veg. My favourites are cucumber, mint and berries.
Where do you sweat and what's your favourite meal after a workout?
I went through a huge transition with my exercise in 2017. I am a tall clumsy girl who has broken her fair share of bones. Because of this I used to stick to pilates, yoga, barre classes and walking out of fear of more injury. I never felt totally stable in my body or particularly “fit”. I used to exercise for weight loss and not for strength.
After a couple of years of trying, my partner (who is ex military) finally convinced me to train with him. A week later after a couple of sessions, a lot of sweat and muscles so sore I could barely sit, I was hooked. Now I just can’t get enough! These days I exercise for strength and through weight training I am also injury proofing myself for the future - win win. I’ve never felt so strong in my body and I love it.
I almost always do fasted workouts in the mornings. After the gym I’ll dig into one of two things; a giant green smoothie or a brunch plate which might have baked salmon, eggs, spinach and mushrooms.
Do you have a New Years resolution for 2018?
Not really. New Years resolutions are a lot of pressure and are often followed by feelings of failure. We are imperfect creatures, and that’s a wonderful thing. If you fall, pick yourself up! Each time you wake is a beautiful opportunity to be a fresh and fabulous new you.
Although I wouldn’t call them “resolutions”, I do have a list of goals I’m going to smash this year! I am releasing two extremely exciting products for Living With Rosie that I couldn’t be more excited about. Along with that I am always striving to be a better me. Every day I consciously try to work harder, learn more, love intensely and have fun along the way.
Describe a day in the life of Shannon Rosie?!
I get woken up every morning by the worlds cutest alarm clock, my puppy, Buddy the beagle. He jumps on me around 6:30 telling me it’s time to get up. After some serious belly scratching I’m off to the gym. Post gym its brunch time! Then my day consists on creating LWR content, working on upcoming projects, keeping up with new nutritional research and jumping in the pool every couple of hours to cool down. I eat an early dinner then take Buddy down to the beach for a sunset run around with the other dogs. After that its usually a couch chill out for an episode of whatever we’re watching on Netflix at the moment, then bed.
Five items items you can't live without?
1. Moisturiser. I hate the feeling of dry skin. No matter where I am you’ll always see a little red tube of Lucas Papaw and a jar of coconut oil. Just like Windex with the Dad from My Big Fat Greek Wedding, I use Papaw and coconut oil for everything.
2. My phone. For work, for play and for taking hundreds of puppy photos.
3. Passport. I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to live all across the world, from Australia to Singapore, America, China, and now Bali. I truly value the freedom to be mobile, which was one of the driving factors for creating an online business. This brings me nicely to number 4..
4. My laptop. Compact, portable and does it all. My whole office nicely stored in a little rectangle that I can take with me wherever I go. I often work from cafes, couches, airplanes and poolside so my laptop is a must every day.
5. A bikini. I’m a hot weather girl, a beach babe at heart. Just like a plant I need sunshine and water to thrive. A dip in the pool or a dive in the ocean makes everything better.
Emily Spriggs, Yoga Teacher
29 November 2017
Emily caught my eye a while back, her beautiful form and practice looks like it originates from a Degas painting and her lovely soft approach makes for a truly lovely class..
Before becoming a yoga instructor, Emily trained and worked as a professional ballet and contemporary dancer. She has performed all across Europe appearing in a number of company performances and projects, fashion and music videos. This is another one of London's great teachers, teaching at studios such as the famous Triyoga, I caught up with her to find out how she started and what makes her tick.
Do you remember the first time you practiced and what brought you to the world of yoga?
I do, I was living in Eastbourne with my parents because I was working as a professional dancer and as a result couldn’t afford to live in London. I felt so lost and disconnected from who I was at the time and I was putting so much pressure on myself. I started taking class at a tiny studio called the Yoga Life Studio which could only fit six people in it. Taking yoga classes allowed me to tune in to my body and myself again. When you are dancing you are always focused on pushing your body in a competitive environment to perform, whereas yoga allowed me to be kind to my body and look after it. I think that is so important, I really tuned in to who I was and what I wanted, not what other people expected or wanted from me.
What are your favourite studios in London?
The Camden Triyoga studio is one of my favourites, it has such a great energy, and the studios are so nice to practice in, they have great food from the Nectar cafe, and I love using the infrared sauna after class.
What advice would you give anyone about becoming a teacher?
Go for it! We all have something special to give and teaching yoga can be a beautiful way of sharing yourself with others. You will learn so much about yourself during your teacher training as well.
How have you seen the yoga industry develop in the past few years?
Yoga has grown so quickly and there are so many studios and teachers out there now, some people think it dilutes the essence of yoga and I can see how in some ways it has, but I think that the increase in its accessibility is a great way for more people to find their own practice in their own way. Whether thats because they like the fashion or social aspect of it, I don’t think matters. If it brings someone to practice yoga then I think that, that is what is important.
What’s your wellness tip?
Don’t over complicate things. Eat real food. Simplify. Move your body. Breathe. Sleep.
5 items you can’t live without?
I think I could live without most things, apart from a kettle because I love tea so much and I probably drink at least twenty cups a day.
Follow this lovely lady for all of her latest news and classes... here
Follow this lovely lady for all of her latest news and classes... here
Adam Husler, Boxer Come Yoga Teacher
13 November 2017
This week I'm very pleased to be bringing you all one of my favourite male yogi's who I avidly follow on instagram, Adam Husler. Boxer come yoga teacher, Adam has been practicing for over 8 years, and some would say is one of London top yoga teachers, teaching at the big studios such as Triyoga and Indaba. As well teaching he works with big brands such as Adidas, Boys of Yoga, Harrods and OHMME. I caught up with Adam for a walk along the Chelsea Embankment and regardless of the cold temperatures we nattered for over an hour about how his life changed from super physical forms of pushing his body to the beauty of yoga...
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