Maria Amiouni, Yoga and Reiki Practitioner
21 October 2018
Maria Amiouni is a London based yogi, who like many of us was enchanted by the world of yoga soon after she finished her first class, 4 years on she quits her job and dives into yoga full time. I interviewed her recently on how she started and how the practice has changed her outlook on life. She shares with us a note to her yoga self which is beautifully heartfelt and the words are some which we can all relate to.
How did you find yoga and what was the first word you thought when you first practiced?
I found yoga a few weeks before graduating university back in 2014. At the time I had heard of yoga through my mom and some friends but I didn’t know what it was really about. It was only when my trainer at the gym became a yoga teacher that I decided to go to her class. I remember leaving the class feeling like I was floating on a cloud and I couldn’t stop smiling all day. It was literally love at first try and it’s been in my life ever since.
What three books have influenced your life or are just your favourites!
This is a tough question. I love reading books since I was a kid. If I had to pick 3 books that influenced my life and that I would recommend anyone to read:
- The power of Now - Eckhart Tolle
- The mind-gut connection - Emeran Mayer
- Becoming Supernatural - Dr Joe Dispenza
If I can also add a couple of others that changed my life: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and the Magic by Rhonda Byrne.
What are the yoga studios in London you love?
I mostly do self practices at home these days but when I do go to classes I go to Triyoga, Sangye, and Equinox since I’m a member there. Some of my favorite teachers actually teach there and they’re my favorite classes.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
This is what I would say to my younger self:
Dear Maria,
Although you can’t see it just yet, I promise things will get better and you will get stronger. I wish I could tell you to not care about what other people say about you, that the words that are thrown your way don’t always define you. That the pain you hold in your heart will heal. That the story you tell yourself about yourself and your life can be changed.
However to be honest, you will figure this all out for yourself when the time is right. You will learn how to let go more easily. You will learn to peel off the layers that you think make you, you. You’ll stop letting other peoples opinions bother you as much. You’ll recover from the heartbreaks and losses you endured. There is much growth waiting for you and it’s all thanks to what you are going through right now.
If I could tell you one thing today is that don’t think you need to change anything about yourself. I’m proud of you and I love you, exactly the way you are.
Maria
Favourite yoga pose and why?
My favorite yoga pose changes depending on my mood, or what I’m currently working on. These days, I’m very into inversions and especially forearm stand. But inversions ranges from downward facing dog, and forward folds to headstands and handstands. I love inversions because on a physical level, my heart is now above my head and it reminds me to get out of my head and into my heart space. For me it’s a way to think less and feel more. Inversions remind me to keep following my heart instead of the mind. It also changes my perspective and literally flips my mood and my world upside down. If I’m feeling down or low, an inversion can literally flip everything around and make me feel brand new again.
Follow the lovely Maria on instagram ... true yoga candy!
Jen, Yoga Teacher aka Blessed Yoga
10 October 2018
I couldn't believe it when I first met this lovely lady and she told me how she came into yoga... most people practice for a while and the embark on yoga training, oh no not Jen, whose first yoga class was on her teacher training!! Which just shows when you open your mind to new challenges and really go for it wonderful things come about!
Jen, the beautiful yoga also known on instagram as Blessed Yoga caught up for the shoot and interview on a day which felt like the real start to the winter here in London, and in true Brit style we persisted come rain (and there was A LOT) or shine (which there was none!!!)...
Here is how one very talented yoga came in the world we all love.
What was the first thing you thought when you practiced yoga?
The first time I practiced yoga was actually on my yoga teacher training, which I know is a bit insane. I think the first thing I thought was “oh goodness, I hope I’m doing this right” and then I was like “who cares, I’m loving it.” I honestly fell in love with the physical practice of yoga from the moment I started.
Favourite yoga pose and why?
My favourite pose is pigeon because magical things happen there. For me it feels like a safe space to open up through a very vulnerable part of the body (the hips) and just let all those crazy emotions go.
Craziest place you’ve practiced?
On a walk around the coastal cliffs in Cornwall, I wanted to get a cool picture on one of the cliff edges. I was too scared to go right up to the edge, but still it felt pretty crazy. But the place that felt the craziest for my actual practice was on a beach in Dubai really early in the morning when it was so foggy that I couldn’t see past the end of my mat. It honestly felt like I was in part of fairytale, it was beyond magical.
Instagram is thought of as a valuable tool to promote yourself as a teacher, do you agree and if so what tips can you share to build a community?
I totally agree that it can be an extremely helpful tool for promotion, but there is definitely a fine line. I’ve heard stories of yoga teachers promoting their Instagram in savasana at the end of class, which is just totally not what its about for me.
For me Instagram has been an amazing opportunity to connect with people from all over the world, who are like minded, supportive and just amazing. My tips would be to follow people that are at a similar stage of their journey to you. These are the kind of people you will be able to relate to. I think often people fill their feed with “insta yogis” that they think may inspire them but actually end up making them feel unworthy or bad about their own practice. If you open your Instagram and feel worse after, then you’ve got some unfollowing to do.
I would also encourage people to get involved in one of the many yoga challenges out there on Instagram at the moment because I found that it really helps to find people that share similar experiences to you and is a great way to get connected.
Where do you sweat, breathe, refuel?
I don’t actually workout. At the moment, walking and yoga is my only form of “exercise” because it suits me best. I mainly have a home practice, but if I do go out to a studio I go to Alchemy Yoga in Essex because they have an amazing rocket yoga class that I honestly just love. There are so many amazing places to eat in London, but I often find myself in Natural Kitchen on the Marylebone high street for a quick bite or a smoothie before I go to teach clients.
Tips for anyone starting yoga or trying to improve their practice?
I would say to start off, find a really nice local studio that do a beginner’s class and go to that instead of going to a really huge fancy class where you may get swallowed up or feel intimidated. I personally feel most comfortable in those kind of small personal classes. I would also say if you don’t have time to get out to a studio, find a teacher on YouTube that you like and try getting into it that way.
For both beginners and for those trying to improve their practice, I would always stress that consistency and patience are key. Even if you practice once a week for an hour, or more often for just five minutes, it will make a huge difference. There’s no hope in going on a crazy hype of yoga for a week and then forgetting about it for the next two months. Build it into your routine to get consistent. Also being patient with yourself is so important because one practice you may feel totally in touch with your body or nail something you’ve been working towards and then the next time you practice its gone again. This happens to me ALL THE TIME and I’m telling you now it’s a test! It’s a test for you to check in with your ego and not let it get the better of you. So yes, consistency and patience for me have been a winning combo.
Five items you can’t live without?
This one really got me thinking because I’ve been working hard on practicing the art of non-attachment, especially to material things, so my brain now automatically goes “don’t be silly Jen, you can live without everything.” But if I had to answer I would say…
iPhone: Shameful, but true. When I don’t have it on me I feel a bit lost. Quite literally, because I have no sense of direction and use maps to navigate everywhere
Earphones: I have always been obsessed with music, I spend most of everyday listening to it
Shiva Linga crystal: I have this big round lump of it and it helps me massively to stay grounded
Nail polish: I’m embarrassed at myself to even say this because it is really superficial, but I’m bare foot most of the time because of teaching and it’s nice to have my toenails painted
Dressing gown: There is truly nothing better than putting on your dressing gown, especially in the winter in London
Follow Jen on her wonderful journey here.
Marcos Pérez, The Argentian Yogi
25 September 2018
Mostly all of my stories on the blog are by London based yogi's so from time to time I love to get someone from accross the other side of the world to tell their story. On that note Marcos caught my eye a while back so I got in touch to hear a story all the way from Argentina.
And an amazing one it was too..
Firstly, do you remember the first time you practiced yoga and how it made you feel?
Yes! I came across some photos of people doing yoga when I was 19 years old, and I became so curious about it I ended up searching for an online class on YouTube and practicing in my living room. At that time I hated doing any kind of exercise and I remember my legs burning like crazy for the first time in downward dog and thinking "well, maybe this is not for me!", but there was something more to it than just the movement of the body that kept me interested like connecting with my inner self, being so conscious about the breath and the present and of course the magical moment of savasana! When I ended the practice I just felt good and I definetely needed that in my teen years. One year later, I started studying theater and my modern dance teacher used to finish his classes with yoga, and there I really noticed the benefits for my body and also felt sort of a calling to take this practice as my lifestyle.
Asking this question from London, UK all the way to you in Argentina, the yoga scene here in London is getting more popular by the day, what is it like in Buenos Aires and how have you seen it develop in the past few years?
Luckily, same here! I think a huge part of the world is being a witness of a beautiful shift of consciousness in the past few years. Buenos Aires has now so many options where you can practice or become a yoga teacher. You also have yoga festivals, yoga libraries, free yoga classes on parks, etc. And I also see the growth in the rest of Argentina. I was born in a smaller city, 200 km away from Buenos Aires, called Gualeguaychú, and when I go there to visit my parents I always hear about new places where you can practice and it makes me really happy to see that people are getting more and more interested in Yoga because I truly believe in its power.
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?
A few years ago I had a huge project where I moved to another country and invested literally everything I had, I even sold all of my furniture!. It didn't work out at all. It was actually one of the most nerve-wracking experience I've had to go through (meditation came in handy to keep myself sane those days). It was a series of unfortunate events that within a year left me back in my parents house with nothing but a suitcase with my clothes. I remember how I wished I've never gone there or that I could forget it all. But last year I realized how stronger that experience made me, all the things I learned that made me see life in a different way and all the tools I got which I am using now to build a solid ground for my life. I learned that when it comes to dealing with a past we feel like letting go, I think gratitude is the best way. Honoring the past is how we embrace our being with all the impressions our journey through life has left us and actually accept the present moment. Even if at first glance gratitude seems like a passive reflection, it's actually how you build resilience, so I would recommend to not take it as a chore but to truly feel it deep in your heart because by doing so you'll witness how far you've come, how much you've grown, how your beliefs have changed, how much stronger you've become.. and also you create space for more things to be grateful in the future.
Regarding my practice, I think my favorite failures are when I fall from inverted asanas! It's amazing how much you learn from falling, from how to move your body to not get hurt to the fears you leave behind, which obviously you then apply on your everyday life.
What five items can you not live without?
I have to say that after that very hard experience I had where I lost all my belongings, I became sort of a minimalist. My phone is important to me, mostly because my closest friends and family don't live in Buenos Aires so keeping in touch with them on a daily basis is crucial for me, and also checking on the amazing online yoga community where I learn new things every single day thanks to so many people sharing their practice.
Another fundamental item for me is my yoga mat. I just love to have it near me and knowing that within seconds I can unroll it and practice or just sit to meditate. Is like carrying a portable shelter! Is the first thing I put with my luggage if I had to go somewhere.
And then, I think I like to have a good book and a cup of tea near me. That's about it. I still have one more thing to pick right? Umh.. Does having some "me" time to just be alone and practice count as an item? hahaha!
Minnie Samengo-Turner, Yoga Teacher at Core Collective
19 September 2018
Some of my regular readers will recognise Core Collective, a boutique London studio in which I have featured a couple of times in the past, reason being they somehow find the best London teachers!!
This one no less is a little beauty, Minnie Samengo-Turner, Sports-mad former sprinter and tennis player, is passionate about her yoga having been introduced to it through her mother. She is now a fully fledged teacher, living the yogi dream so to speak, here is her story...
How did you come into yoga and what was the thought that went through your head after your first yoga class?
My mum introduced me to yoga. I’ve always been very sporty and played tennis, hockey and athletics to a high level. She thought I needed something calming. She also knew I would love the savasana at the end!
After my first class I was thinking gosh I’m so bad at that! I never knew you could sweat that much just moving on a mat! My hips were so tight, pigeon pose was my nemesis, I could barley touch the floor with my hands! I usually hate doing things that I’m bad at but i stuck with it because I felt so good after. I felt I was an inch taller and as if I was floating down the street walking back home! Also I would always sleep so well after.
Any tips for improving ones practice or starting a home practice?
Persistance is key! I’ve learnt to be patient with my body and has taken me 2 years to build up my flexibility. But if I can do it - then anyone can!
There are so many amazing teachers online. Use YouTube and Find a teacher you like. Don’t feel like you have to do an hours session every time. Even if you just have a 20-30 mins it’s still just as beneficial to get the body moving. I love doing it in the morning but do what works for you :)
Coffee or green tea, protein shake or green juice?!
Green tea and green juice. I’m lucky I’ve never got hooked on coffee and don’t need it to wake me up in the mornings.
Favourite yoga studios in London?
Obviously I love Core Collective but I’ve got a few favourites for different reasons. Union station yoga is fab, I love the community feel it has. Battersea yoga is a little haven in the middle of London. KXU - I love Danielle’s and Kathryn’s classes there. Blok is my new favourite too in Shoreditch. We are so lucky we have so many amazing studios all over London.
What's are your favourite books which have inspired you?!
Power of Now, Happiness - a guide to life’s most important skill (currently reading this and loving it!) and The Kite Runner
What's your morning routine?
My coach has given me some drills to work on my flexibility and handstand etc so I like to do those for about 15 mins, then I meditate for 10 mins and then I journal. Write down my goals, what I’m grateful for and anything else that might be stuck in my head. I’ve only just started doing meditating and journalling and I’m finding it’s helps. I feel as if I approach my day with more ease and calm. I definitely notice the days when I don’t do it! If I’m not teaching in the morning then I go to a yoga class. I like to have hot water and lemon and usually don’t eat breakfast until about 10am. I’ve been reading up about fasting and trying to fast for 14 hours to give my digestive system a break. I actually never really feel that hungry when I wake up so I find it quite easy!
Five items items you can't live without?
yoga mat, my lululemon leggings, mayonnaise, sleep and my family
Melody Hekmat, Yoga Teacher
21 August 2018
I discovered this gorgeous little lady recently with her yoga eye candy filled instagram feed! Melody is an experienced Jivamukti yoga teacher with 800 hours qualification, for anyone who hasn't practiced this form of yoga before, it's a must, a combination hatha, vinyasa and mediation.
As well as Jivamukti, Melody also practises Kundalini, Ashtanga and Iyengar - you'll find this little beauty at KXU, Triyoga and Bodyism.
As well as Jivamukti, Melody also practises Kundalini, Ashtanga and Iyengar - you'll find this little beauty at KXU, Triyoga and Bodyism.
We caught up on the back streets of Chelsea for a very fun shoot in the sun!
What do you think the world needs more of right now?
-OF course LOVE... always. As cliche as it is. And generosity.
It’s not that there is lack of food in the world, we waist so much everyday, without even realising it. It’s becomes there is a lack of love, it’s because of greed.
An act of kindness and generosity goes a long way...
Favourite studios to practice at in London?
Sangye yoga school, anytime of the day you go to practice you granted a good class.
Also triyoga and Kxu for variety of styles and the quality of teaching.
Where do love to hangout / eat in London?
Most of the time I hang out where I work and it’s usually in Notting hill.
I love Bodyism cafe in Notting hill, their Asai bowls are the best in London.
What books have changed your perception in one way or another?
Alchemist by Paulo coelho, I read it probably 20 years a go before I moved to London.
The whole journey teaches you to listen and to follow your heart and dreams;
we should always seize the opportunities life offers in the pursuit of whatever makes us happy.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
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