Living a yogic lifestyle looks different in the modern world from what it did traditionally. So what does daily life look like as a yogi? And how can you harness the power of yogic rituals to truly walk your talk?
Seane Corn – Yoga Teacher and Co-Founder, Off the Mat, Into the World
Q – What’s the best thing about being a yoga teacher?
A – For me, there is nothing more amazing, intimate and creative than facilitating sacred space and being a part of someone’s healing journey. It’s a magical process, and I mean that literally, as magic is often defined as “shifting energy at will” and that is exactly what happens when we practice yoga.
It’s a privilege to bare witness to such a personal process and to be allowed to have a front row seat to someone’s transformational journey. It is something I am so grateful for and hope never to take for granted.
Q – What does your typical daily life look like? Do you integrate any special rituals?
A – Because I am on the road so often I do not have a typical day because it’s always dependent on a few different factors. What I can tell you, no matter where I am, I have 7 non-negotiable self care practices that I commit to so that the work I do is sustainable.
Everyday I do yoga, meditate and pray. I make sure my diet is nurturing and nourishing and that I get the sleep I need. Each week I commit to working with my spiritual guide or therapist one on one so as to process what is coming up and challenge any limited beliefs. Lastly, I try as often as I can to incorporate play; which I am not great at, but recognise it is essential for cultivating joy. These are the things I do daily and weekly to ensure I show up in my teaching and life with more patience, acceptance and love.
Bianca Machliss – Yoga Teacher and Director, Yoga Synergy
Q- What’s the best thing about being a yoga teacher?
A – The fantastic students! When someone’s life gets inspired, helped or changed by coming to classes – and they let you know. Sometimes its hard to tell and not so many people give feedback, but sometimes years later they tell you what a huge impact you have made, and that feels so special. The actual art of teaching keeps you really present which is really what yoga is about – being in the present moment.
Q – What does your typical daily life look like? Do you integrate any special rituals?
A – It’s always fun, but every day in the week is different. I’m a mum; so there’s lots of kids, home stuff and list a mile long. I run the business Yoga Synergy – so there’s a LOT of emailing and phone calls. I also have a dog – so she gets a walk, then at either end of the day there’s some yoga teaching – where I get to do a bit of my practice too. One class per week is a practice class to music, which I love. Then at night I meditate before bed!
Gabor Bukovinszky, Yoga Teacher and Director, Yoga Flame
Q – What’s the best thing about being a yoga teacher?
A – The special thing is the service. Being there for students, helping them with their physical practice and health, guiding them trough the psychological and spiritual aspects of yoga and encouraging them when in doubt.
Q – What does your typical daily life look like? Do you integrate any special rituals?
A – Most days wake up at 5:18am – sometimes earlier, rarely later. My morning ritual includes breathing exercises, Sun Salutations, an exercise called Lymphasizing (which is basically jumping up and down to cleanse the cells and energise), floor poses, inversions, bandha work and Nauli Kriya (that strange looking abdominal massage), incantations (where I recite some special words for the day), my mantra and meditation. This can all fit into 20-45 minutes. I also do short meditations throughout the day. I do all this to energise myself and for total focus, so I can direct my mind and be in charge with that and for a healthy strong body. Throughout the day I teach, coach and take care of the household. I feel that by having a practice I am more present, and am a better listener, teacher, father and husband. I even love myself more which I believe is key to all of us to love others and life itself.
Louisa Sear, Yoga Teacher and Director, Yoga Arts
Q – What’s the best thing about being a yoga teacher?
A – One of the best things of being a yoga teacher for me, is sharing the amazing wisdom that yoga is. How amazing is that? What an incredible subject! To be able to understand the self, to evolve to be a better person and for the wisdom to translate into our daily lives. For as long as I can remember this love of ‘truth’ has been with me – so to be in a position to teach it, to be reminded, to constantly be delving deeper into these mysteries with others, is more than humbling. It feels like a privilege.
Q – What does your typical daily life look like? Do you integrate any special rituals?
A – My regular day begins anywhere between 5 to 6.30am depending if I am teaching or not. When I am not teaching it starts with the usual essentials – shower, cup of hot ginger, turmeric and lemon tea, meditation, pranayama, asana and breakfast. I then get onto some of the daily jobs (depending on where I am) like organising trainings, classes and workshops. Some research and study. Managing a yoga retreat centre, hobbies, creative interests like making natural oils and balms and cooking – I love to cook wholesome natural food, particularly Ayurvedic Indian Inspired! It never feels complete unless I spend some time in nature – this might be going down to the creek and sitting on a rock at my home in Australia, meandering through the rice paddies if I’m in Bali, or walking on the beach where ever I am. These days I prefer not to fill up every minute of the day, and make time just to hang out with friends and partner and enjoy the very simple things.
