Tell us a little bit about yourself :)
I'm 25 years old, married girl, who lives in Prague, Czech Republic. I have always loved to move. I like to walk with my dog, swim and do really almost everything that can be done. I love reading, studying and meditation. I love nature so my favorite places are woods, parks, by the sea. I just really love the world. :)
How did you get introduced to yoga?
I've started doing yoga with my mum as a child. We've practiced at home, I was attending courses and summer camps. I was singing mantras that I didn't understand and I remember that I had mixed feelings about it. But yoga kept coming to me and every time it brought something new. It became a big part of my life and I truly love it.
When did yoga get “serious”?
I always loved to move. As a child I was playing tenis, swimming, doing gymnastics and yoga and somehow it never left me. During high school I was going to the gym very often. I was attending lessons, running on a mill and stretching but I've missed some acrobatics so I've started attending pole dance classes. After some time the owner asked me if I want to go to the aerial yoga teacher training and I went to and started teaching with the others.
Can you share your biggest challenges ?
The biggest challenge I face is between me and myself. It doesn't matter if I have to fight myself in a morning to get up and practice or to let go of something. It always comes to me. It’s on us to decide what we will keep and what we will let go and this is the hardest thing to learn and accept.
How do you handle pressure?
Of course, I guess that everyone is at least sometimes under pressure. I tend to bear a lot on my shoulders and I would like to perform the best for my clients and people around me. Sometimes you just need to let go and relax, because it's just not possible to keep up with every pressure. Take a break and breather!
Can you share your thoughts on self consciousness?
Of course I'm nervous! Every time I teach and go in front of people I'm so nervous if I'll perform to their expectations. However, each time I feel that feeling I assure myself that as always I'll do the best thing possible in that precise moment and that that it's enough. Mind is very powerful tool and the more nervous you get the harder it is to focus and perform.
What was your most embarrassing moment (in regards to yoga of course ;)
Last week I've been teaching yoga class and after relaxation I was telling them with calm voice about mudra (position of hands) that is used by buddhist monks, there was amazing atmosphere, relaxing music and out of nowhere, music had changed and instead of calm music, there was hard rap.
How did yoga influence your life in other ways?
My passion for sports has influenced my education, employment, friends and even relationships. My husband also loves sports, he's very passionate about jiu jitsu and crossfit, he loves yin yoga. My friends are mostly instructors or my clients. I'm instructor myself and thanks to my love for yoga I've chosen medical university. Thanks to my love to yoga and sport I don't drink alcohol or go to the party, but I wouldn't have time anyway. I enjoy life as it is :)
What does your daily routine look like ?
I wake up at 5:30 AM, make myself hot water with lemon, do daily hygiene, practice yoga, have breakfast and around 7 AM I start teaching. Usually I have 3 to 4 classes in a row. Sometimes those are group lessons, sometimes private classes. But after lunch, I always make time for my dog. We go for a walk for 2 hours or so.
Then I have training or more classes, I usually teach 4-6 classes per day, plus I add my trainings that are either way in studio or gym. In the evening we have dinner with my husband, we talk and laugh and prepare for another day :)
And what about your flexibility training ? Where does that fit in ?
I really love to use yoga wheels right now. It's so great for thoracic spine mobility and for stretching of all muscles. As a yoga teacher I stretch every day during my classes and my own personal practice and training. I've studied a lot and for me is the best to start with dynamic stretch or pulsation and then do very gentle static stretches. My body just doesn't work with pressure.
What keeps you motivated?
Courses or classes of other teachers are motivating me the most. I'm the one for personal contact. I love books and Instagram, but it is not exactly the thing that would help me to keep going.
What are your future plans/goals/dreams?
In the future I would love to partly live in Bali, Indonesia. I love the country and I'm returning there every year. This time I'll be staying for 2 month long yoga teacher training and I can't wait for that. We would like to build yoga retreat center in there. I hope that we will be able to turn our dreams to reality.
Any tips for passionate people starting out ?
If you're starting any sport, it's great to start with a personal trainer. He or she will help you see yourself as you really are and to set your goals. I was always solitaire and it would make my way so much easier. It's very important to focus on the details and pay attention to your body and feelings. I always had a feeling that I have to be able to do everything and I've pushed too hard and body is just not able to go like that for a long. I wish I was able to listen to my body sooner.
Anything else?
Movement is the most natural and freeing activity to do. So go out and do what your heart desire