Tell us a little bit about yourself :)
My name is Carol Arnelas, I am originally from Spain but I have lived in London for nearly a decade. I am passionate about yoga and meditation.
How did you get introduced to yoga and when did yoga get serious?
I started my Yoga path a few years ago while working Monday to Friday in the City of London. I had what it’s commonly believed as a successful life: a ‘good job’, lots of friends, a partner to share life with and enough money to travel and go out every weekend. But there was still a void inside me, something was missing.
It’s like this how I started practicing yoga and mindfulness meditation. Both practices helped me overcome back pain, become grounded and taught me how to enjoy life. One day I realized I found my path in life, decided to train as a Yoga Teacher and finally quit my 9 to 5 job. At the moment, I teach yoga everyday.
Can you share your biggest challenges ?
My biggest challenge was to give up my full time job and become a full time Yoga teacher. While working full time my personal practice suffered for luck of time and energy but I still found some time to take care of it.
How do you handle pressure and where do you find your motivation?
Yoga is actually really calming practice so maybe the most pressure is to find time and energy everyday to practice. My main motivation is knowing I am going to feel great after practice and also the food I am going to eat afterwards. I am vegetarian and love cooking healthy and tasty meals.
What was your most embarrassing moment (in regards to yoga, of course) ?
Haha. I think the most embarrassing moment was one time while I was teaching I was wearing a top which failed to stay in place during the class and stopped covering what it was for!
How did yoga influence your life in other ways?
My passion completely changed my life. I used to spend my time going out and of course drinking. When I started practicing yoga, this became my life so absolutely no time to go out and even less to be hungover!
What does your typical day look like?
My typical day starts with hot water and lemon followed by some yoga and meditation. I have recently started a 21 days Dynamic Meditation challenge and this is the first thing I do in the morning.Afterwards I have some breakfast (soya yogurt, homemade muesli and fruits) and get ready for the day.
Then I will go around London teaching yoga. I usually finish teaching quite late so then I come home, cook dinner with my beloved and spend the rest of the day together. On my free time, I love exploring new places around and taking yoga pictures for my social network. I love being in frommnt of the camera! I also enjoy reading spiritual books, travelling and love going to the park for a good picnic or bbq.
And what about your flexibility training ? Where does that fit in ?
I usually practice some stretching yoga poses to increase flexibility. I hold each stretch for at least three minutes on each side. I try to practice it daily and for a period of six months to get the maximum results. Currently I am practicing a sequence I have designed to achieve and improve the splits!
What are your future plans/goals/dreams?
My future plans/dreams are to start organizing yoga retreats worldwide and start traveling spreading my teachings everywhere in the world!
Any tips for passionate people who are starting to practice yoga now?
I would recommend them to listen to their bodies. Accept themselves wherever they are and practice everyday. In this way they will see that all is coming and the benefits they will be getting on the way will be priceless!
Also I encourage them to start practicing yoga no matter their age or level of flexibility and strength!
Anything you’d like to share?
Follow me on Instagram: @karolain_yoga
Yogi