Tell us a little bit about yourself :)
I am from Sao Paulo - Brazil. I currently live in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina Island – Brazil.
How did you get introduced to yoga?
When I was a child, I started to learn about Yoga by reading my father’s books. However, I only started to practice yoga more seriously two years ago (when I was 30 years old).
When did yoga get “serious”?
It became serious when I realized that yoga is not only about doing asanas but actually about combining asanas with the breathing and the inner part of you. This is where the strength of yoga lies in. Once I became aware of this, everything has changed. My posture has changed, my breathing, my bad habits started to diminish and my focus has increased.
Can you share your biggest challenges ?
The biggest challenge is not to stop to practice when you are not feeling up for it. The secret is in the discipline and balancing. Some days I do not feel like I am in shape to do asanas, so I practice meditation and breathing techniques instead and try not to push myself too much.
How do you handle pressure?
In the beginning I was under a lot of pressure. I was just thinking about being in the best shape possible and doing a perfect asana. However, after practicing and studying philosophy of yoga I learned that perfection does not really matter, but actually your inner peace and strength.
Can you share your thoughts on self consciousness?
Yoga unites our consciousness with the divine and the instruments for this are our body, mind and soul being in tune with one another.
What was your most embarrassing moment (in regards to your yoga of course ;)
I am still learning Ashtanga and when I am practicing the transition from the handstand to the wheel pose, it always looks very funny.
How did yoga influence your life in other ways?
Yoga influenced and keeps influencing my life in so many different ways. Over time, I stopped doing things that I did only to be socially accepted and I felt much better. Those actions were detrimental to my physical and mental health and I am happy that yoga helped me find the true meaning of life.
What does your daily routine look like ?
I do not have fixed daily routing for my practice. I try to use every opportunity throughout the day to meditate and do pranayama and asanas.
And what about your flexibility training ? Where does that fit in ?
I practice daily. Flexibility comes over time, but the most important thing is to harmonize the movements.
What keeps you motivated?
Two years ago I was in a very profound existential crisis. Panic syndrome and depressing were leading me to think of suicide. Then one day, I knelt and asked Jesus to help me and give me a light because I could not live with so much pain and suffering. The exact same day I discovered Paramahansa Yogananda and began to read his works. I began having a different vision of life, the only real vision: we are here to live and look for the best alternative to warm our hearts which is the divine. I then started doing yoga challenged of the yogis @beachyogagirl and @kinoyoga and started to practice asanas on a daily basis.
What are your future plans/goals/dreams?
To continue to study this universal sacred science forever, until the next reincarnation if possible hehehe
Any tips for passionate people starting out yoga ?
The main tip would be: BEGIN. Then, continue. Even on a bad day, even with laziness – these are the moments when you should try even harder and practice even more. Study hard, read books of the ascended masters, the scriptures that give us all amazing tips. Finally, try to focus all your energy on deep breathing.
Anything else?
I would like to thank Jenna and the whole EverStretch team for contacting me and giving me the opportunity to talk about this magical part of my life. I hope that my little story of overcoming the difficult period in life inspired many hearts and if you have any questions about the studies, please feel free to speak with me I would be glad to help.
Anything you’d like to share?
Instagram lovepranayoga