Portrait of Jessica, student in clinical psychology and therapeutic yoga

Jessica is 26 years old. Traveling has always been a part of her life. She has lived in Australia for the last three years, but has also traveled and lived in other countries such as Holland, the United States, and India. She recently returned to Belgium, her native country, to begin a second Master's degree in Clinical Psychology (Université Catholique de Louvain) and to start a training in Yoga Therapy with Dr. Kausthub Desikachar (Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation). She trained in Yoga in 2015 in Dharamsala, India (Parimukti Yoga School) and followed a meditation training in Australia, in Adelaide in 2017 (LifeFlow Meditation Centre).

It was only natural that I asked him a few personal questions about his yoga practice, which I am sharing with you today .

How did you get into taking care of yourself?

I have always been interested in the relationship between body and mind. Since I was very young, I have always wanted to find the answers to certain existential questions. For me, meditation and yoga were a way to explore these questions and realize that we are part of a greater Whole. Doing good to myself and becoming aware of my universality allows me to "know" myself better and therefore to better connect with others, help them, understand them, etc. and therefore to live.

What practice for your well-being?

Outside of my practice, I love running, climbing, walking, listening to music, being in nature. Dance is my way of expressing my emotions.

What is the ritual of your practice?

I usually practice every morning, before I start anything. I get up, brush my teeth, and do my practice. I practice in front of my altar (stones, pictures of people who are important to me, other objects that have important symbolism for me, etc.) on my yoga mat, with dim lighting. I prefer to practice in the dark, it gives me a feeling of intimacy and inner return. If I do an additional practice (in the afternoon or evening) I sometimes light candles and burn what I have left of sage or Palo Santo, or I burn incense. My practice includes asanas and a mantra to repeat in each position. I add a meditation or chant during my day/evening if I wish or feel the need.

What do you get out of it?

My personal practice was given to me by my mentor and allows me to evolve by working with my obstacles and difficulties. It helps me realize my potential and assume the person I am. It makes me feel good and refocuses me, despite the difficulties that a practice can also bring, because it can bring out many things (on an emotional, physical, mental level, etc.). But, in my opinion, it is part of the evolution process.

What do you carry in your Yoga bag?

I don't really have a yoga bag that I carry anything specific yoga related in. I just have my yoga mat and my water bottle to hydrate after class.

What is your favorite object/accessory?

My water bottle , I take it everywhere. And for now, I also always have a fluorite and a rose quartz close to me.

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

Listen to your body, do what makes you feel good! Whether it’s dancing, singing, cooking, reading, listening to music, being with your friends, alone, in nature. Listen to yourself and trust that little voice that speaks to you.

Where/how do you practice?

Usually I practice in my room, in front of my altar.

Sometimes I practice in nature: on the grass (park, garden, forest), on the beach, in the mountains.

What is your mantra?

“Make your own Bible.” Select and collect all the words and sentences that in all your readings have been yo you like the blast of a trumpet. » -Ralph Waldo Emerson