Portrait of Virginie Van Parijs, yoga teacher
Virginie, mother of two children, yoga and pilates teacher, developed her own yoga center with her husband.
It is with kindness and listening that Virginie shares this passion with her students. She teaches a yoga “adapted to each person”; because we are all unique, with distinct stories and each body has different needs. For her, there is not just one way to practice the posture. Everyone has their own version, while respecting their “being”!
In connection with the written transmission of Patanjali, and his definition of yoga, she reminds her students that yoga is much more than a posture or a breathing exercise. An invitation to listen to oneself, to one's limits of the day or of the body, without taking into account the posture on the neighboring mat, or the hairs sticking out of a pair of leggings ;-) .... or even what our mind itself would like us to achieve...
How did you get into taking care of yourself?
I was already doing yoga, but not regularly. When I met my husband, who is also a yoga teacher, it became obvious! Today, even my holidays are oriented around yoga: a teacher I want to meet, a training course I dream of following, a place to practice, trying out a yoga I don't know...
My training in Ayurveda also taught me to take care of my health through a healthy lifestyle and appropriate diet.
What practice for your well-being?
I like to start my yoga session with pranayama followed by meditation. Then, depending on the days, the moons and my hormonal cycle, I continue with a practice of ashtanga yoga, hatha yoga or a more abdominal-focused work of the Gasquet method. I always adapt according to my energy, my mood and also according to the weather.
I am interested in all forms of yoga, because each of them is a treasure that nourishes me according to my needs.
What is the ritual of your practice?
I prefer to practice early in the morning, on an empty stomach, when the little family is still asleep.
If I feel stiff, before my shower I rub my whole body vigorously with sesame oil.
I always start the session with belly kriyas and end with relaxation.
What do you get out of it?
Beyond the physical benefits, regular practice gives me a calmer, more patient mind with more distance from events. A positive mood adorned with gratitude towards life.
But I remain human and sometimes I don't get up early enough to practice, but I feel the difference, and don't like this “tamasic” sensation.
What do you carry in your Yoga bag?
a yoga towel because I like the feel of the fabric, and for ashtanga it's the ideal combination with sweating and jumping! And finally
a notepad!What is your favorite object/accessory?
What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?
Where/how do you practice?
What is your mantra?
