Portrait of a yoga teacher in Bordeaux: Alice Ochronowicz
My name is Alice, I am 29 years old and I am a yoga teacher in Bordeaux. I love traveling, the ocean, the sun, I love music, laughing and enjoying life.
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 drawn to yoga and well-being in general.
What practice for your well-being?
Well-being involves many things. I pay attention to what I eat because I know that food plays a huge role in the mind. I take a lot of time for myself, I love getting massages and I do face and hair masks every week. I try to see the positive side of everything (even if it's not always easy) and above all I practice yoga every day which, by unblocking my body, unblocks the knots in my mind!
What is the ritual of your practice?
I usually start by putting on a comfortable outfit (even if I spend my life in yoga clothes) and making space in my apartment (I have to move the table in my living room). Then I roll out my mat, dim the lights and set up a few candles. I light my incense, and lie down in savasana for a few moments. I empty my mind and think of an intention. Then I put on some music and start dancing on my mat. I slow down the music and often switch from rap or pop to mantras and at that point I close my eyes and my body knows what it has to do to relax and create space within me.
What do you get out of it?
I like to say that before a yoga session you have 100 problems and after you have 10. It helps me to relax, to put things into perspective, to gain altitude, to calm down.
What do you carry in your yoga bag?
I usually already have my yoga outfit on me, but if I don't, I put it in my bag. I also bring a bottle of lemon water or an infusion. And that's about it!
What is your favorite object/accessory?
My mala beads. But it just broke, it has reached the end of its cycle. So I have to, with great regret, change it and set new intentions.
What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?
I would say that you have to stay focused on your mat. It doesn't matter if your neighbor on the mat has mastered the splits perfectly or if she can put her foot behind her head! What you have to do is stay focused on yourself and work with what you have today. Some days it will be easier than others to let go and other days you will have to be extra kind to yourself. We are here to do ourselves good, to take care of ourselves.
Where/how do you practice?
I usually practice at home. I let my body do the postures it needs. I love practicing outdoors.
What is your mantra/favourite phrase?
Let come what comes and go what must.
