Portrait of a nurse yoga teacher: Mayana Duhau
Presentation: “gentleness, kindness and dynamism”
Mayana Dahau is a Hatha yoga teacher in the Landes:
"I like to bring gentleness and enveloping love into my classes, all tinged with philosophical concepts."
Initially a nurse, she trained in therapeutic meditation to help her patients suffering from anxiety/depressive disorders during mindfulness/self-esteem and emotional management workshops... she realized at that moment how much she loved teaching. It was in Australia that she fell in love with Yoga and the man who now shares her life.
Trained in India, she learned traditional yoga that fascinated her so much. She would not have believed that a year later so many things would have been accomplished. Today Mayana works in one of the most beautiful studios in Aquitaine @yogasearcherhossegor , she opened her own studio in Dax @mayanayoga and she met a multitude of fascinating people who are now her friends.
She feels extremely lucky and grateful for the abundance that the universe has brought her with yoga. Now she moves forward confidently in this voice that excites her more and more every day.
How did you get into taking care of yourself?
It hasn't been easy and sometimes I still overwhelm myself with "to do lists" but by teaching my students self-compassion and gratitude I have clearly gained self-esteem and allow myself to take more care of myself. Obviously yoga and meditation (especially kindness meditation) are major keys in this process.
What practice for your well-being?
Yoga classes with different teachers. I love discovering new approaches and going to a space dedicated to yoga.
Having two jobs this year, I had a hard time finding time to practice at home. I preferred to take yoga classes with inspiring teachers or practice directly with my teacher friends (equally inspiring). Next year I will devote myself completely to yoga and stop my job as a nurse, I can't wait to resume my personal practice at home.
What is the ritual of your practice?
For meditation: timer app (I set the timer and it motivates me to see how long, days etc. I have meditated) + Himalayan salt lamp + "chattra" meditation cushion and homemade bolster.
For yoga: I don't really have a ritual. I usually practice in the evening or on weekends, given my schedule.
What do you get out of it?
Yoga is now part of my life on every level.
I put into practice what I teach my students (sutras, mantra, pranayamas...) and it brings me a feeling of "meaning", of constant personal improvement, which is delicious. I feel more confident, with more energy, more feminine and I also listen more to my intuition.
What is your favorite accessory?
My yoga mat 😂 he follows me everywhere.
What would be your advice for Tayrona yoginis?
To be interested in the philosophy of yoga, not only during classes but to read the sutras and try to practice and amplify its virtues (non-violence, gratitude, etc.)
I also recommend a good book for this: The Complete Art of Yoga.
What is your favorite mantra phrase?
Actually it changes every week. Every Monday I write down in my diary the mantra that will guide my actions or how I want to feel for the week.
This week's is:
"You are exactly where you need to be, trust, let go, everything will be okay."
