Portrait of a natural bohemian yogi: Lina Bou

I met Lina Bou during a yoga class given by her partner Lilian Durey. Lina is a bohemian Swedish naturopath. Naturopathy is an unconventional medicine that aims to balance the functioning of the body through "natural" means such as diets, healthy living, herbal medicine, massages, etc. To follow her partner, she left her Parisian comfort to travel across Europe aboard their truck converted for the occasion. She runs a blog "My Taste of Health" where she provides well-being recipes and offers beautiful, tasty and healthy recipes. And offers her services as an excellent cook for detox retreats.

It was only natural that I asked him a few personal questions about his yoga practice and his well-being recipes that I am sharing with you today.

How did you get into taking care of yourself?

The most important thing is to feel good about what you do and to listen to your physical and mental needs at every moment. It could be a massage, a walk or a glass of red wine.

I practice yoga and meditation daily but not necessarily two hours a day, sometimes 15 minutes is enough to start the day and get into the flow with a good mood.

But for me the most important thing is to live yoga and meditation as a practice engaged in each of my actions.

I also stay active through sports like running, hiking or dancing. My new favorite is surfing. It is a practice where I have to be strong, courageous and focused at the same time as in a meditative state.

What practice for your well-being?

My practice changes depending on where I am. I take my inspiration from the moment. My asana practice (postures and movements) is always the same, all year round. In summer, I will rather go outside to practice outdoor sports while in winter I will enjoy a cozy and warm place to dance, participate in group classes and then have a sauna.

For my food, even if I am not strict like a nun or if I do not put a name on my diets etc… I could describe myself as a “quality person”, because I eat as much local and organic seasonal products as possible.

I believe that the key to healthy and vital nutrition is to be in tune with nature by nourishing ourselves with what it provides.

The last important thing in my practice is to surround myself with people who inspire me, positive and joyful people. Love and peace are essential for our health, they make things flow and it is the best way to live good relationships, a career or any other experiences.

What is the ritual of your practice?

I like to have special moments like rituals for myself. These are moments where I center myself to give myself all the love and energy that will recharge me.

It could be a walk in the forest, a hot bath or meditation.

These rituals are part of the present. They are moments of solitude where you can nourish yourself with all the things and love you have exchanged.

I feel that growing up in a forest in northern Sweden as an only child and playing with my "imaginary friends" taught me how nourishing these moments with oneself are - "playing alone in the forest" to being "a strong independent woman"...

What do you get out of it?

Huge! Better posture, more energy, less muscle tension and great massages for the organs… and you feel the difference when you don’t do it.

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

Very little, my SuperLite Manduka travel mat that I fold in 4 and maybe an essential oil (eucalyptus) for pranayamas

What is your favorite object/accessory?

My essential oil kit for all situations, my sketchbook and my film camera.

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

Don't complicate your life too much and don't let your thoughts take up too much space, live and be honest with yourself and others.

For yoga, leave your ego aside and don't just put yoga on your mat but in your whole life.

Where/how do you practice?

It depends on where I am but I love practicing Ashtanga on my Manduka Pro Mat because it is super comfortable and the grip is great. One thing we really need is a peaceful place without outside disturbances.

What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

Reality is the product of our dreams, our decisions and our actions.

"There are only two days in the year when nothing can be accomplished. The first is called yesterday and the second is tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and above all live. "

Dalai Lama