Portrait of a nurse yogini: Fiona Iménéo
In love with the body in movement, after practicing martial arts for 10 years, Fiona Iménéo discovered Yoga 9 years ago.
She has been teaching Vinyasa flow for 3 years (recently trained in the De Gasquet pre and post natal method as well). She divides her time between her job as a nurse and teaching yoga.
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 was tortured for a long time, hating my body and subjecting it to drastic diets among other things. I decided to take care of myself the day I moved from my hometown to continue my studies at 20 years old, in a new universe, during a difficult period of my life, I decided to push open the door of a yoga studio ... the magic happened and the rest followed ... 9 years of diligent practice have gradually reconciled me with my body and my mind. Today I have learned to listen to my body's messages and to respond to it correctly.
What practice for your well-being?
Yoga of course, today between teaching and my job as a nurse it is more complicated to practice as much but I keep a place for my personal practice even if it is just 30 minutes a day. I am very sporty, I run to let off steam, I do crossfit with my lover to push my limits. Each of my practices brings me something different and I love it.
What is the ritual of your practice?
My big ritual is the morning one, an Ayurvedic ritual. I practice “Nauli” abdominal mixing, Gandush (tongue cleaning), I drink an infusion and I practice at least one inversion, if I have time a few Surya Namaskar <3 and more if affinities :)
What do you get out of it?
A feeling of being embodied in my body to start the day. Being in the present moment, even if it's complicated to make this state last all day, I have my own moment to feel my body and circulate my energy. No matter the time in fact, sometimes drinking a coffee in good company is the most useful ritual for someone, even if it's short.
What do you carry in your yoga bag?
Always drinking, I hydrate myself a lot (of Pitta constitution (fire) I really need water to balance myself). In the summer I drink liters of coconut water or aloe vera juice. Always an outfit where I feel good (and pretty if possible). I think it's important to like the outfit you wear to practice (I have the choice because I am an Ambassador of the E-Shop BEM store which sells brands that I love), feeling good in your body during practice also involves the comfort of your outfit. And then it's also a way to express your tastes and creativity. Finally! an elastic because I have very very long hair :) and my favorite Yoga mat, I've had the same one for years and I love it.
What is your favorite object/accessory?
essential oil, a mixture from the Tégarome brand that I put on my wrists before practicing or to massage my students in Savasana.
What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?
Practice as long as possible without a goal. I practiced for years without knowing why. Just because it was magical what I felt. I traveled through the practices, with different teachers, in different cities, countries… and that's where the magic enters us. When it can do what it wants, and not serve our “goals”.
Where/how do you practice?
I practice as much as possible in courses and workshops of other teachers whose teaching inspires me. But since I have been teaching I have developed a deeper personal practice that has become a real need. I practice most often in my living room, I start my playlist and off I go...
What is your mantra/favourite phrase?
Find Fiona on her Instagram and Facebook networks. You can also visit her website .
