Portrait of a yogini yoga teacher: Coelia

After practicing rhythmic gymnastics for around twenty years, Coelia started yoga for physical and sporting reasons.

However, her interest in practice and philosophy quickly evolved and she quickly trained to become a yoga teacher.
Share by moving your body and freeing your mind thanks to fluid, dynamic sequences and in a relaxed atmosphere, these are the watchwords of Coelia's classes!

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?

After practicing Rhythmic Gymnastics very intensely for more than 15 years, and having stopped because of going abroad, my body and my mind wanted to find this feeling of fullness specific to each passion.

Yoga then imposed itself quite quickly. In addition, I was a flight attendant with a very busy schedule, so it had become almost natural for me to want to preserve my health by taking care of myself.

What practice for your well-being?

Yoga first and foremost. Being able to find myself on this mat moving without thinking too much gives me an indescribable good.

Listen to music.

Read

Always make time for little pleasures (a bath, a manicure, a massage, etc.)

Travel. For me it’s essential!

What is the ritual of your practice?

It's never really the same, since it depends on my schedule.

By becoming a Yoga teacher, I unfortunately no longer have as much time for my personal practice, but as soon as I find a free moment, I roll out my mat, with music that inspires me and I let my body express itself.

What do you get out of it?

For a few minutes, my mind calms down… I find myself far from this hectic Parisian pace. Far from this social pressure and these constant judgments. I find myself there, simply being myself. Without expectations…

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

My Lululemon mat

My water bottle (I teach a lot at Yuj Yoga Studio in the heat, so I need to hydrate extra)

A massage oil to pamper my students.

A change of clothes (leggings, bra and crop top)

What is your favorite object/accessory?

Leggings! I think I have about forty of them :D

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

To take the plunge.

To try, despite the stereotypes, the looks of others, to propel yourself for at least 60 minutes into this bubble that a Yoga practice can represent.

Perhaps also try to find the type of Yoga that suits you, try it out and define your own tastes.

And remember that perfect postures do not exist, everyone has their own pace, and it is never the appearance of the asanas that counts but the path taken which is all the more important.

Where/how do you practice?

With my favorite teachers:
Tatiana and Alexander at YUJ YOGA STUDIO
Benoit at YOGA VILLAGE
Manon at SIMONE
Alix at BROMANCE
Alexandra at BANDHA YOGA

I also love Sabrina's Yin which allows me to approach a gentler, more comforting practice.

What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

"We travel around the world looking for something and we come home to find it - George Moore"
Gayatri Mantra, sung by Deva Premal

Don’t hesitate to find her on her Instagram and on her blog .

Photo taken by: Chloe Vollmer Lo