Portrait of a sporty yogini: Nadia Jas

Curious, hyperactive and Parisian, Nadia Jas is a school teacher, running and wellness blogger and children's mindfulness meditation instructor.

Passionate about running, Nadia has been practicing yoga for a few years now. But what she loves most is meditation. Five years ago, she learned that she had cancer in her right breast. She then became interested in everything related to meditation to calm her mind. During this somewhat anxious period, she continued to do yoga and sports to feel alive. That's when she opened a sports and wellness blog as a therapy through writing but also to inspire other people Nadiarunsparis.com .

After running the Florence marathon she feels reborn and continues to run and travel to satisfy her passion.

A few years ago, she decided to set up mindfulness meditation workshops in her class. Very quickly, the children joined in this new activity. In terms of self-esteem and confidence, the children change their way of being. They also learn to manage their emotions and be more attentive in class.

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?

When I had my cancer, I decided to stay active and especially to refocus on myself and remove all the negative aspects around me. I then started yoga and I learned a lot about meditation. Besides, I couldn't do anything else when I was in chemo. And it was from that moment that I decided to finally take care of myself and give myself everything that could make me feel good. I also made time for running.

What practices for your well-being?

I discovered yoga during free workshops in some shops and then I discovered Kundalini in Greece. I like it but I really didn't adhere to the spirituality that came from it. I learned different practices with different yoga teachers. I continue to stay curious in my practice and that's what I like too.

When I'm at home and I can't do otherwise, I practice with videos of teachers who make me want to. Since I run a lot, yoga remains a very good complement for both the mental and physical. I also enjoy discovering new places and discovering new studios too.

What is the ritual of your practice?

I like to have my little morning ritual: I get up and practice my meditation which lasts 15 minutes. Very regularly, I meditate for longer. I really take the time to meditate. Every day at 1:30 p.m., I practice mindfulness in my class and I give other lessons to other children.

When I meditate, I like to have my little essential oils around me and create my space. However, I can meditate anywhere. For yoga, it's really random: more in the evening or on the weekend, when I finish a good running session.

When do you retire from meditation and yoga?

These are things that belong to me even when I'm not running. It's my break time. As with running, I have a vital need to practice. Yoga gives me more energy and paradoxically more inner calm too. It's appreciable.

What is your favorite accessory?

Simply my travel yoga mat so it's practical I take it everywhere. It's light, practical and soft.

What would be your advice for Tayrona yoginis?

Ideally, this would be about demonstrating curiosity of mind, acceptance and tolerance.

What is your mantra?

I write my own positive affirmations according to my mood of the day. I regularly take them up by making myself little cards. They fill me with joy and energy and guide me for the day or the week.

My favorite: Today, I'm doing the right thing. Quite simply.

Find Nadia Jas on Instagram and on her website nadiarunparis .