Portrait of Kahina Kettane, aromatherapist and yoga teacher

My name is Kahina, I am a 200h RYT Yoga teacher specializing in Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga Yoga and I have been practicing for 4 years. I am also an aromatherapist, so I combine the benefits of essential oils with Yoga. I deepened my practice during an 8-month trip through Asia and Oceania. So I had the chance to practice in New Zealand, Bali, Thailand... Since then, traveling has become a real way of life in which Yoga finds its place. In almost 3 years I have visited nearly 20 countries (Japan, Vietnam, Dubai, Australia, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Czech Republic, Ireland, Singapore...), and in particular Algeria where I had the chance to give classes in the middle of the Sahara. Also by force of circumstances I got closer to meditation, I also meditated in the Thai jungle with Buddhist monks who taught me the art of meditation.

I approach Yoga as a true philosophy of life, which I wish to transmit in my own way and invite everyone to seek out the most beautiful things in themselves. I advocate a Yoga open to all, in kindness, love and non-judgment.

How did you get into taking care of yourself?

I didn't get there by chance. It was life that more or less pushed me there.

I studied law for 5 years, I worked in a law firm. I lived far from myself, in automatic mode, without knowing what really drove me. Subjected to the stress of studies and the job, I forced myself to continue until the point of no return.

I lost my sight in my right eye in 2015 and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. My life was turned upside down and that's when I decided to drop everything and go alone to the other side of the world, to New Zealand. I didn't speak English, didn't know where I was going. In a way it was a matter of life or death. I refused to take any treatment and at the same time spirituality and Yoga invited themselves into my life.

Today I live my life as I wish, I am healthy and Yoga gives me balance every day.

I want to spread the message that it's never too late to take care of yourself. Every second is a new chance to do so.

What practice for your well-being?

Sometimes the simplest things are the best. So I enjoy making myself an infusion, lighting candles and incense, accompanied by my travel objects such as Buddhas or stones. Creating a relaxing atmosphere for myself, a bubble in which I feel good. I would also add meditation, the oracle of angels, writing, painting, and reading which contribute to my well-being every day.

What is the ritual of your practice?

I don't have a particular ritual, I adapt it according to my desires and my mood. So it changes according to the periods. At the moment I am very sensitive to the moon. So I try to follow its cycles and set intentions. I use visualization techniques at times, which I also integrate into my classes, which helps me to fuel positive thoughts.

What do you get out of it?

A confidence. Confidence in life, in my yoga practice, in myself quite simply.

A connection with myself.

All of this leads me to be grateful and show gratitude every day.

What do you carry in your Yoga bag?

My synergy of essential oils, my little speaker because I love doing yoga with music, my yoga mat and my strap.

What is your favorite object/accessory?

My essential oils like bitter orange petitgrain.

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

When you arrive on your mat, try to disconnect from everything that is happening around you and from what you have done during the day or even from your worries.

Connect to the present moment because that's the only thing that matters right now, not what you did yesterday or even what you'll do tomorrow.

Yoga is accessible to everyone, the only limit you can encounter is yourself.

No need to be flexible, thin or any other prejudice. Yoga is above all a philosophy. Do not give in to the image that the networks give to yoga because it is much more than that.

Be kind to yourself because there is no goal in yoga.

Love and acceptance are the key to moving forward in your practice, as well as in life.

Where/how do you practice?

Since yoga is not limited to postures (asanas), I would say that I practice all the time and everywhere. I observe and try to do things consciously,

If we talk about postures I like to take classes in various studios. I really like practicing in the great outdoors, especially in the forest where I feel particularly good or simply in my living room.

What is your mantra?

• “Being kind is the best way to achieve your own happiness.”
• “The more you celebrate life, the more there is to celebrate in life.”
• “We are whole and perfect. Everything we want we already are. It’s all there within us.”

To learn more about Kahina