French Yoga Community

Founder of The Yoginist , Caroline Perrineau has been a yoga teacher since 2015. Formerly working in sustainable development, she retrained to share respect for others, the environment and to make her being and those of others vibrate.

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?

Oh great question! I think I started taking care of myself when I understood that it was not a selfish act, and on the contrary necessary to be able to take care of those around us.

What practice for your well-being?

Yoga of course, but also more broadly creation… I like to keep my mind sharp, alert and resourceful. Whether it’s changing my interior, writing a few words, dancing or creating new yoga classes, this is essential to my well-being. Personal moments of pause are also necessary for my balance.

What is the ritual of your practice?

A shared practice in the studio with a teacher who inspires me or some solo time at home, I try to be as regular as possible.

What do you get out of it?

A feeling of having taken the time to be, simply present to myself. Without expecting an end, I unroll a thread that leads me I don't know where...

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

A small towel for dynamic practices.

What is your favorite object/accessory?

I have a Buddha bought in Indonesia who watches over me and my entourage at home. He has a mischievous look that I like a lot.

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

'No pain, no pain'. Pain is not a sign of progress in yoga. There are many variations for each posture. Do not hesitate to talk to your teacher, and to a doctor before/during/after your practice if you notice any pain.

Where/how do you practice?

I practice in the studio and solo (the Alo Moves videos are well done, for classes in French Yoga Connect is also great!). You will also find some of my videos on there.

What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

Walk the talk.

Find Caroline on Instagram and her website The Yoginist

Charlotte de Quay is a Health Coach graduated from the “Institute for Integrative Nutrition” New York, an American school recognized worldwide for its global approach to health through nutrition and lifestyle.

She is also a Vinyasa Yoga Teacher , graduated from the Indian Samyak Yoga school, renowned for the quality of its traditional teaching and its teachers who were themselves trained in India by the greatest Yogi masters.

Her job is to help her clients achieve their own goals, prevent and support their health by creating a program around the themes of nutrition and lifestyle and also providing her knowledge of breathing and meditation techniques from Yoga.

As one of the pioneers in the field in France , her approach is holistic and unique. She emphasizes the idea that health is a balance between all areas of our daily lives: work, income, relationships, spirituality, physical activity, creativity and of course diet.

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?

By necessity... A succession of events in my life led me to a strong need to reconnect with myself. I understood at that moment that I would only make the right choices if I learned to listen to myself.

I needed to find a space of freedom outside of social conventions, judgment and the expectations of others, and understand who I was.

I first turned to Transcendental Meditation. I got a lot of response, but then I needed something more grounded and connected to the body.

It was therefore quite natural that I turned to Yoga... in this practice which combines well-being of body and mind.

What practice for your well-being?

So I try to have a practice that links well-being of body and mind on a daily basis.

Some concepts of the 8 limbs of Patanjali's Yoga (but which are also found in certain universal principles) speak to me a lot and I try to practice them as best I can with the means that our society gives us today and on my humble scale: Ahimsa or non-violence through vegetarianism, Satya or truth with the fact of being authentic, Astey a or not taking the things that are not given to me, Sauca or being clean inside and out and being orderly, Santosa or contentment, Tapas or cultivating the effort towards a specific goal or Svadhyaya or self-study to know oneself.

I am currently pregnant, so the physical practice is very different compared to before. I practiced 5 times a week a rather intense Vinyasa accompanied by Pranayama (breathing exercises) and Meditation... About 1h15 per session and rather in the evening since I am not a morning person.

Lately, the practice is very different since it is accompanied by new sensations and an important phase of acceptance and letting go. Listening to oneself on the Mat (as in daily life) then takes on a much more important meaning for me.

What is the ritual of your practice?

I always start by setting an intention and dedicating my practice according to how I feel.

Then, at the moment and therefore at 5 months of pregnancy, I start with a few sun salutations, then a flow depending on what my body wants to give me.

I always end with an opening of the heart like Ustrasana (camel pose), I take great pleasure in this pregnant posture whereas I hated it before and a Shirshasana (headstand posture), my favorite posture which helps me to refocus and see more clearly.

Finally I finish with a bit of alternate breathing (Nadi Shodhana) and abdominal breathing and a meditation with my baby.

The days I don't practice are always accompanied by some breathing exercises and a little meditation, even 3-4 minutes.

What do you get out of it?

A feeling of calm and fullness... perhaps you could even call it inner joy. An even stronger feeling when pregnant.

I understand then that many women start practicing at this stage of their life.. To let go and return to simpler things. The mind is really calmer even after a short practice.

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

My water bottle and my towel

What is your favorite object/accessory?

It's a bit of a cliché but my Yoga Mat.

It's strange to have an accessory that pushes us to our limits and forces us to be authentic with ourselves.

In training, we were asked to think about the question: what is your relationship with your mat? For many it was the same as the one we had with ourselves on a daily basis... Something to think about ;-)

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

For Pregnant Yoginis: Be gentle with yourself and listen to yourself.

For non-pregnant Yoginis: Be gentle with yourself and listen to yourself ;-) I would add the importance of being in motion… which always leads somewhere.

Where/how do you practice?

I often practice alone, either at home or in the open air when I can afford it.

I also practice in group lessons with my favorite teachers when I can, the energy of the group really carries me, especially at the moment ;-)

What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

“You must be the Change you want to see in the World” - Mahatma Gandhi

Don’t hesitate to find Charlotte on her Instagram , and to visit her Healthcoaching website.

Nidra yoga for a more zen daily life.

Yoga nidra is one of the most famous styles of yoga among Vinyasa, Hatha, etc. However, this practice is quite different, because there are no real sequences of asanas per se. Indeed, it involves settling into the Savasana posture to relax and visualize pleasant images while discovering oneself, or rather one's "inner self" in order to improve sleep, but also release emotional blockages.

Origin of yoga nidra

''Nidra'' is a Sanskrit word meaning ''sleep''. Here, it refers to deep sleep devoid of dreams. The history of yoga nidra , dating back several centuries, draws on the traditions of Kashmir, Shivaism and Vedanta. It is a style of yoga developed by Swami Satyananda (an Indian Sannyâsin) and then taught from 1962. In the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, you can find rest as one of the 5 states of the mind. In the practice of yoga , there are 3 states of consciousness which are waking (Jagrat), dreaming (Svapna) and deep sleep (Sushupti).

The principle of sleep yoga

Nidra yoga , also called sleep yoga , is a relaxation technique aimed at improving the quality of your sleep. This discipline allows relaxation of your entire body, but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You doze off while remaining conscious in a state close to light slow sleep. You can then directly let go to discover yourself and especially your "inner self". Indeed, most of the time our consciousness is projected on the outside without looking inside ourselves (the body and the mind). Practicing yoga nidra is therefore a way of connecting with oneself in order to capture intuitions, ideas and solutions in the unconscious.

The Perfect Yoga Nidra Practice for Stressed People

The discipline of nidra yoga can be practiced by everyone except those suffering from mental illnesses. However, it is especially recommended if you are stressed, anxious or tired, if you suffer from sleep disorders or have experienced a difficult period. It is a good way to relax and adopt a zen attitude.

A relaxing yoga nidra session

A yoga nidra class lasts between 10 minutes and 1h30. This can differ depending on the yoga teacher, whose voice accompanies the session. But, here are the steps of yoga nidra .

• First, you lie down on a comfortable yoga mat in Savasana posture,
• Relaxation begins by relaxing each limb of your body. This is called rotation of consciousness to reach the state of Pratyahara. The breath is slow,
• Letting go gives way to visualizations and mantras,
• You will recite the mantra ''Sankalpa'' before visualizing a positive image that you have chosen, expressing the ideal that you would like to achieve.

The benefits of yoga nidra on the body and mind

The virtues of yoga nidra are numerous, particularly for the health of your body and your mind:

• Improve your sleep while reducing sleep onset problems,
• Reduced stress and anxiety,
• Letting go leads to fewer negative thoughts,
• Better control of your emotions,
• Decreased fatigue,
• Strengthening your immune system,
• Development of creativity,
• Intensification of connection to oneself and others.

An example of a nidra course

To discover a nidra yoga class , click here .

Don't have a yoga mat yet to practice nidra yoga ? Discover all our floor mats on the Tayronalife store.

Formerly working in a Wall Street law firm, Jonathan Lehmann is the creator of Happiness Cheat Sheets.

He traveled the world in search of happiness by learning meditation, yoga and shamanism.

His goal today is to share these experiences and research with those who wish to enjoy life even more by mastering their emotions and thoughts.

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?

Before, I partied a lot, I took a lot of drugs, I ate poorly, I did little sport... I started to have quite serious back problems - a hernia in the cervical vertebrae - which scared me a lot and pushed me to radically change my lifestyle.

What practice for your well-being?

Lots of things! Better nutrition, yoga, sports, meditation…

What is the ritual of your practice?

The first thing I do in the morning when I wake up is to take out my mental trash in a notebook, do a sun salutation and push-ups, then my meditation. Only then do I eat breakfast and when I'm done I turn my phone back on.

What do you get out of it?

Serenity, clarity, lightness.

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

A bottle of water, a cereal bar, headphones to listen to music when I leave my class.

What is your favorite object/accessory?

My acupressure mat on which I meditate from time to time, I feel the blood circulating in my back when I lie on it, it is very pleasant, and I am convinced that it does me a lot of good.

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

The same ones I try to follow! Take life moment by moment, observe the mind without reacting too much, try not to take anything too seriously.

Where/how do you practice?

In many different places… I have several friends who teach yoga ;) I must admit to having a weakness for hot room yoga in the ^14th arrondissement in Paris.

What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

“I can't change the past but I can always do my best here and now.”

Don’t hesitate to find Jonathan on Instagram , Facebook and to consult his site Les Antisèches du Bonheur .

Anusara yoga , a new style of yoga mixing alignments and meditation.

You may not know the discipline of anusara yoga , because it is a type of yoga born in the 90s. Even if it is recent, it is nonetheless devoid of meaning. Indeed, anusara allows the discovery of your ''inner self'' based on the principle that the divine is present in each person. Alignment asanas and meditation will be performed during the yoga class promoting letting go and positivity, but also a body in great shape.

The History of Anusara Yoga

The word ''anusara'' is taken from the sacred text Kularnava Tantra. This term means ''meditating with grace'', ''being in the flow'' and ''listening to one's heart''. However, the origin of anusara yoga is very recent, as it was invented in 1997 in the United States by John Friend (American yoga teacher). Nowadays, this type of yoga is practiced in particular in North America, Europe, Japan, Australia and Mexico.

Principles of Anusara Yoga Between Alignment Postures and Meditation

The discipline of anusara yoga encourages spirituality and the connection between the mind and the body. This practice is based on the realization of alignment yoga postures , but also meditation. The sequences are similar to Vinyasa Yoga. You will find 5 types of alignments:

• Muscle energy,
• Organic energy,
• The inner spiral,
• The outer spiral,
• Opening to grace.

From a more spiritual point of view, anusara yoga is based on the fact that there is goodness in everyone and that the divine can be revealed there. Self-discovery is here a way to be more positive, zen, to let go and open up to others. It is also an aspiration to beauty, truth and creativity.

Who can practice anusara yoga?

The practice of anusara yoga is suitable for everyone, regardless of age. However, it may not be suitable for children overflowing with energy, because this discipline requires concentration. On the contrary, this style of yoga is particularly recommended if you want to acquire well-being and positivism.

A well-crafted anusara yoga session

An anusara yoga class has very specific steps. However, your yoga teacher may take the initiative to modify the anusara yoga session according to the level of the group.

Step 1: The course begins with meditation to promote relaxation of body and mind.

Step 2: Then you chant a mantra, a spiritual song or recite a tantric text.

Step 3: Then come the sequences of alignment asanas to reconnect you with your "inner self", articulated around a theme. The practice of Pranayama punctuates the yoga postures .

Step 4: Finally, you end with a moment of relaxation to release the positive energy acquired during the session.

The Wonderful Benefits of Anusara Yoga

The benefits of anusara yoga are felt on your body, mind and spirit from a spiritual point of view. In general, this type of yoga allows for good health, a peaceful mind and a positive spirit. Anusara yoga also allows you to:

• Refine your figure,
• Encourage letting go,
• Acquire greater flexibility,
• Reduce anxiety and stress while promoting well-being,
• Have better sleep,
• Increase your self-confidence,
• Discover your 'inner self',
• Improve your breathing capacity with the help of breath practice,
• Acquire better posture,
• Strengthen your joints and muscles,
• Circulate energy in your body,
• Eliminate toxins from your body, but also from your mind,
• Improve your emotional control,
• Have more grace in your movements,
• Improve your blood circulation.

Find out what vinyasa yoga practice is on the Tayronalife blog.

Bandha is a yoga technique that allows you to "lock" a part of the body in order to control energy, prana. Originally, bandhas were considered to be part of mudras, in the sense that the physical body is used to act on the energetic level.

Bandhas are used in hatha yoga , mainly during the practice of pranayamas (breathing techniques) and asanas (postures), in order to actively work on the chakras. 

These are powerful tools that must be used wisely and conscientiously, ideally under the watchful eye of a teacher.

In practice, how are the bandhas translated ?

In the physical body, the practice of bandhas results in conscious muscular activation. It can also consist of a succession of contraction/relaxation of the muscles concerned.

Bandhas can be practiced lying down, sitting, standing and even while performing a specific yoga posture.

Breath in the practice of bandhas

Breathing is very important during the practice of bandhas. Generally, the bandha is established at the moment of breath retention, between inhalation and exhalation. Retention can even be voluntarily maintained, this is called kumbhaka. It is essential to be familiar with pranayamas before starting to practice bandhas because they are closely linked.

The main bandhas

• Mula Bandha

As BKS Iyengar describes it: “The entire lower abdominal region between the anus and the navel is engaged, pulled back toward the spine and lifted upward.”

This bandha is connected to the first chakra, Muladhara. It allows the sacred energy to rise from the bottom to the top. It is practiced in a sitting position, contracting the perineum while keeping the lower abdomen relaxed.

• Uddiyana Bandha

This bandha, connected to the lower chakras Svadhisthana (genitals and belly) and Manipura (navel), is practiced with empty lungs. It can be done standing, with the pelvis relaxed to relax the lower back, hands placed on the thighs, trying to keep the back straight and the neck aligned with the rest of the spine. The idea of ​​this bandha is to "suck" the navel inwards, towards the spine, and to raise it as if you wanted to position it behind the floating ribs. Then release the belly and return to an upright position.

• Jalandhara Bandha

This is the throat bandha, linked to the vishudda chakra , which means "to purify". To perform this bandha, lower your chin towards your chest while moving your head back, as if you wanted to have a double chin. Thus, the neck remains aligned with the spine. This energy lock is performed on an exhalation. This bandha is used to cleanse the ENT network and relax the body by slowing down the heartbeat and bringing the energy (prana) back down to the lower parts of the body.

You can integrate bandhas into your yoga practice, so that it becomes more substantial and to intensify its effects at the subtle level. Do not hesitate to ask your teacher for a gentle approach to this practice, with its strong energizing potential!

We are pleased to introduce you to the two founders of the lovely Yoga brand: Kitiwaké, which is joining our site.

So we asked them about their wonderful entrepreneurial adventure and asked them for some advice on their yoga practices, which I am sharing with you today.

Who is behind this beautiful French eco-responsible yoga clothing brand?

Kitiwaké is above all a story of friendship! We were friends before creating our brand. We have very different and complementary professional backgrounds. Juliette worked in marketing within an international group and Cannelle was a stylist for a designer of custom wedding dresses. We both love sports and especially yoga.

How did you come to take care of yourself?

Cannelle : I wanted to start yoga for a few years but it's not easy to start with a bad wrist. I've done a lot of sports since I was a child but mostly adrenaline sports. I don't know if it's wisdom setting in but I wanted to find a practice to help me calm down more gently. My sister-in-law, who is now a yoga teacher, was able to support me in finding solutions and practicing serenely.

Juliette : I have been practicing yoga since 2011, so it will be 7 years already! Being rather anxious by nature (that's an understatement ;) I was recommended to try yoga and it was a real favorite, because for me it soothes both the soul and the body. I also like the fact that yoga is not only a sport but also a global lifestyle.

What practice for your well-being?

We mainly practice Vinyasa yoga but we also really like Yin Yoga and Jivamukti. We really enjoy trying new styles of yoga that we don't know yet. The latest being acro yoga. Sporty and fun at the same time, it's great!

We also discovered meditation which helps us to stay calm and serene in our entrepreneurial adventure.

What is the ritual of your practice?

We practice about once a week in person, and about once every two weeks during Kitiwaké events organized with our ambassadors.

What do you get out of it?

Every time it's a real pleasure! It helps us both physically to stay in shape, and

mentally to feel good, to keep confidence in life!

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

Preferably we take our Wapi Kitiwaké bag, THE perfect bag to slip both your mat and your outfit into

What are your favorite objects/accessories?

Cannelle : my green Heta leggings, so comfortable with their peach skin effect material but also feminine with their pretty finishes inspired by the field of lingerie. And their green color reminds me of the nature that I love so much!!

Juliette : my non-slip mitten socks: not super classy but super practical for not slipping on your mat!

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

For beginners who think that you have to be flexible to start yoga: wrong!! Juliette couldn't touch her calves with her hands before ;) flexibility is really acquired over time!

Don't hesitate to try several different types of yoga, it's always good to alternate and discover new worlds.

Where/how do you practice?

We try to practice together regularly even if with the pace of Kitiwaké's development it becomes complicated! Each dreams of a little corner of paradise to practice: Cannelle the Himalayas, Juliette a beach at sunset.

What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

“To travel is to grow. It is the great adventure. The one that leaves traces in the soul.”

Marc Thiercelin

Traveling... such a beautiful adventure!! We are both passionate about traveling (India, Spitsbergen, Iceland, Norway, Turkey; Italy, Greece, Vietnam, Argentina...) For us, traveling is about discovering incredibly rich cultures, magnificent landscapes etched in our memories, and making beautiful encounters. Our travels also inspired us for the name of our brand: Kitiwaké comes from "Kittiwake" a seagull that wanders in the far north.

Well-being through aromatherapy .

''Aromatherapy'' a word invented by René-Maurice Gattefossé (perfumer and chemist from Lyon) in 1928. But, it was especially in the 60s that this alternative medicine developed thanks to Doctor Jean Valnet who taught this practice in particular through books. Used for many years, aromatherapy has a therapeutic aim in order to provide well-being. Essential oils are widely used for this. In diffusion, inhalation, internal route or massage, it's up to you to choose according to your needs.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is considered a gentle medicine thanks to the use of aromatic essences of flowers, leaves, fruits, wood, resins, barks, seeds or roots. Generally, it is the use of essential oils that is most famous. These are concentrated liquids extracted, for example, from a plant by different processes: distillation by steam distillation, cold mechanical pressing or solvent extraction. Contrary to its name, they do not contain oil. Be aware that you can also use floral waters, less concentrated in essence. Be careful, in stores you can find synthetic oils that have no therapeutic virtues.

The scent of essential oil or floral water provides a benefit to your mind, because it acts on the psycho-emotional balance, especially in cases of stress. Body and mind harmony is thus restored for optimal well-being and better vitality.

Aromatherapy, four modes of use

In atmospheric diffusion in a suitable diffuser

The first method of use that you think of is of course the diffusion of essential oils . The scent is impregnated by the respiratory tract and then reaches the brain. For this, you need a suitable essential oil diffuser . Do not use a perfume burner. Place a few drops of oil and let it diffuse for 10 minutes every hour at most. We advise you to buy ready-to-use diffusion preparations.

Inhalation

Sometimes you don't need to use a diffuser. When inhaling essential oils , pour a few drops of oil into a bowl of hot water and put your face over it with a clean cloth on your head for a few minutes.

Orally

When using an essential oil orally , always mix it with edible vegetable oil (e.g. olive oil) or honey. Why? You cannot ingest it pure and it is not soluble in water. Did you know that in pharmacies you can find ready-made capsules such as oleocapsules?

By skin route in massage or essential oil bath

Aromatherapy can also pass into the body via the skin tissue through essential oil massage or bathing, especially for skin conditions or for the beauty of hair or skin. For essential oil baths , add only a few drops of oil, diluted in a vegetable oil, to your bathtub. For massage, mix 2 or 3 drops in massage oil or your moisturizer, then massage using circular movements. Be careful of the risk of allergies or irritations. As a precaution, always test your oil by pouring a drop into the crease of the elbow. Never apply to mucous membranes.

Precautions for use of essential oils

Even though essential oils are natural, they are not harmless and can even be toxic if misused, because they are a concentrate of active ingredients. Here are some precautions for essential oils :

• Do not substitute oils for your medications,
• Always seek advice from a healthcare professional before use,
• Follow the usage recommendations,
• They should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 3 years old, people with epilepsy and/or respiratory problems, individuals suffering from gastric conditions,
• Do not use the same oil for more than a month,
• Avoid sun exposure after application, as some are photosensitizing,
• Wash your hands after use.

Discover perfume and massage oils on the Tayronalife store.

Power Yoga , to break away from the routine of traditional yoga.

Some people will not know Power Yoga and for good reason, it is a recent style that came from the United States in the 80s. A modern yoga reinventing traditional yoga, Ashtanga, which has become too structured for some. It gives way to a more fun practice to the rhythm of music where the asana sequences are random. However, the benefits of yoga remain the same: anti-stress virtues, work on flexibility, etc. In addition, you will always find breathing exercises (Pranayama) and relaxation. In short, it is an old yoga, but more fun!

The modern origin of Power Yoga

Unlike some older yogas from India and the wisdom of the masters, Power Yoga was born in the 80s in the United States. At the origin of power yoga , two men: Bryan Kest and Byron Baptiste. Why this innovation? They wanted to create their style, a yoga that was more fun than the more traditional Ashtanga and that followed certain rules. Indeed, the two creators thought that the sessions were repetitive and too formal. Power Yoga was born!

What is the principle of Power Yoga?

Power Yoga is a dynamic but modern yoga inspired by Ashtanga, Bikram and Iyengar. A variation of Ashtanga, less structured and less rigid! How does it work? Postures are selected from various series, which makes each session different. Power yoga exercises are reinvented according to the energy of the students or the desired benefits. However, do not be surprised if Pilates and fitness movements are inserted. You practice in a heated room and in the presence of music, energizing the realization of power yoga asanas and giving a more fun dimension. Hip-hop, Jazz, Soul, etc., an upbeat and motivating musical background!

Know that this modern yoga is made for you if you want to practice a dynamic yoga, less traditional, free and fun, but with the same benefits on the body and mind.

Fun flow of a Power Yoga session

Although a Power Yoga session is less structured, it still follows a certain logic:

• It begins with a few minutes of refocusing, with the child's pose or the folded leaf pose, in order to disconnect from the tensions of daily life,
• Next comes the Sun Salutation asana with the Ujjayi breathing exercise (Pranayama) that you find in Ashtanga,
• Afterwards, you perform an original sequence of power yoga postures which differs in each yoga class and in the presence of music,
• After which, you perform a moment of Shavasana, a posture where you lie on your back on your yoga mat and where you release each part of your body for deep relaxation,
• At the end of the class, the chanting of the mantra Om between the teacher and his students provides a feeling of connection.

The multiple benefits of Power Yoga

The benefits of Power Yoga are the same as traditional yoga. Indeed, the practice helps reduce stress and be more serene, because you are more inclined to be in the present moment. You live more consciously, here and now. The quality of your sleep is only improved. Thanks to breathing exercises (Pranayama), your breathing capacity is more optimal. As for the asanas of power yoga , they improve the flexibility of your joints, the tone of your muscles, your balance and your endurance. An ideal discipline in particular for muscle strengthening or refining your figure! Finally, Power Yoga is a way to regain your energy.

Example of a Power Yoga session

To discover a Power Yoga class , go to the video .

Find out what Ashtanga yoga is, which Power Yoga draws from.

Anaïs Maniez is 24 years old and has been practicing yoga for 5 years . With a master's degree in Staps specializing in physical activities adapted to health, she teaches yoga to people who are sick or have a disability, whether mental or physical, in order to allow them to benefit from the benefits of this practice by adapting it according to their possibilities.

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 started yoga at university, I wanted to discover new sports practices to enrich my professional experience, but also with the aim of relaxation, to succeed in calming down, to work my body differently.

What practice for your well-being?

Meditation and Hatha Yoga

What is the ritual of your practice?

I like to practice yoga in the morning, before going to work for my personal practice, then throughout the day it is one of the activities that I supervise.

And I like meditation in the evening, it's a good way to calm down after a day of work.

What do you get out of it?

I like yoga for the bodily sensations that the practice provides. Unlike other sports, I am fully aware of the muscles used in each posture, I like to feel my body in movement.

What do you carry in your yoga bag?

Just a yoga mat, and a bottle of water with lemon pieces.

What is your favorite object/accessory?

I don't really have a favorite object.

What would be your advice for Tayrona Yoginis?

I advise Yoginis to practice yoga as they wish, to feel what their body needs. If they feel stiffness then it will be necessary to work on postures, if they are stressed, anxious, angry then maybe meditation is what they need...

Where/how do you practice?

I practice yoga at home, in my garden if the weather conditions allow it. I always practice with music, it helps me to anchor myself in the practice, to evacuate all my external thoughts.

At work also when possible we practice outside, at the end of the day.

What is your mantra/favourite phrase?

Mudras are gestures inspired by traditional Indian dances, performed with a specific part of the body, in order to create a particular energy and to act on the physical body as well as on the mind and psychology. Hasta Mudras , which we will focus on specifically here, are movements performed with the hands; they are even nicknamed "finger yoga".

Etymology, what does the word "mudra" mean?

Like many Sanskrit terms, the word mudra has multiple meanings. The literal translation of mudra means “seal,” or “symbol,” and in the sacred dances of India, a mudra is a representation of a given mood or situation. If we break the word down, “mu” means happiness and “dru” means to emphasize; making mudra a tool for improving overall health and being in a positive frame of mind.

Energy and elements of mudras

By using specific points, working on the meridians in order to control energy, the practice of mudras is similar to the reflexology that we know and apply today.

In the Vedic tradition (ancient wisdom of India), each finger is connected to an element, of which there are 5.

• Thumb: fire (agni)
• Index: air (vayu)
• Major: ether (akasha)
• Ring finger: earth (prithvi)
• Little finger: water (jala)

The 3 main mudras

1. Jnana Mudra

This mudra , conducive to meditation, is very present in the collective imagination and is often represented in yoga. The thumb and index finger meet, the palm of the hand is turned to face the sky. Not only does it connect fire and air, but this mudra brings the individual together with the Universe, allowing him to refocus on his own beliefs and desires.

2. Atmanjali Mudra

Both hands are joined in front of the heart, in the form of prayer, with the fingers together and pointing towards the sky. This mudra brings together the yin and yang polarities and unites the two hemispheres of the brain. It is used to restore harmony and express gratitude to the Universe, during meditation for example.

3. Prana Mudra

Here, the ring finger (representing earth), the little finger (water) and the thumb (symbolizing fire) come together to help the body purify itself and increase vital energy. The action of fire burns what is no longer necessary for the functioning of the body and mind, cleaning out obsolete emotions, which are evacuated with water. Cell regeneration is supported by earth.

Although it is best to create a setting conducive to their practice, the advantage of mudras is that they do not require a particular context such as yoga or meditation. Indeed, you will be able to perform them in a queue, before going to bed, or in any other situation of everyday life.

To your hands!

Connect with others with the namaste gesture !

At the end of a yoga class, you often hear the Sanskrit word namaste pronounced by your teacher, accompanied by a palm-to-palm gesture at the heart. It is more than a ritual to say goodbye, it is a soul-to-soul union between the teacher and his students. Originating in India, it shows deep respect, a greeting stated in the Vedas (sacred texts of Vedism) or simply to say hello. Its variants are Namaskar, Namaskaram and Namaskaara. In this article, you will discover the meaning of namaste and how to perform the gesture correctly.

The origin of the word namaste in India

The origin of namaste dates back many years, in India, during the ancestral Hindu period, thanks to the spiritual masters of yoga. At that time, Sanskrit (a sacred language from Buddhist and Hindu religious writings) was spoken there. Today, it is a very widespread expression in Asia and increasingly in the West.

What does namaste mean in French?

The Sanskrit word namaste is divided into 3 parts: Nama , as and te . Nama means to bow, greeting and reverence. As means ''I''. And finally te translates to ''to you''. The full term thus means ''I bow to you'' or ''I greet you''.

The meaning of namaste is purely spiritual. Indeed, in Buddhism and Hinduism, in everyone there is a part of light or divinity, present in the heart chakra. According to beliefs, this part would be the same in everyone. Which means that the expression namaste means ''I greet the sun, the light or the divine that is in you'' or ''my light greets your light''. Thus, this word allows to show the greeting as well to say hello as goodbye, but also to thank, ask or show respect.

Know that there is another meaning to the term namaste. Namas can be translated as ''nothing is mine'' showing that the ego fades away to make way for the heart and authenticity without having expectations.

The expression namaste is accompanied by a gesture called mudra which is not a religious act.

How to perform the namaste gesture?

The namaste gesture is performed with the palms joined in front of the heart chakra, fingers upwards and elbows to the side. Then, close your eyes and bow your head. The variation is to place your hands in front of the 3rd eye chakra (between the eyebrows), bow your head and then bring your hands to the level of the heart. In India, only this namaste mudra is performed without pronouncing the word.

The Namaste Yoga Link

At the beginning of a yoga class, namaste can be said to convey a hello. But, more generally at the end, because the body and mind are more relaxed and the energy more positive. The yoga teacher makes the gesture to show gratitude and respect towards the students. In return, the students connect with their teacher. Both parties thus unify their energies. In addition, the practice of yoga is a way to let go of judgment, expectations and to be fully aware of the present moment. Then, you are freed from the ego, which makes less noise in your head. A deep connection is born from soul to soul!

Don't know what chakras are? Find out what chakras are in the Tayronalife blog.