Our Angea community is a big one! We have the pleasure of working with and along side some of Melbourne’s best health and wellness practitioners and we’d like to take a moment to profile the great work that they are doing. For this months spotlight interview series we’d like to introduce you to Irene Ais. Irene is a Melbourne based Physiotherapist, a certified Yoga teacher, AcroYoga teacher and Pilates instructor. She’s spent 15 years exploring the ancient practice of Yoga so we asked her some questions about her practice…
How would you define yoga?
“The practice of yoga is a mirror that reflects back to the practitioner their true nature.”
As a yoga teacher and full time physiotherapist we imagine you’re quite a busy lady! What’s your personal approach to dealing with daily stresses?
“Daily meditation has become an incredible source of energy for me. the 20 minute investment twice a day allows me to maintain busy schedule and creates an eyes open experienced that is more calm and mindful.
Many years of yoga and meditation has taught me to distance myself from my thoughts and experiences. this will surely be a lifelong practice, however it has been invaluable in managing daily stresses.”
What are you reading right now?
“I am reading anatomy of the spirit my carolyn myss. an amazing book about our ability to heal and the power of the human spirit.”
How has everything you’ve learnt as a yoga teacher and student translated into your daily life?
“I keep coming back to being the student rather than the teacher. maintaining a lifelong curiosity with the practice has helped me to stay open in situations off the mat. The journey out of the thinking mind and into the feeling heart has been a long and challenging one. I have long valued the intellect , however it hasn’t always served me on or off the matt. the less i over think things the more open i can stay and the more receptive in the moment.
Slowly i am learning to let go. to surrender to the moment. this path that started out in the physical practice has brought me to a place of faith.”
What things would you suggest people look for when searching for a yoga class?
“I hope that students can find a teacher that inspires them. this is an incredibly transformative practice and path. A guide who will ignite your passion for self awareness will be a great catalyst for your evolution.”
What advice would you give to a student looking to deepen their yoga practice?
“Take time every day for your practice. commitment to svadyaya (self study) is the pathway through which we move deeper into our practice. Make time each day to sit in meditation, practice asana, pranayama and read texts by great teachers. There is a such a rich variety of ways to develop greater self awareness however each practitioner must find their own indue path.”
Three things you couldn’t live without…
“My books. such as BKS Iyengar’s light on life. Music. Laughter.
Want more Irene? Head to her website: awarenesswarrior.wordpress.com