"For as long as I can remember, my dad has been upside down"
Feb 26, 2020
Amber (@myveryown.journey) is convinced that Yoga is the perfect doctor! The inspiring and vegan yoga influencer lives according to the motto "less is more" and gives us common everyday tips in this interview. Why yoga is the first sport that really got to her, and what positive effects she has already experienced, you can find out for yourself in the following text.
Dear Amber, what kind of schools and trainings have you already done?
I did my Abitur and a bachelor's degree in educational science and history of science in Hamburg. Soon I will complete my training as a non-medical practitioner in Cologne, and I also have an advanced training in Aku-Taping!
How did you come to yoga and what made you do it?
For as long as I can remember, my dad was upside down. It's the earliest memories of him and it's always impressed me. Just standing on your head in the middle of the room (without the wall in your back) is just cool - I can still hear the key falling out of his pocket even now in my thoughts! At some point, I got ambitious and I tried my hand at it. Really not recommendable to practice the headstand at home, but fortunately nothing happened to me. A short time later my boyfriend gave me a yoga workshop together with some friends. It was such a funny and beautiful day and since then I am addicted!
What forms of yoga do you practice or have you tried?
I have already tried Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Bikram and Acro Yoga. Meanwhile I do a mixture of everything, preferably flows. The moment when you close your eyes and flow is just incredibly calming and beautiful. If I had a sauna room at home now, it would be my perfect yoga :D Every now and then my boyfriend and I do acro yoga together, which is really incredible fun.
How do you design your individual yoga classes?
The first thing I do is fill my room diffuser with a scented oil and turn on quiet music. Then I sit cross-legged on the yoga mat, put some tropical aromatic oil on my hands, rub them together and then put them over my nose and mouth. With my eyes closed, I take a few deep breaths and spread the rest over my neck and arms. A little massage will loosen up the muscles a bit. Then I start my yoga practice, mostly still with closed eyes.
What do you find particularly fascinating about yoga?
Yoga is the first sport that really grabbed me and I stayed with it. I think it is incredibly great how versatile it is! You definitely build up muscles and look more athletic (since I've never really done any sports before, I liked it a lot), and you also have a super fast sense of achievement, be it in terms of flexibility or balance. Yoga doesn't just have to make you sweat, it can also be a great evening companion that brings you back to yourself and gives you strength and energy. And last but not least, it is simply the perfect doctor. I have already experienced so many positive effects with myself or with friends, as yoga relieves or even heals pain. Whether it is due to congenital or acquired malpositions caused by incorrect strain, lack of movement, accidents or simply tension. And the good thing about it all: You only need yourself!
Does the type of sport have an influence on your lifestyle or your attitude?
Absolutely! Through the whole yoga community I have become much more aware of myself and my surroundings. I take more time for myself and can now say much more precisely what is good for me and what is not. I take time off when I need it!
Why do you think yoga is so popular right now?
Phew, that's a good question. I think there is a trend towards a more conscious life, a vegetarian or vegan diet (which is getting more and more attention in the media, not least because of many well-known advocates) and the much discussed work-life-balance. Exactly these topics correlate Yoga!
What were the decisive factors that made you choose a vegan diet?
I have never eaten a lot of animal products, so the changeover was not very difficult for me. I must also say that I am not dogmatic. If someone brings a birthday cake to the office, I would love to eat a piece of it! Since that does not occur in addition, often, I call myself already as Veganer, even if there probably much headwind will come now. I have decided for the environment, animal welfare and not least because of my own health!
What would you like to tell us about a more sustainable life?
Less is more - we do not need much and from patience we can draw strength! Think again carefully whether you really need the new garment. And if you do, please use fair trade and organic. Try to buy food regionally, seasonally and also organic, preferably at the market. You can save a lot of plastic! Cook and bake as much as possible yourself and try to avoid chemical drugs or at least reduce them. This is harmful to the environment and there are great alternative and natural remedies. But we are all just human beings, too. Do what you can, but don't flagellate yourself if things turn out differently!
Is there a life motto which accompanies you and you want to betray us?
"It's never too late for a beautiful past." If you're unhappy or you want to change something, do it. It's in your hands and it's never too late!
What do you wish for the next 10 years in the future?
I hope that my boyfriend and I will then have started a small family. I would also like to make it my profession to share my knowledge about the human body, psyche, naturopathy, nutrition and yoga with other people.
How do you recommend lay people to start with yoga?
Start without fear! Just visit a class and see if yoga is for you. If you didn't like it that much, maybe try another one. It depends on a good teacher and of course on the type of yoga. At the latest if you have any physical complaints, this sport can help you.
What are your favourite LUVIYO products?
I love the white marble. I even use the mat as an underlay for my Foodposts :D And I wouldn't want to miss the cork blocks in my practice anymore. For me, the most beautiful thing is to lie on my back after a strenuous flow, put the soles of my feet together and my legs in a diamond shape, and put the block under my shoulder blades.
