"I felt life could be over before you knew it."
Jan 29, 2020
Stefanie (@estefaniaolavideyoga)'s discovery of yoga went anything but as planned.
But what made her decide to do already two yoga trainings and several workshops and how she was able to turn her passion into her profession was revealed to us - the yoga teacher living in Tyrol - in an open-minded interview.
Dear Stefanie, how did you start with yoga?
Yoga has been in my life since my youth, as my mum is also a yoga teacher and I had the great luck to get in contact with it so early. To be honest, I was more interested in yoga philosophy and mantras than in the physical aspect, asanas or breathing techniques. At that time I was relatively inflexible and thought that in order to go to a yoga class I had to be agile already.
It was only when I fell ill with dengue fever in 2015 - on one of my many journeys - with my backpack through South America and my body no longer wanted to function properly, that I felt that life could be over faster than you would like. So I intuitively dragged myself into a yin yoga class, in a surf hostel and quickly realized how good it did me. Physically as well as mentally. In addition, I sang my favourite mantra at that time, "Om Trayambakam", every day to gain strength and swore to myself that when I would become healthy again, I would want to take more care of my body and pass on the teachings of yoga (even though at that time I only came up to my knees with my palms in a bend, I felt that yoga is much more). Every day I stood on the yoga mat when I slowly became completely healthy again. Yoga has the power to lead everyone to bliss and to their own true, pure, radiant being.
Has yoga improved your attitude to life or physical posture?
Since I already came in contact with yoga in my youth, my attitude towards life has always been positive, open and loving for the small and big things in life. But practising yoga has changed my well-being extremely. For years I suffered from back pain, which disappeared after intensive exercises. Furthermore, I am so happy and satisfied with myself - just the way I am - with all the rough edges and corners like never before in my life!
Why do you think yoga is so popular right now?
With Yoga we hit the nerve of the time! So much is coming at us from "outside" and we still have to go faster-higher-further. We are available 24 hours a day and rarely take the time to deal with ourselves. The serenity and relaxation that can be achieved by practicing yoga helps us to reconnect with ourselves and to come back to our true nature & power.
What do you find particularly fascinating about it and how do you practice in everyday life?
For me, it's a never-ending story. There is still so much to learn, to try out and to pass on. Every time I get on the mat, it's completely different. In yoga there is something for everyone because it is so varied. You notice quite quickly that you subconsciously take the philosophy of yoga into your daily life by behaving differently in various situations, living more consciously and appreciating the interaction with people / animals & nature much more. I would even say that you achieve a holistic health and become even happier!
What is the perfect yoga class for you? Do you use equipment?
My "perfect" yoga class lasts 90 minutes or longer and is always different and individual, depending on my state of mind and the story I brought to the mat. My gemstones and soothing fragrance sprays should not be missing. In fact, music is only on for me if I am very playful and can flow to the musical accompaniment. However, I prefer more the silence, my sea rush breathing is enough ;)
Do you teach yoga often?
In the beginning it was only once a week until one or the other event / some replacement lessons and smaller workshops etc. were added. Now I was allowed to make yoga my main profession by teaching yoga and other fitness programs in a great and big hotel.
What kind of yoga training have you already done?
The Ashtanga Yoga & Vinyasa Flow Training - 200h India, the Yin Yoga Training with Stefanie Arend - 61h Cologne, the Ashtanga Intensive Workshop with Gregor Maehle in Vienna and the Breath Work 34 UE Sivananda Yoga in the Vedanta Seminar House Reith in Kitzbühel.
What values do you want to convey to your followers on Instagram and Youtube?
Spread more love. Take care of yourselves as you are! Don't put yourself under pressure on the mat and in daily life, but enjoy your journey here and now.
Do you have special goals for 2020?
I would like a little more time for myself and my yoga practice. I also want to travel to Honduras and Nicaragua with my backpack.
What do you wish for the next 10 years?
"Lokah Smasta Sukhino Bhavantu" to bring nature back into harmony.
Is there a life motto that accompanies you and you want to betray us?
"Walk every path in love" and "Practice and all is coming"
Why do you recommend starting with yoga?
Just try it with the right portion of joy, curiosity and courage for new things and it can be quite exciting. Try different classes, styles and teachers in the beginning until you feel you have understood and arrived.
Which is your favourite LUVIYO mat?
Ohhh I love them all! I have strengthened both the normal and the travel mat. Especially during sweaty yoga-flows - with me on the balcony - I am always happy about the great "grip" (stop). Since I also like to teach and practice in nature, I am happy to be able to put them in the washing machine afterwards. I find the colours and patterns unique anyway! Thanks for that.
What would your dream mat design look like?
I love the colour dark green and petrol, as well as the colours of nature. A jungle or tropical leaf design, would certainly be my favorite ;)