Sun, sea, sand, Sasha and... Yoga!
This week's Mojo Maker, Sasha Hawley, has been teaching yoga, Pilates, and meditation for over 10 years, and there are no signs of her slowing down! Combining her love of the sea and yoga, Sasha's has built a thriving business, Yoga by the Sea, which delivers a variety of classes in iconic ocean settings (Bondi, Tamarama, and Bronte). In Winter she even offers Yoga from the SKY, where participants can enjoy breathtaking 360 views of the city on the Observation Deck of the Sydney Tower Eye.
Sasha has taught classes around the world, including studying in India, to help her stay at the forefront of yogic trends while staying true to the traditional practice. Her seaside classes, workshops and retreats are creative and inspiring and harmonise the body, mind and soul. They release tension, help balance and relax, as well as challenge you -- they are Mummy Mojo's yoga cup of tea!
"The power to change your body through yoga creates confidence in your ability to change your life in ways you didn't think possible... With a mindful, conscious practice, you can connect with your personal power..."
In this week's Mojo Maker interview, Sasha reveals how yoga, fresh air, meditation, travel and the sea all give her that mojo glow...
1. Motto or mantra you live or work by:
Make love not war.
2. How do your nourish your mind, body and Spirit? Outdoors in nature, or in the world. How is this integrated into your yoga practice?
I need freedom and fresh air, a connection with nature and its energy. The desire to share this inspired my business.
3. Please tell us a little about your yoga journey, both personally and professionally.
Once upon a time I had a soulful boyfriend who introduced me to healing and meditation. When yoga classes started at the office, I began practicing regularly. Although the boyfriend and job didn’t last, my interest in yoga and healing did.
I was young, reckless and restless, but yoga grounded me no matter where I roamed. I spent years studying, traveling and soul-searching.
I wrote a cathartic novel, became accredited as a yoga teacher, then opened my business down the track.
Now I believe by helping people, you can help yourself. I’m still learning and my students teach me more than I could ever teach them. The business continues to grow too, with lots of exciting plans, workshops and retreats on the horizon.
mummymojo2
4. Talk us through your average day.
I travel a lot for work, so there is no average day. It’s always a surprise, good or bad, yoga has taught me to roll with it.
5. Besides yoga, what else do you do to get your mojo flowing?
I love the ocean. Whether it is catching waves, swimming for miles, diving or snorkeling.
6. What do you find rewarding about being a yoga instructor and business owner of Yoga By The Sea?
Being time-rich, my proximity to the ocean, and having a platform to raise money/advocate for causes I support.
I also love the feelgood vibe in the yoga world, it makes my day.
7. Tell us your top 5 reasons why someone should get into yoga.
It balances emotionally, mentally and physically. Everything starts from here – a mindful and peaceful approach to life, food, relationships and exercise.
8. What is your biggest “guilty” pleasure?
This time of year - Malbec and dark chocolate - preferably organic and together.
9. Which yoga poses would you recommend for a stressed out Mum?
Savasana (corpse pose), meditation and restorative yoga (known as Yin yoga at Yoga by the Sea), is like an warm elixir for the body, mind and soul.
We also have Yang classes for Mums who prefer to release stress via flowing yogic workouts. The combo of Yin & Yang is ideal for optimum health and stress management.
mummymojo3
10. Yoga By The Sea run a variety of courses and retreats. What would you recommend for a stressed out Mum who needs to relax and rejuvenate?
Our Warming Winter Workshops are great fun for mums, including pre-natal ladies, listed at www.yogabythesea.com.au. There’s Sensory Yoga, or Yoga Groove for the more experimental.
We also have traditional Qi Gong, Ayurveda and Yin/Yang Yoga workshops for those interested in ancient healing techniques. A mellow way to spend a Sunday afternoon, while deepening your practice.
_____________________________________________________
BONDI's Yoga by the Sea classes take place outdoors at the southern end of the beach at the iconic Bondi Icebergs.
TAMARAMA's Yoga by the Sea classes take place indoors at the northern end of the beach, atop the cliffs at Tamarama Surfclub. Yoga classes occur year-round and are heated in Winter.
BRONTE's Yoga by the Sea classes take place indoors at the northern end of the beach, upstairs in Bronte Surfclub's sunlit studio, or occasionally outdoors in Bronte Park. Yoga classes occur year-round and are heated in Winter.