Yoga between spirituality and body shaping

During a cool yoga class, I had the opportunity to see how vibrations get high and the muscles get toned. The yoga teacher Emilie Castellano made it all possible by connecting vibrations and movements focusing on one idea: centering and equilibrium. In a tumultuous society, I found on this Riviera Yoga studio  a little space of tranquility and good vibrations.

I invite you to take a few moments and spend it with us for the interview with Emilie Castellano from Riviera Yoga about yoga and good vibrations!

AO: How do you started yoga?

EC: It was 15 years ago in Los Angeles. A friend of mine took me to a class, it was with the YMCA; it was quite popular and I didn`t know how it was but I felt really connected to it as I was in a very difficult time in my life and it really helped me out. So, I started this and, at the same time, I started pole dancing. And, my heart chose yoga. So, I sticked to yoga.

AO: It`s a bit different from yoga ...

EC: Well, I tried both. I said it`s fun but I`d rather go with yoga. So, that`s how I started.

AO: And, as a teacher?

EC: As a teacher it was three years and a half when I started my training. I studied in Paris with very strict and, at the same time, open professionals. I made Ashtanga. They teach you everything they know: with share and love. They are wonderful people. No bla bla bla, just straight to the point ... just to practice and to open to this wonderful philosophy of life.

AO: This is what I wanted to ask you, about the philosophy of yoga. What is your philosophy regarding yoga?

EC: It`s trying, actually, to be connected with yourself a little bit more, to listen to yourself because, first of all, it`s about high centering yourself, to come to respect yourself, to love yourself, who you are without hurting anyone around you, with no violence. So, it`s a way to behave on a daily basis. And, first, if you respect yourself, love yourself, then there is a way for you to expect the love from other people.

AO: Is yoga a mix of spiritual and body shaping?

EC: The body shape, the practice is a way to go there through breathing because each movement is linked to a breath. And the breath, if you really connect yourself to breathing, is a way of meditation. People are really afraid about the word meditation ... it`s like frightening everybody but, by simply practicing breathing and slowly getting into it, with the movement and the rhythm ... because it`s creating a rhythm ... it`s vibration. All words are vibrations. If you just sing OM, you will feel the vibration of it. So, really down to roots, if you do the practice with the rhythm and breathing, you will come to meditation. I mean, this is a kind of meditation.

AO: And the body shape comes with it ...

EC: Of course, the body shape comes with it.

AO: How do you motivate the people who come to your classes?

EC: Well, most people first come to the classes for the body shape. Who doesn`t want to have a nice butt?!  Feeling alive, feeling good  with your body, you can actually work with the mind. It helps a little bit. Most people first think :`Oh, yoga! I`m gonna fall ... is about stretching, is very slow!` ... but you work everything from your toes up to your head. Ashtonga is a very dynamic practice, very warming, very intense!

AO: What is your favorite pose?

EC: One of my favorite poses is Asana ... sitting down with your legs straight in front, you have your spine very long and you need to stand still, sitting and not moving at all and only your breath is working. So, it sounds like very simple. To me is one of the most beautiful postures. And I love Trikonasana which is the triangle - is about how you actually handle yourself, find your core and your center in your life when everything else in your life is chaotic. If you look at Trikonasana, for me is the metaphor of how to center yourself in life. That`s personal, that`s how I interpret it.

Editor Andra Oprea