The yogi: Laura Farrier
The pose: King Dancer (Natarajasana)
The location: Crete, Greece
The benefits: This endorphin-boosting posture helps to open your heart and improve your sense of balance in life. On a physical level, the King Dancer tones your core, strengthens your legs, back and shoulders. Once you are able to master this awe-inspiring pose, you gain a feeling of inner empowerment and quiet confidence. It also encourages a serene mind.
About the yogi:
Laura is an Ashtanga Yoga teacher, who grew up in London and has led a somewhat nomadic life, living in Canada, Hondurus, Thailand and the UAE. After training at Sivananda in Kerala, she calls India her spiritual home. “I’m really drawn to Mother India,” admits Laura. “Mysore is where my Ashtanga teacher has his Shala so I’m there as much as possible.” Initially ashram life was a shock to her system but once Laura surrendered she saw the beauty in routine and discipline in Sadhana and applies this to her everyday life.
Before becoming a full-time yogi, Laura taught English as a foreign language and worked as videographer filming divers on their underwater journeys. “I guess teaching and the importance of breath has always been with me,” she says. “Yoga has transformed me in many ways. Since gaining a regular practice, I have a better perspective in life. I’m not enlightened; I still get angry and sad but I find it easier to step back and recognize my part in it all. I’m able to understand that what we ‘think’ will never destroy us; we might think so at the time, but it never does. I also try to be a little quieter than I used to be. I listen and observe and try to speak less.”
Besides yoga, Laura is passionate about Kirtan chanting – ancient sacred music that plays an important part of Bhakti yoga. “Kirtan is like a form of meditation that helps me still my mind. My daily Ashtanga practice also gives me a feeling of ‘Zen’. Just me in my room with my breath,” admits Laura. “A massage, hot bath and dark vegan chocolate help too”. The English yogi lives by several mantras including this quote by Jim Elliot: “Where ever you are, be all there.”
For more information about Laura’s yoga retreat in Goa from April 1-8 click here
