The yogini: Lara Bogdanovic
The location: Downtown Dubai
The pose: Sirsasana (aka headstand)
Where’s home for you?
Dubai but my spiritual home is India.
Why did you chose this pose?
I chose this pose as it represents my journey from ‘ I can’t ‘ to ‘I can’. I had a limiting belief about myself that I will never be able to do a headstand. This posture shows that with practice, dedication and conquering our minds we are able to achieve anything. The headstand, known as ‘King of Asanas’ is a powerful pose for both the body, mind and spirit.
What are the benefits of doing a headstand?
A full inversion allows a big supply of oxygen-rich blood to reach your brain, creating a stronger heartbeat. It also flushes fresh nutrients and oxygen to the face, creating a glowing effect on the skin. The pituitary and hypothalamus glands are detoxified which optimizes the secretion of hormones which creates a positive mood. A headstand really teaches you how to be on your own and fully support and trust yourself, whilst letting go of fear.
When did your yoga journey begin?
I started practising yoga in 2011, but it was only in 2014 that the practice resonated deeply with my heart and revealed its magic to me. I came to the point where I felt deeply unhappy and needed a change. Working in PR never brought any satisfaction nor motivated me and I had a feeling I was living someone else’s life. I realised that none of the material things I had were bringing me pleasure; rather they were source and a cause of suffering. I was also struggling with eating disorders, anxiety and poor self image for many years, while at the same time I was aware of an unexpressed potential and life energy that I possessed, that was yearning to be unlocked and released. I was at the right stage to open and surrender completely to yoga.
What kind of yoga do you teach?
After practising many styles of yoga, I chose to follow the Ashtanga Vinyasa method. It is a very strong practice, but it is also the only one that makes me face myself completely, challenges me in every possible way and helps me realize my true self. Daily Ashtanga practice develops into your sacred ritual in which you meet yourself while flowing with your breath through the set sequence of postures. Each time practice reveals new things about ourselves that we need to learn, face and let go of.
Where did you qualify?
In 2014 I embarked on a yoga journey to Rishikesh, a spiritual town in North of India, laying on the Himalayan foothills and on the banks of holy river Ganges, where I studied and completed my Ashtanga Vinyasa teacher training at Tattvaa Yoga Shala with yogi Kamal Singh and yogi Sunil Sharma.
Yoga transforms – what are the biggest changes you have seen in yourself?
The wonderful thing about yoga is that changes start to happen on a subtle level before they come on to the surface. They happen spontaneously and naturally as we start transcending our old selves, leaving behind bad habits and toxic environments. I gained self love, self trust and immense appreciation and an understanding of my body. My patience has increased and I started to go with the flow of life, instead of resisting it. On a deeper level I started seeing unity in life among beings, rather than separation, and with that came love and compassion. I also no longer wear black clothes, drink alcohol and lead a diet that is mostly vegan.
Besides yoga, what are your passions in life?
Writing and acting. I still dream that one day I will land a theatre role and breathe life into a character on stage.
What’s your (healthy) go-to snack?
Pomegranate, raw cashew nuts and 85% dark chocolate.
What makes you lose your Zen?
Injustice.
What makes you happiest?
Seeing that I have touched and inspired someone’s life and brought new light, new perspective to it. Nothing is more rewarding than selfless service coming from your heart.
What’s your mantra in life?
Trust the process.
What are your future dreams?
To open a centre to bring about an awakening and healing to humans, helping them to realize their infinite potential through yoga. Everyone would be welcome to practise yoga, to meditate, to breathe and share their experiences. I dream of a place with no ego. Just pure intentions. Pure love.
For more information about Lara’s classes go to www.facebook.com/leapofsoulyoga or email leapofsoul@gmail.com or call 056 685 5195
