The gorgeous Maya Fiennes lives in Santa Monica with her husband, two children and her dog. She moved from London to LA last year so that she could be by the ocean and enjoy a more outdoor life. Her new book Yoga for Real Life is a gem of information and makes yoga and living healthily more accessible and fun.
Who/ what inspires you?
Budha and Rumi
Do you think that yoga brings a capacity to love more easily and also find a love for yourself?
Yes, all love happens from self love first, once you open that fourth chakra where the heart is. For that we have a specific mantra that can open that area, especially the thymus gland which is really important for the the heart. It’s not very easy to get to so we have to use a specific position with the hands up and slow regular breathing which facilitate that internal massage.
I believe, once you love yourself, love will radiate from you. You don’t have to chase anyone, once you open up people come to you.
How has yoga changed your life?
On many levels. First of all every day to day challenges are much easier to handle. And, being calmer and trusting my own inner voice, with self love we hear more of that divine intuitive inner voice which is our gut feeling. Once you have more of that radiating through you make more of the right decisions in life.
How do you stay healthy and happy?
The yoga helps me once I have discovered this voice. That’s what it’s all about being calm, peaceful, grateful and thankful. When I was younger I would not think of being grateful, but being grateful opens many doors in life.
Do you think eating healthily helps you become more balanced?
Yes, it does help to an extent. But, I think you can only find true balance and health if your head is healthy. Meditation is the most powerful tool you can use from yoga, when your mind becomes still, your head becomes calm and everything else works better.
Do you practice every day?
Yes, and it’s not a chore. Once you are in it you are in it and you actively want to do it. You even miss it when you don’t.
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
I haven’t had one today but usually I start the day with green stuff. Its good to start with something alkalising for the body, most things we put in are so acidic. So, a green juice usually followed by some porridge or toast.
Tell us what made you write your new book?
I just wanted to share everything that I had learned in my life with others.
Is there anything else you are working on at the moment that you would like to tell us about?
I have a few retreats happening in Mexico and I am also teaching at EXHALE in Venice and Malibu and touring in Asia teaching with PURE yoga. I’ve also just finished filming a TV production called BE in the US.
For more information on Maya visit www.mayaspace.com
A Fienne Thing
