Lost in the translation of Hong Kong a British girl has found herself amongst the chaos. The Phanganist skypes it's old friend to talk luxury yoga retreats, hula hooping, Kurt Russell and reflections on ten years traveling Asia.
"My Grandmother introduced me to the world of yoga at fifteen and at the age of seventy eight years old, she is still practicing everyday. She is constantly teaching me how to be playful, humble and dedicated in my practice."
How did you end up in Hong Kong?
I moved over to Hong Kong to work with a children’s charity. It was initially a nine month contract but little did I know that Asia would be my home for the next ten years. Yoga had a big part in it.
I completed my first two hundred hour yoga teacher training in Southern India, on a one-to-one basis in 2013, before taking my passion to Bali to complete the ninety five hour Children’s Yoga Teacher Training.
In 2014, I started to work with The Yoga Room in Hong Kong as a full-time yoga teacher specializing in Hatha, Restorative and Vinyasa Yoga as well as developing their children’s yoga programme.In addition to working with The Yoga Room, I offered weekly community classes in the park and weekend yoga and hiking retreats on the small islands of Hong Kong.
A lot of work, but you didn’t stop to train yourself?
No I am still learning and working on myself. In 2015, I traveled to Koh Phangan to complete the three hundred hour Teacher Training specialising in Therapeutic Yin-Yang Yoga with Jivani Yoga.
Divine Light Yoga was created soon afterwards; we are now a Registered Children’s Yoga School providing one hundred and ten hour Teacher Trainings specialising in therapeutic and holistic yoga for children and teens. Over the past four months, I have been working with the Thai Child Development Foundation at their Eco-Logic resort in Ranong, leading yoga retreats to raise money for the foundation.
What does yoga mean to you?
Inner peace, freedom, compassion. But also action - Karma Yoga.
That’s interesting. What's the news on the charity front then?
Lots of new projects. Charity, work and travel! (laugh) That’s my life recently. We will be leading the one hundred and ten hour Children’s Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand on 19th-30th March and 28th July to the 9th August; working with the Thai Child Development Foundation. Thirty percent of all investments will go directly to
Thai disabled children that the Foundation is taking care of. This is amazing project run by Expats and Thai people hand in hand. I spend three months there last year and just had to be a part of it!
But, we've heard rumors of a luxury retreat in Chang Mai...
This is the other side of the coin. Helping people in their inner journey is what I love to do. I am always preparing a comfortable space for them, so they can fully relax, take a step back, try a variety of unique activities and find their answers within themselves. This is what my retreats are about.
Tell us about Chang Mai....
The retreat is being held on 7-11th February in a beautiful, luxurious villa in the countryside of Chiang Mai. We will have twice daily yoga and meditation sessions incorporating elements of vinyasa and yin yoga, mantra chanting and chakra meditations. Specialised workshops include partner yoga and art mediation.
We also have a half-day Thai cooking course included as well as plenty of time to enjoy a Thai massage and relaxing by the luxurious pool. It’s a feast for body and soul, just in time for starting new year! Chinese New Year... there are free places still thanks to that!
Going back to Karma Yoga. Why did you start teaching children?
I have been working with children since I was sixteen years old, in a variety of educational and health care settings. Once I discovered the therapeutic and healing properties of yoga, I knew I had to share it with the children. Working with kids keeps me connected to my inner child.
Is it why you started Hula Hooping?
Hula Hooping is a new passion of mine. I started hoop lessons with Turning Circles in Hong Kong about eighteen months ago and it soon became my new obsession!
I love how creative and graceful hula hoop dance can be as well as incredibly challenging and meditative. We will also be hosting our first Hula Hoop and Yoga Retreat in Koh Samui this summer!
So you are coming back to the Island?
No date set yet, but returning very shortly to a studio near you. Friend me on Facebook if you're interested in helping out with some charity work or if you just want to connect.
Now some ‘standard yogi questions’. As a traveler, you were probably asked that questions many times - where are you coming from? How long are you traveling? Where are you going next? These are the questions for yogis...
What was life like before Yoga?
I have always been a curious traveler and true adventurer, so life before yoga was all about traveling the world. I worked as a primary school teacher in international schools in Hong Kong and Dubai as well as volunteering throughout my travels. Now I am able to combine my three biggest passions - yoga, education and travel.
Does it have any influence on your health?
My health has improved dramatically since yoga became part of my daily life; physically, my energy levels are higher and more consistent, my emotional and mental wellbeing more balanced and after a recent trip to the opticians, I was amazed to find that my eye-sight has improved!
What changed when you started yoga?
I found yoga to be an incredible healing technique. I gained much more love, kindness and respect for myself and my body.
What has yoga given you?
Other than a strong, healthy mind and body, yoga has given me a new, more positive, meaningful direction in life.
What is not yoga?
Holding on to negative emotions towards yourself or others; judgmental thoughts, spiteful or dishonest actions, a lack of compassion. If you can offer forgiveness, compassion and kindness to yourself or others, you are practicing yoga.
What is the basis of a strong practice?
Dedication to yourself and your practice.
What is the most important thing about yoga?
For me, the yamas and niyamas; the ethical guidelines by which many of us yogis try to live by.
How would you respond to critics that say yoga is simply stretching?
I would invite them to one of my classes to experience the emotional and mental healing, therapeutic aspects of yoga.
When did you realise yoga was going to be your life?
Even though I had my first class at fifteen years old, it wasn’t until twelve years later that I realised just how significant it would be to my life.
What is missing in yoga today?
Time and space. I often experience yoga classes in which the students and sometimes the teachers, are so eager to move at such a fast pace, not allowing the mind or body the time or space that it needs.
What do you do when your mind tells you not to practice?
Occasionally, my mind can be so distracted that I cannot focus on any form of yoga or meditation in which case, I write down all my thoughts that are spinning around my head and then go back to my mat.
How would you like to see Koh Phangan grow?
I think Koh Phangan is perfect as it is. Whilst I wish that everyone can experience this magical little paradise, I hope that it will not grow to be too touristy and over developed.
Craziest type of yoga you have tried?
I have a secret love for Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga.
Are you Ready to go INSIDE 20?
Sure, Why Not.
1. Star sign: Gemini
2. Single, relationship or tantric: Happily Single
3. Favorite beer, yoga style, Kurt Russell movie: Tiger, Yin-Yang, The Fox and The Hound
4. Raw, vegan, vegetarian or Paleo? Vegan
5. Traveling since: 2006
6. KP because: It’s a magical piece of paradise
7. Number of times on KP: 3
8. Best coffee house: Eat.Co
9. Most you've been cheated in bhat: Probably way more than I realise
10. What brought you here: The Yoga
11. Secret place on KP: Coconut Beach
12. If your trip was a company what was the slogan be: The adventures never end
13. What do you miss: Nothing
14. What do you never travel without: My hula hoop
15. One piece of advice: Travel as much as you can, for as long as you can
16. Anything you'd like to ask me: Would you rather be a Power Ranger or a Ninja Turtle?
17. What are you hiding from your mum: Far too much to print
18. Guilty pleasure: A cheeky Bellini
19. Stones or Beatles: Beatles
20. Describe yourself in 3 words: Flighty, creative, curious
21. Funeral song: ’Where’s Your Head At’ Basement Jaxx – because everyone should dance and celebrate my life, not mourn it.
It’s more than 20 questions
I know it grows a little every week. Sorry.
Evolution is important Neb
Yes, Yes. Speaking of that ‘What's your life philosophy?’
I guess it would be ‘always dance to the beat of your own drum’.'
And grow a little every week
Send Laura a message to receive a special Phanganist discount on her upcoming retreat!
Interview by Neb
Edited & criticised by Benia
Photos courtesy of Divine Light Yoga
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