Introduction

Hello Esther, would you like to introduce yourself briefly?

I am Esther Ekhart. I am a lover of anything yoga, psychology, movement and meditation and have been teaching internationally for a very long time, at least 25 years. I’m also the founder of EkhartYoga, Europe’s largest online yoga platform.

Relaxing with yoga

Thank you for the brief introduction. Our goal is to find out how experts find relaxation in everyday life. I assume that for you as a yoga teacher and founder of EkhartYoga, yoga plays an important role in this. Can you explain how exactly yoga helps you relax?

To me, these days yoga is a way of life, and it is this way of life that relaxes me. It’s about how I get up in the morning, taking a moment to become aware and remind myself of a few things I’m grateful for. I always take time for some physical yoga, sometimes short (5-10 min), sometimes longer (20-60 min), depending on the demands of the day. And then I meditate for at least 20 minutes, sometimes up to 45 min. Next, it’s time for a walk with my dog in nature. All of the above are part of my physical/spiritual/mental hygiene, like brushing my teeth.

My philosophy is that relaxation and happiness are not dependent on what life is doing. Life does what it does and we have a lot less control over it than we think. Also, I believe it’s a lot less personal than we think. Relaxation and happiness are all about what I am doing with what life is doing. It’s about my relationship with life. And my relationship with life can be one of harmony, acceptance and curiosity about what life brings, rather than fighting with reality and wanting things to be different. That is how I try to live. That is what brings relaxation to my body and mind.

Practicing yoga

Would you advise certain groups of people against yoga, i.e. because of age or physicalrestrictions? Or can anyone start with yoga?

Yoga is for everyone: taking a conscious breath is yoga, slowing your out breath down, which relaxes your nervous system, is yoga. Asana (yoga postures) can be adapted for any body and any age, meditating is part of the path of yoga. It’s all about doing yoga functionally – using yoga to make you feel better, to suit your body and mind. All you need to do is make sure it is right for your body and mind at this moment. And yes, there will be styles and teachers that won’t suit you. Keep looking until you find a teacher and a style that does! It’s out there for sure.

Are there types of yoga or yoga exercises that you can do anytime and anywhere when you feel like the stress of everyday life is getting the better of you?

Consciously feel your feet! Take a deep breath and sigh out, to relax your nervous system. Take 3 deep, conscious breaths and stop for a moment; notice what is here right now, with a kind attitude towards yourself. Give yourself a good shake out: shake your hands, arms, legs, feet, shake your bum, waist, everything for a good couple of minutes and then take a few deep breaths and sigh out. This resets your whole system – try it, it’s great! Stretch yourself out fully, and squeeze your body and then let go. There are so many simple things like this you can have in your toolbox to use in different situations.

EkhartYoga

You are located in Weesp in North Holland, our readers are all from Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Would you recommend visiting Holland if one wants to take a course with you? Or are there alternatives?

Actually I moved to Portugal! I live in a very peaceful valley in nature with my husband and dog. I’m enjoying slowing down after living in beautiful and busy Holland. Come and practise with me online on EkhartYoga.com where I have over 800 classes from yoga to meditation. Join one of my donation-based Satsangs once a month on Zoom. And come meet me in person on one of my retreats, usually held in Portugal. Further information on all of these can be found on EkhartYoga.com or estherekhart.com. My teachings are all about how to relax!