A fool proof routine; 5 Minute Matcha + Yoga Mornings Sure to Jump Start Your Days!
We had the pleasure to meet and chat with one of Mexico's renowned Yoga Instructors, Lau Llanes. During our visit we drank Matcha, of course, and discussed ways to incorporate Yoga Meditation and Matcha into a fast paced lifestyle; especially for those who find they don't have much time in the morning. We came up with a fool proof routine; 5 Minute Matcha + Yoga Mornings that is sure to take away early morning aces and pains and kick start your energy for the day. To read more about the "Matcha + Yoga Routine" and how to drink Matcha specifically before Yoga Meditation, click here!
We invite you to learn more about this amazing women we had the pleasure to connect with! She is not only a very talented Yoga Instructor, but an inspiration to those looking to follow their dreams too!
#ChitChatMatcha with Lau Llanes
Hi! My name is Laura Llanes Barragán (I like to be called Lau). Was born in Mérida, Yucatán, México 26 years ago. I am a yoga teacher, certified diver and mom of two beautiful dogs - Kali and Francisca
How and why did you start practicing yoga?
When I was 16 years old I spent the summer in Puerto Vallarta with some friends and went every day to a gym near the house to take yoga classes and climb this wall they had there. Not very holistic (jaja), but I always felt so good afterwards. Since then, I never stopped practicing yoga.
Who was your great mentor or your teacher?
My greatest mentor has always been my mom. Since I was a kid, she told me to listen to myself and do whatever I wanted to do with heart and to help others. She supported me when I decided to be a vegetarian and when I wanted to be a yoga teacher instead of having a “regular” job. During this practice, I have had many movement teachers around the world, not only yoga, I love to learn, I am a curious student.
Tell us your practice style and how did you chose your method?
I cannot say I teach just one method, my style combines hatha yoga with vinyasa, pilates, functional training, yin yoga, pranayama, and random movements that sometimes I come up with on my own. It all depends on the class, what is better for my students and their goals. I try to combine everything and create unique routines so my classes are not always the same.
What obstacles has yoga helped you overcome?
One of the biggest changes was making me conscious. Aware of my body and my breath. I dared to look inside of me, without judging, as my heart knows all the answers without even asking. Yoga has helped me to shift my perspective, I became aware of my actions. I understood that everything is connected, what we see and do not see, everything that we do and not do.
What is your mindset when you step onto a mat?
To keep exploring. Everything can change at any moment.
It does not matter if I am teaching a class or taking it. My mind is always open to explore, my personal practice is never premeditated and most of the times my students teach me new ways to do something.
When did you realize you wanted to become a teacher?
It was very organic, I loved what I felt in yoga classes. I practiced from 2 to 4 hours every day, until I took a certification for teachers with the purpose of refining my personal practice. I experienced so many positive changes in my life that I realized that what I really wanted to do was to transmit it to others.
What is the most rewarding part of being a yoga teacher?
Now I have a better communication with myself. I learned to be present and not to be afraid, and just to trust in me. Teaching impels me to continue studying, to look for new methods to be more physically and mentally agile, to give the best of myself and to help others do the same.
Why is yoga so important for the times that we live in?
We live in a society that has glorified the term "busy". Now we are always busy, doing things on autopilot, or just because we “have to”. But never make time for ourselves, we need to take a break, take time to relate better with ourselves and others.
What advice would you have for people just getting started with yoga?
Stop waiting, dare to start from scratch and leave the comfort zone. You do NOT have to be flexible to practice yoga, you do NOT have to be strong to lift weights, the only thing you have to do is to WANT to do it, everything can be achieved with practice. Make things happen.
What is your favorite quote?
Stop. Think. Breathe. Act. <3
I am the change I want to see in the world. By loving and respecting myself, I can emanate a little of that fidelity and peace to others, and perhaps, get a little of that peace back.
Photo Credits: Lau Llanes
We invite you to learn more about this amazing women we had the pleasure to connect with! She is not only a very talented Yoga Instructor, but an inspiration to those looking to follow their dreams too!
#ChitChatMatcha with Lau Llanes
Hi! My name is Laura Llanes Barragán (I like to be called Lau). Was born in Mérida, Yucatán, México 26 years ago. I am a yoga teacher, certified diver and mom of two beautiful dogs - Kali and Francisca
How and why did you start practicing yoga?
When I was 16 years old I spent the summer in Puerto Vallarta with some friends and went every day to a gym near the house to take yoga classes and climb this wall they had there. Not very holistic (jaja), but I always felt so good afterwards. Since then, I never stopped practicing yoga.
Who was your great mentor or your teacher?
My greatest mentor has always been my mom. Since I was a kid, she told me to listen to myself and do whatever I wanted to do with heart and to help others. She supported me when I decided to be a vegetarian and when I wanted to be a yoga teacher instead of having a “regular” job. During this practice, I have had many movement teachers around the world, not only yoga, I love to learn, I am a curious student.
Tell us your practice style and how did you chose your method?
I cannot say I teach just one method, my style combines hatha yoga with vinyasa, pilates, functional training, yin yoga, pranayama, and random movements that sometimes I come up with on my own. It all depends on the class, what is better for my students and their goals. I try to combine everything and create unique routines so my classes are not always the same.
What obstacles has yoga helped you overcome?
One of the biggest changes was making me conscious. Aware of my body and my breath. I dared to look inside of me, without judging, as my heart knows all the answers without even asking. Yoga has helped me to shift my perspective, I became aware of my actions. I understood that everything is connected, what we see and do not see, everything that we do and not do.
What is your mindset when you step onto a mat?
To keep exploring. Everything can change at any moment.
It does not matter if I am teaching a class or taking it. My mind is always open to explore, my personal practice is never premeditated and most of the times my students teach me new ways to do something.
When did you realize you wanted to become a teacher?
It was very organic, I loved what I felt in yoga classes. I practiced from 2 to 4 hours every day, until I took a certification for teachers with the purpose of refining my personal practice. I experienced so many positive changes in my life that I realized that what I really wanted to do was to transmit it to others.
What is the most rewarding part of being a yoga teacher?
Now I have a better communication with myself. I learned to be present and not to be afraid, and just to trust in me. Teaching impels me to continue studying, to look for new methods to be more physically and mentally agile, to give the best of myself and to help others do the same.
Why is yoga so important for the times that we live in?
We live in a society that has glorified the term "busy". Now we are always busy, doing things on autopilot, or just because we “have to”. But never make time for ourselves, we need to take a break, take time to relate better with ourselves and others.
What advice would you have for people just getting started with yoga?
Stop waiting, dare to start from scratch and leave the comfort zone. You do NOT have to be flexible to practice yoga, you do NOT have to be strong to lift weights, the only thing you have to do is to WANT to do it, everything can be achieved with practice. Make things happen.
What is your favorite quote?
Stop. Think. Breathe. Act. <3
I am the change I want to see in the world. By loving and respecting myself, I can emanate a little of that fidelity and peace to others, and perhaps, get a little of that peace back.
Photo Credits: Lau Llanes
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