Zhenya Gerson – Entrepreneur and Yoga Teacher

Hand in hand with my business, Exhale Wellness Spa (see my blog on ‘Day in the Life of Exhale Wellness Spa’), I am also a yoga teacher at Hot Yogi Cronulla  and run my own special events, including workshops and retreats. I incorporate my personal values into both my practice and teachings in the yoga studio as well as in the treatment room for my clients when performing a colonic treatment.

 

On the days where I wear my yoga teacher hat, I like start my day off easy and casually, I give myself time to relax at home in the morning and have a smoothie or fresh juice. I don’t like to practice on a full stomach, however, I know my body requires the energy to move, so a small smoothie is always perfect. After my beverage of choice I head off to either Hot Yogi or Jivamukti Newtown to immerse myself in my practice, of course followed by a much deserved lunch!

Protein is key for me after a strong yoga class. I often take some time by the sea, perhaps reading or planning my class for that evening whilst reflecting on things that came up in class, as yoga is very much a personal experience and journey.

 

A favourite saying of mine is “how you do anything is how you do everything.” What shows up off the mat shows up on the mat,  these lessons I find important in my practice and is also a philosophy that I live my life. I am a strong believer in that how you handle a situation, challenge, or experience in your life at that present moment, is how you will most probably handle all of them. This builds character and strength in an individual. Not that I handle every situation with grace and perfection, I’m still learning and practicing being mindful.

 

During the rest of the day my time will vary. This may involve putting on my Exhale market/office admin hat, or perhaps, I may decide to get in touch with mother nature and do a bit of gardening, especially now that Spring is here and it’s time to plant fresh herbs and veggies ready to be plucked for a fresh meal.

 

In the evening I teach my classes at Hot Yogi. I love how whether I am teaching or practicing I ALWAYS feel nourished and fulfilled after a class.

 

I believe that you need to live your life in balance, not being consumed by only work or only play. So although I have my two different work days at either Exhale Wellness Spa or Hot Yogi, I make sure that I have my own personal time enjoying life.

 

Being mindful in my everyday life is one of the keys to living a happy life and with this comes finding time for stillness, taking  a walk by the sea breathing in the refreshing air, reading a book, travelling to new destinations (even a weekend away can make you feel refreshed), and exploring a new yoga studio always excites me.

 

One of my favourite Saturday morning ventures is shopping at the local farmer’s market in Ramsgate as this gives me the opportunity to support local business and always buy what’s fresh and in season as this aids to the my health. I revel in taking time to explore different parts of the city I haven’t been too, check out a new restaurant and ensure that I always take time out to catch up with friends.

 

I’m also involved with Off the Mat Into the World and have started a yoga program at the Ronald McDonald House for the patients and their families that live there. It’s a project I am very excited and passionate about, and is so far receiving much positive feedback. My vision to extend yoga to every RMH in the country, however, one step at a time to establish a deep-rooted program for all to enjoy and benefit from.

 

Many people are intrigued about not only how Exhale has come to be, but also how my role as a yoga teacher came to be. From this I have expanded on a few main questions that have been asked of me. Enjoy and please feel free to comment and contact me as I always love to hear feedback.

 

1. How do you feel that Yoga benefits yourself and others? Why did you become a Yoga Teacher and what does this mean to you?

 

Yoga is not limited in its benefits as these extend from physical health to mental and spiritual wellbeing. Yoga is medicine for the physical body, the spiritual body and the emotional body It was and still is “prescribed” as medicine by Ayurvedic doctors. A lot of time we forget that yoga has healing properties, and to be honest that makes me a bit sad.

 

My teacher Erich Schiffman once said, “if you have come to yoga to show off  your new yoga mat, you’re not here for right reason, if you have come to yoga to check out who is wearing the latest yoga clothes, you are not here for the right reason, if you have come to yoga to tone up your arms, legs, butt etc, you are not here for the right reason, if you have come to yoga to explore who you truly are and unravel the layers of yourself, then you are here for the right reason.”  I remind not only myself of this often but also share this with my students often as a reminder of why they roll out their mat day after day, practice after practice.

 

We almost always start a yoga practice for the physical benefits and that’s great! But it doesn’t take long, I’m talking 2 or 3 classes, to start noticing how yoga affects us beyond the physical. Each week at least one student will tell me how they are noticing how their practice on the mat, impacts the rest of their lives off the mat. They are sleeping better, their mind is clearer, they are fighting less with their kids, partner, etc, their bowels movements are more consistent, they feel a greater sense of inner peace and happiness. The list goes on and on. To me that makes me happier than seeing a student do a handstand.

 

For me personally, yoga is the time out I have been giving myself for over 13 years now. At first sciatic nerve issue was what

lead me to the mat. Then similar to that of my students it became clear that there was much more to yoga. The real meaning of ‘yoga’ is “union”—union of mind, body and spirit and union of the individual with the universal. My head clears, my patience resumes, my eyes and skin shine and my digestion benefits so much from each and every practice. I have always kept busy, multi-tasking and have always had more than one job a time. To me, more than anything yoga teaches me to slow down, take one breath and one step at a time.

 

When I was studying at University, I kept leaning towards a degree in teaching, it’s not what I ended up with but my soul was always pulling me there.  I often ended up as a trainer or leader in all of my previous jobs. One of my yoga teachers in 2005 said to me, “so when are you doing your teacher training?” I looked at her with complete surprise when she said that. I didn’t think I knew enough about yoga to be a teacher. She looked back at me and said, “you’re ready.” Two months later I was at a teacher training in LA with Erich Schiffman feeling scared, shocked, lost and in total love with what I was doing.

 

One of the things I take great pleasure and pride in is guiding my students physically so they don’t injure themselves physically and spiritually so they feel safe to open up, let go, unravel and grow. My favourite times are their “AH-HA” moments, nothing beats that!

 

2. How do you exude the core principles of Exhale Wellness Spa and a Yoga Teacher in your everyday life?

 

The core principles of Exhale are simple.  Live the life that works for you, not me, not your best friend, not your Auntie, you!

 

I follow my own top tips for longevity (below) which has created a lasting foundation for myself as well as openly conveying this message through all my practices as a yoga teacher and through Exhale.

 

I eat well, drink a lot of water, exercise regularly, meditate, cook, bake, read, drink red wine, go out for meals to experience new cuisines and places, spend time with my husband, see live music and hang out with friends. Balance is key.

 

One common question people always ask me is ‘What do you eat?’ My answer is always the same; I eat the foods that are right for me. What I eat, drink, and decide to do in my spare time has been carefully crafted and deconstructed many times over until I found the right combination for myself. I do all of these mindfully, as it isn’t just about the food that I’m feeding my body but how I am eating them and the environment/company that I am consuming it in, which all contribute to my health and wellbeing.

 

3. Top tips for longevity

 

• Always place yourself first – it’s like the airplane in case of emergency announcement  Always put the gas mask on yourself first before helping your child or another passenger. If you are stressed, sick, or unwell, how can you be there for your loved ones if you can’t  even take care of yourself.

   

• Drink Lots of water! Our body is made up of approximately 50-75% water depending upon your age, gender and body composition. Mental performance and physical coordination is affected by dehydration. So get that H2O into your bodies no matter what!

   

• Eat a balanced diet that is right for you. I never say be an angel 100% of the time because that’s totally unrealistic, balance is key.

   

• Exercise – whatever it is, just get out and move. You will be surprised how many daily activities you can add some exercise into – why not do some squats while watching TV?

   

• Mindfulness, meditation and connection – bring that ‘Om’ into your life

   

• Play and Laugh Often!

   

• Take a timeout at least once a day – walk away from what you are doing and just take a few deep breaths, it doesn’t have to be more than just that to feel refreshed.

   

• Pamper yourself – treat yourself to a massage, facial, or any other activity it is that you love to do for yourself and only yourself

   

• Detox at least twice a year and that means from technology too!! Put that Facebook down!

   

• Learn to Love yourself and remember that you are unique and perfect in your own way

   

4. You offer Juice Detox Programs through Exhale Wellness Spa, how often do you detox yourself?

 

I make it a habit to detox several times a year. I do not believe in the quick-fix fast detoxes such as the ‘Lemon Detox Diet’. I  am highly aware of the negative implications it will have on my own health resulting in my body being stripped bare of the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals to function properly. I believe in leading by example and that is why I do a Juice Detox, supported by Detox Delivered.

 

The most amazingly and unique trait about Detox Delivered juices is that they are personally tailored to MY health goals and

what my body is needing to detoxify and have the reset button pushed on it. Through these juices I receive an ample amount of fresh fruit fruit and vegetables that provide my body with alkalising nutrients to restore my body’s pH levels, detox my liver and give my digestive systems a rest. These juices are also tailored to aid in the healing of whatever is coming up in your body at that present time.

 

For myself a simple good ol’ colon and liver detox is generally all that is needed. For clients that have other ailments such as arthritis, IBS, MS, Pancreatitis a health assessment is done prior to creating the juices and based on their primary needs the juices are specifically designed to address these issues. Talk about an outstanding product and service, as no other juice cleanse company I have heard of does that! You are no longer just another juice drinking fiend from Boost Juice, but have found a pathway to rebalance yourself and become part of the culture of Exhale Wellness Spa and Detox Delivered.

 

5. Tell me about living in the Maldives – what were the lessons learnt to benefit your own life, Exhale Wellness Spa and your teachings as a Yoga teacher?

    

I worked and lived in the Maldives for one year from mid 2008-2009 as a Spa Consultant and Yoga Instructor at Conrad Resort. Through not only living in a new environment, especially a whole new country, this opened my eyes to the world of possibilities and my mindset changed.

 

I was able to gain a lot of knowledge to manage and run a Five Star Spa effectively which I am so grateful for. I learnt everything from the backend processes/procedures to ensure the sustainability of growing a successful business through to to working at the front of house and being a representative/face of Conrad Rangali Resort and Spa

 

Some of my fondest memories and most valuable experiences whilst working at Conrad Resort was meeting and engaging with guests from all of the world. I have always been a very patient and open minded person, however, through being exposed on a daily basis  to a variety of different languages, nationalities, guests with their different expectations, and working with therapists from all over Asia I have gained a new perspective and developed a better understanding and appreciation for all types of people.

I was lucky enough to share an office with a fantastic Naturopath and now good friend, Cheryl Davison from the UK. From Cheryl, my knowledge of homeopathics, herbal medicine, mind body connection and many other topics grew extensively. It was at this moment in my life that I decided to complete my Certificate of Nutrition.

 

After experiencing the wonderful life in the Maldives, I decided to return to Australia as a Colon Hydrotherapist while completing my Certificate of Nutrition. Through my time employed as a Colon Hydrotherapist for a year, I noticed that a number of my clients lived in the Sutherland Shire, where I live. Through researching the need for this service, the market, and demographics in the Shire I decided to open Exhale. I did not wish to create a Colon Hydrotherapy business like any other (see my blog on ‘Day in the Life of Exhale Wellness Spa’), but rather to create a safe haven for my clients so that this was an experience rather than a clinical procedure. I incorporated my own beliefs and philosophy into the heart and soul of this business so that what I have on offer is different to anywhere else, drawing on my own knowledge and experiences to benefit everyone. Many of the things I learned working at the Conrad Resort I have adapted and implemented here at Exhale as this was a major learning curve for me and I would not trade it for anything in the world.

 

One of my tips in life for anyone and everyone is to travel.  If you have the opportunity to gain international work experience just say YES! This broadens your mind and perspective, opportunities will come at you from every angle when least expected, and you will come out feeling refreshed and a whole new person.

I was lucky enough to learn how to Scuba Dive that year, visit India and Thailand, enjoy the Indian Ocean, swim daily, meet so many fascinating people, explore a variety of yoga techniques from different teachers, and best of all….not have to wear shoes for an entire year!