Studio Stories | Meet Our Member: Olivia
Get to know fellow Ziva Yoga practitioners in our brand-new Blog series Studio Stories, featuring conversations with members about their perspectives on yoga — and on life and lessons beyond asana.
Meet Olivia!
1. Tell us about yourself.
I am an introvert who embraces the challenges of being a solopreneur. My latest startup is symbolised by the Chinese character, “bing” or “biscuit”. My dream is to provide a connection for younger generations to discover their cultural identity and roots through food.
2. What is your go-to class at Ziva?
Ziva offers a variety of yoga classes, and I've tried different types. For my regular schedule, my go-to classes are Vinyasa and Hatha-Vinyasa.
3. What is the one pose that always gets you to “root down and rise up”?
I don't have a favorite pose; I enjoy being on the mat to experience different poses. Even the same pose offers different experiences depending on my condition at that moment. The connection between breath and movement grounds me, allowing me to root down into the present moment and rise with each inhale. As with life’s experiences, we need to take every breath in order to rise up again.
4. What is a pose that has surprised you during your yoga journey?
Recently, I was reminded how simple poses like cat and cow, when approached mindfully, can create a profound connection between the breath and our roots, especially when our limbs are on the ground
5. What does yoga mean to you? What gives you joy in your practice?
Yoga helps me focus on my breathing and brings me back to the present moment . The connection between breath and movement is the essence of my love for the practice. It roots me in the now, so as I revisit other tasks in life, I can approach them with new perspectives.
6. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned about yourself during your practice?
Yoga has improved my core and stability. I've also learned to let the poses come to me rather than chasing the poses.
7. Similarly, what are some habits or patterns you have UNlearned during your practice?
Through yoga, I've unlearned the habit of being overly goal-oriented. I now let the poses unfold naturally, focusing on the connection between breath and movement. It's about being rooted in the process and finding what my body can do.
8. What advice would you give to someone who’s new to yoga?
Don't form opinions about yoga based solely on information from the internet or others. It's a personal journey, and the experience is unique to each individual. Connect with your breath, let it root you in the present, and enjoy the practice.
9. Where do you hope your yoga journey will take you in the next 10 years?
After almost 10 years of yoga practice, I find each moment on the mat familiar yet new. I aim to enjoy the present and let the future unfold naturally.
10. Describe your time at Ziva in three words!
“Safe”, “sanctuary”, “identity recovery”.
