Eleni’s Yoga featured in “MENTORED”

BOA’s Business Spotlight

Q: What is your name/title?

Eleni Leonstini & founder of Eleni‘s Yoga and Movement Studio

Q: What does your business do in a nutshell?

ProudI teach yoga, meditation and Mindfulness ability.

Q: When/where was your business founded?

2005, Sydney.

Q: What inspired you to start your business?

It was all so quick !!! Yoga changed my life and perspective in so many ways.i never drive past Bexley road , the day I did with my mum there was a shop for Lease. I enquired and within a week I rented it, I had never had a lease, I walked down the road knocked at a Lawyers office. He prepared my first Commercial lease ( for free!!!).

Q: What motivates you about your business?

I just love yoga and when my students look and feel at peace. Happy when they give me feedback on a shift that has happened for them.

Q: What’s some advice you would give to your younger self about entrepreneurship?

To save more!!! To not let customers walk all over me. To not accept bad behaviour and manners.

Q: Piece of advice you’d like to share?

I am a survivor!!! I’m adaptable and growing to more areas. Be flexible. I have gone from a small yoga studio space that no one thought would survive, it did for 10 years then I moved to a bigger space. Then COVID hit and my third studio space is behind my garden, this time I thought ohhh it may not be professional enough, how will I survive !!! It’s thriving. Having your own business is 7 days a week, I would not want to do anything else.

Q: Where can people find your business?

You can find us at our website, Instagram, or our Facebook.

What I’m Learning from the Younger Generation

Or, how are they influencing me? That’s maybe the best description. I feel I embrace change wholeheartedly. Look at this year—I’ve gone blond! But we are a world apart from the younger generation. I’m 50 years old and edging toward… My connection to different age groups is definitely what I love and embrace, both in my personal life and work. I love people, so age really does not change things. What I have noticed more than ever is the younger generation and the boldness and strength that they possess.

A few of my observations…

1. Buckets of Self-Belief

The younger generation is all about making it happen. They are not waiting for experience and years to build up or waiting for invitations to make bold strides at work or in their personal lives. They just go for it. They have heart, courage, and a strong inner compass to direct themselves where they want to be, where they dream to be. The inner voice is a resounding “Yes!” It’s not a “no” or a “maybe” or “let’s wait and see.” Getting it done, they are ready.

2. Non-Apologetic

They have a voice and will. They are not worried about upsetting anyone, and not intentionally. I still freak out about approaching some subjects with my Mum—haha, it’s true! The younger generation? No way! They will wear what they want and how they want to. Self-expression is non-apologetic. Hey, society, if you don’t like what I wear? Bad luck. Look away; this is me. It’s just wonderful. I’m in awe of the inner glow and this non-apologetic stance. For me, it feels fierce, and I admire it so much. Back in my day, I stopped myself so many times in case I upset someone or they did not approve. So silly.

3. Adapting, Accepting, and Flexible

For the career and learning chapter of the younger generation, they are the most adaptive. If paths 1, 2, or 3 do not work, there are options 4 to 20! How cool is that? They do not stop in their tracks and admit defeat; they will plow through to a different route, a solution. That takes a lot of confidence. I feel my generation learned new skills in a very systematic way. If you had a great teacher or mentor, that was fantastic; otherwise, a bad teacher, difficult manager, or learning institution meant doom for us. The disappointment and loss were huge, a loss of confidence, feeling lost and disheartened.

Powerful young crew, I admire you. Keep up the success and happiness.

(But can you please just detach yourselves from your phone for a while?)

Adapting through Changes: Lessons from the Yoga Mat

As colder weather sets in, the days become shorter, and the seasons change, so does our yoga practice. We require more time to limber up, standing yoga postures may take up a larger portion of our class, and we may need to break out the blankets for added warmth and comfort during savasana. It’s getting cold.

The more flexible we are in adapting to changes, the stronger and more resilient we become. These are undoubtedly lessons that we’ve carried through from COVID lockdown. We often reflect upon the COVID years as lost time in our lives, and we’re now mindful of not wasting any more time. We’re attending events, getting out in nature, meeting friends, teaching more group classes, running workshops, and just being around people.

Yogis have an incredible self-awareness that is grounding and robust. Unfortunately, I’ve come across numerous people who stop doing what they love when their lives’ circumstances change, and one of those things can be yoga.

I often hear reasons such as:
• “I’ve had neck issues from work, and I cannot do headstand and deep backbends, so I stopped going to my classes.”
• “I’ve put on weight or I’m not currently fit, so I cannot do yoga.”
• “I love dynamic practices, but my body cannot do it, so I stopped going to my classes.”
• “I’ve had a break from yoga, but now I’m scared and do not feel ready to go back.”
• “Unexpected health issues have arisen, so I stopped practicing.”
• “Relationships that are dismantled or new ones arise, and feeling too tired to get back to classes.”

The list goes on! Life issues, body issues, and financial conditions can undoubtedly have a real impact.

But I say, let’s adapt. Do not stop doing what you love. Do not lose confidence if there are postures you cannot do. Do not be hesitant to discuss any changes. I’m very intuitive to student needs, but your disclosure is so important. All new yogis who have started with me this year have been on a wonderful journey as we discuss their needs, so I can be mindful of them.

(By the way, about those headstands. I rarely do them! They do not make me feel good. I had a huge car accident about 15 years ago, and my car hit an electricity pole after flying through the air, so my neck feels sensitive, and I guard it.)

Strength, flexibility, and fitness levels are always changing – but we adapt. During my Monday morning class last week, I was teaching Malasana – a deep squat pose with a seated variation for yogis to choose from. One of my students said, “Wow, I couldn’t do this pose at all two months ago, but I can do it today.” Janae had a great smile and was happily surprised. The yogi behind her, Caroline, commented, “I can’t do Malasana anymore; it does not feel good, so I don’t do it.”

Boom, and I’m literally the happiest yoga teacher! Yoga is about doing what feels right and adapting confidently along the way. There’s no pressure, there’s enough of that in life, who needs that when doing a yoga class?

We go with the flow, we enjoy, we stay safe, and we’re not scared to adapt. In that way, yoga is your best card in the deck for mind and body health and wellbeing. It’s something you can maintain forever if we’re not afraid of changes and are mindful of adaptation.

Summer of love

In February we started to really sit and enjoy the positive and uplifting vibes of 2023.

It’s month of love and (finally) a beautiful season of Summer.

It has being the loveliest experience to meet and teach so many new yogis, as well as having past students coming back to rejoin our studio.

Yoga courses have thrived and have been a great success. I will continue to introduce more courses and new time slots – it’s fantastic to watch you all improve so much.

We have a lot more yogis then ever before, with many currently attending up to three classes a week! Yeahhhhhhhhhhhh.

What I’m also loving and want to express to everyone who reads this is the incredible yoga community that we have at EYAMS. I love watching everyone chatting to each other and making new friends. You are all sharing such a beautiful journey and the yoga community is very precious.

Since this is a Summer newsletter, I want to also mention the yogis who said they would never wear shorts – yes, they are coming to class with shorts. Woooohooo, it must be my super pep talk! Let’s keep feeling comfortable and confident in our bodies. We all have our low moments at times about how we look, but what life has taught us so far is to enjoy the present and enjoy our bodies.

Thank you all for your ongoing support, and recommending me to your friends and family for yoga, Homeopathy and my yoga activewear clothing range.

Keep yoging everyone (things that will never change – definitely me killing the English language, or calling you by a new name haha)

Xx

Eleni

Healing and rebalancing

Spring has been so strong and powerful. Longer days, a bit more sunshine, we are all smiling that little bit more.

Personally, my stress levels have hit the roof. It all started with my poor mum falling and fracturing her skull. She was in so much pain, and the worst part was that she could not fly to Greece due to the extent of her injury.

I am a resilient soul and dare I say so positive, but so many things have happened that I have had the worst acid reflux I have ever experienced in my life. Literally as I’m writing this (yes, I’m really old school, I write before I type ?) – it’s day 5 and my reflux is finally starting to subside.

Initially my chest hurt so much I was wondering ‘what the hell is going on?’ Then anything I ate gave me so much pain. I was concerned, but as a homeopath I just had to observe. Why was this happening?

I began to piece things together, and also our wonderful chats in classes helped. By sharing my story and describing how I was feeling, I realised it all came down to anxiety. It built up, and yes I do all the work: yoga, meditation, sleep, positive and loving relationships, good food, nutritious and healthy living habits etc. But life stresses in succession can make the body respond in ill health. That is what happened to me.

So I am not immune to life stresses but I am very lucky that I can help myself with so many tools that I have acquired with my life’s work in yoga and homeopathy.

Healing and getting rebalanced also comes down to community. For me, this is what I observe with all the classes that I teach and clients. Talking, sharing and listening is so therapeutic. It is a magical gift. That is part of the healing: a nurturing yoga community.

I feel so grateful for the wonderful students that rock up to the studio. Nicest souls and biggest hearts.

And now we are heading towards the end of 2022, with more experiences, laughter, resilience and inner strength to come

Xxx
Eleni

Winter is almost over

Days are looking brighter, and come late afternoon we all have started to notice it’s getting dark later. How much do we all miss sunny, warm days??!!!! I have never worn so much clothing in my life.

Winter 2022 has been a two-way experience for the yoga community with yogis either attending two yoga classes every week, with nothing stopping you – or many of you fled into total winter hibernation!

For the first time in 17 years, I taught classes with the heater powering on throughout our sessions. I cannot recall such a season of cold, rain and winds. You guys still came.

Let’s not forget the crazy renovations of July. All the furniture, cement and dust that was disposed in the yoga garden until Council clean up date was finally booked. Big shout out to Canterbury council. They picked up everything, such great service.

Such a huge change in our way of living compared to this time last year. Although we are all technically trying to wipe it off our memories. I still cannot believe what our lives looked like during lockdown in 2021. Living within the boundaries of a 5km radius. Do we remember that? Shit, I do!!! Living and working in the Canterbury area, my studio was my sanctuary every evening and the nature reserve at the back of Bardwell Park train station was my working area, teaching one to one amazing yogis in the daytime. The worst was having to wear face masks outdoors while teaching.

We were all so resilient and amazing as we sustained friendships, work, hobbies and studies in uncertain times. Scary times. 2020 and 2021, you sure tested everyone and everywhere in this world.

But – good times are here!!!! Celebrations that are worth smiling for – because my studio has reached the ripe, mature age of 17 years old.

On 23rd August, I celebrate 17 years of this awesome yoga and holistic business that I created – celebrating 3 studio spaces, 2 lockdowns, and surviving on the other side.

I have put together two special birthday package for yogis, with an offer on pre-purchased class packs:

6 classes for $138 – that’s $23 per class instead of $25 – save $12

10 classes for $220 – that $22 per class instead of $25 – save $30

Classes must be used by end of October 2022. Strictly no extensions will be made.

Cannot be transferred to another yogi. The discount does not apply to the new Saturday Body and Mind Spring Detox Course.

Thank you for all of your support, amazing Yogis.

Xoxoxoxo

Eleni

Happiness

We have come to the  the halfway point to 2022, yogis. Truly unbelievable. We’ve been reflecting each week with the yogi gang (“ohhh today is the second week of February can you believe it? mmmmm hello, it’s the last Friday of April, wooooow last weekend of May” etc etc)  The year is flying!!!!

And as time passes, I’m also getting closer to the border of 50, which scaressssssssss me so much!!!

But what I wanted to capture here is this elusive state. The whispers and talk of:

Happiness.

Does it exist?

Are we experiencing enough of it?

When were you the happiest?

Are you happy this moment?

What can make us feel happy?

Happy is a smile, a laughter out of the blue. Happiness is shenanigans in my classes. Happiness is a state of joy and sense of lightness.

Happy is my current state.

I am not immune to stress, despite the fact that I have a massive advantage that I teach and make a living from yoga. I cherish my work and way of life beyond words. Overall I’m a happy person, and I believe my overall constitution does come down to happiness. I’m happy.

According to Mumma Regina, I was a happy baby, a child that never cried. I just smiled a lot. I still do.

I’m happy. Happy with myself and how I conduct my life in this world, in my community, my relationships, my home, my work.

Happy to have met a wonderful man – we’re coming up to 15 months of crazy happiness, love, support and understanding. I have only experienced this now in my late 40s, for which I am so grateful and ……happy.

When I observe my classes, I feel happiness.

Yogis who may have never met, will smile, express themselves and reflect in a class.

The sense of community and to be understood, makes us happy.

We all have experienced more stress and uncertainty in the last two years – more than we can have ever imagined. There has been immense sadness and loss.Changes that have been abrupt, and in some ways, changes that we are all still adjusting to.

I still talk and meet people that have just started coming back to yoga group classes after nearly two years.

Although it is lovely to reflect on our  past (maybe our happy days at school, or the fun times of our youth etc), I’m a huge fan lately of staying present and enjoying this moment.

To be present and full of joy about today!!!

Make a list of what you can add to your life, and give out, to bring happiness in your heart.

If a list is overwhelming, start small. What can make you happy today?

On Monday, it was as simple as going to Honey and Walnut Patisserie (it’s in Dulwich Hill) and having a coffee and reading a few pages of my book. That was happiness for me.

I told you – small things can lift our mood and makes us happy.

Commit to your own happiness and joy of life that is so precious and you will radiate.

xx

Eleni

Eleni’s Yoga and Movement Studio, now also at Activ Therapy Clemton Park

Eleni’s Yoga and Movement Studio, now also at Activ Therapy Clemton Park, situated in Clemton Park Village.

Introducing my new Winter Yoga and Movement Health Series: 22nd June to 11th August at Activ Therapy Clemton Park @activtherapyclemtonpark.

Eleni will be conducting two weekly classes:

  • Yoga Core class – 10am Wednesdays
  • Gentle Yoga Flow class – 9:30am Thursdays

These classes will create overall body strength, awareness and suppleness, while making you feel relaxed, calm and grounded – positive benefits for both your body and your mind.

Cost per class is $25.

Special offer: pre-pay and book four classes with Eleni at @ Activ Therapy for $100 and get a 5th class free! That’s just $20 per class. Note, free class applies only to the Activ Therapy timetable. This offer can be shared with a friend/family member.

Bookings are essential. Please contact Eleni on 0412 772 397 or eleni_yoga@yahoo.com.au

Find out more at: https://www.activtherapy.com.au/clemton-park-yoga.html

Creating new patterns

We have had waves of uncertainty so far into the year 2022, carrying over from  the end of 2021. COVID infections surged  and all of us crossing fingers and toes that we did not get sick and test positive so we could head to our planned summer holidays – including me travelling to Queensland with my man for the Christmas / New Year period.
 
By the end of January we were all resettling, and I was welcoming new students to the studio.
By February I had past students coming back to classes who had not attended since the start of this global COVID journey. What will the rest of March and April bring? They are the months for creating new patterns. So hopefully they bring the prospects of getting excited and happy in attending yoga classes regularly, meeting up with friends, resuming our fitness regime, and enjoying the outdoors (it all has to dry up soon!!!!)
 
How do we establish new patterns that may have been interrupted or broken by the pandemic, flooding and torrential rain and of course other life occurrences that can throw a spanner in the works (financial difficulties, school, work, relationships.)
My advice is to JUST KEEP GOING. Big breaks can make it harder to place your wellbeing journey as a priority. You lose the momentum and it eventually becomes harder and harder. A distant memory. The body forgets, the mind gets overwhelmed and tells you it’s too late to go back to what you love doing. Self-sabotage and negativity set in.
The last lockdown was the hardest ever. I felt at times so frustrated that I cannot even express it. What pulled me through? My Yoga passion and work. I lowered the cost of my personal yoga training to half price for the hour, and booked yogis outdoors. Yes, we had the weather to be mindful of (thankfully the majority of winter was cool but sunny, just perfect) and I will never forget that as the restrictions kept shifting, sometimes we had to wear a mask for the practise!!!!!!! Ughhhhhhhh, but we did it. Not one of those clients regrets going ahead with their yoga journey. Walking to and from the park  for me daily was amazing. We remained healthy and positive.
So what happens as you are reading this and thinking ‘Wow, it has been 15 months since I have attended a group yoga class. What can I do? Is it too late to start?’
 
It’s never too late. Start slow steady and be consistent. Do not compare yourself to what you could do pre-break and what your usual attendance was like.e.g two double classes every week.  At the start, your journey may look like one class per week. Perfect!!!!!! For many years I have seen so many students make the most amazing gains through just attending one class per week. (Please note they are also keeping mobile and fit with other activities and home practise as well.) Never underestimate consistency, it does not always mean the more the better. 
 
In each of my classes there is an amazing, welcoming energy. We all hold each other up. Attend class when your mood is low, when you are stressed and feeling flat. You will walk out feeling 1000 times better. I guarantee a giggle, a smile or laughter.
 
Look after your body, your mind your soul. That’s what yoga does. It looks after you. It brings you back to base. Grounding you and uplifting you. Yes there will be a few grunts from your teacher when we collectively mention the need to select  yoga postures to release our tight hips (you will definitely hear me say TIGHT!!!!TIGHT!!!! TIGHT!!!!!!!).
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you feel you want to touch base with me before re-commencing your yoga journey and discuss your concerns.
 
New Yogis: I will also be adding more beginner yoga classes to the timetable so stay tuned.
 
Hugs and happiness, 
Eleni
Xxxxx

My top 5 ways to navigate the end of 2021

I have felt that everyone really just wants this month to end. Wait – more like this year to end! It’s like a feeling of let’s wrap it up, see ya 2021 and let’s try again for 2022.

Of course, rushing for the finale does mean we miss how precious each day is. We have many days left in 2021 to enjoy and just be. To accomplish, to keep succeeding, and to enjoy this precious life that we have. So let’s not hurry, let’s keep our sanity, and have fun!

I’ve thought about 5 ways you can see off 2021 with love, laughter and positivity.

1. Get into nature

Nature is healing and is fundamental to a calm headspace and relaxed, natural living. The Japanese coined the term Forest Bathing in the ’80s. They put research and programs in place for its population who were in critical need of relaxation and improve the immunity and psyche of the people. The Cure? Spending time in nature, in the forest and among trees. During the Round 2 Covid Lockdown this year I was at Cooks River twice a day walking or running. Believe it or not, I was still able to discover new pathways, and loops from the streets and areas of Cooks River that I had not visited before. It brought a smile to my face. So, how can you start your journey to get into nature? Start by visiting a beach, parkland or valley that you have wanted to visit but have always been too busy to go. Take a picnic, your favourite book or just yourself and enjoy being in nature. We have reached the end of a year that has had so many restrictions in how we conduct our lives, you owe this to yourself. If you need more motivation, there are walks that are organised by many groups. One of our yogis leads great nature day walks every few weeks to raise money for various animal shelters. Walking for a cause is another great initiative that is good for your total health spectrum. My next adventure is to visit Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay! Maybe I’ll see you there?

2. Eliminate unwanted clutter

This is a huge topic and has been a favourite of mine for a while. Let’s start with getting rid of clothing that do not fit you! Please let me elaborate on this. I don’t mean just size because it’s so much more than that. Does your clothing emotionally lift you up and does it match your current lifestyle and needs? Do you feel confident in it? Comfortable in it? Is your wardrobe full of clothing because you have loaded up from online shopping rampages that you probably don’t actually want or need but haven’t had the time to return? Some great steps to tackle this are: Question what you buy, who are you supporting with your purchase? Do you love it? Need it? Can you afford it? Is it Australian made? Ethical? Sustainable? Did the person who sweated making your clothing get paid a living wage with proper work safe conditions? Look at Oxfam and their campaign: She makes my clothes. This is why I am so passionate about my own clothing line being made here in Sydney by two amazing women, Chrysoula and Fotini. I want to give people quality and beautiful clothing that will last. I want it to be affordable and made with love, yes love, years of expertise and the human touch. But most of all I know there is fair pay and women supporting women in business!

3. Breathe and slow down

In my Homeopathic practice, I meet various clients who reach out for holistic health support for themselves and their families. A repeated concern for many is the lingering anxiety, stress, tension and discontent post Covid lockdown. From their consultation, I prescribe a remedy for their presenting symptoms that fits their personal unique story. That’s what I love about homoeopathy, it is such an individualised method. I’ll also prescribe some breathing techniques.
Conscious breathing slows down the fast brain thoughts. When the mind races it is unrelenting with thinking, planning and worrying. Our attention withers. Slowing down at certain parts throughout the day does not make you unproductive or lazy. It’s the opposite! You have vitality and attention to the tasks in need but don’t feel so distracted, overwhelmed and exhausted that you fall in a heap. How can you apply conscious breathing? Lie down, close your eyes and place your palms on your abdomen. Feel it rise and fall for two minutes. It will become soft and move like a small wave. Observe. For the next 4-5 minutes count your inhalation breath from 1-4 Pause. Then let the breath escape from counts 1-8. Pause. Repeat. Slow, rhythmic and steady. This is for all ages and again, no Yoga experience is needed. Do this once a day and work it up to twice. And of course, a reminder of no phones!

4. Yoga

Well, how could I not mention yoga???!!!! It has been so lovely to reconnect with all the students post lockdowns well as getting to meet new Yogis – wooohooo! Everyone’s texts, emails and messages on social. To receive everyone’s texts, emails and messages on social media was wonderful and so supportive to be checking in with each other. Teaching private sessions at the park during lockdown weeks was a saviour for me. The ritual of walking to the reserve and meeting each yogi as well as observing and waiting to see Mr Fluffy the Kookaburra. Yoga is a science. It’s a ritual of movement that requires all other stimuli to stop, and for you to be with your body, your breath on your mat. Totally present. Small group classes bring the wonderful energy of a community. Every yogi comes to feel better. We share our experiences but also work in unison by balancing, moving, stretching and at the end of the class relaxing. What if you are not ready to come to a class yet? Don’t place pressure on yourself. Search for online content on youtube and just start. Or, be old school (like me!) and borrow Yoga books from your library or buy from your local bookshop. Be mindful that without the guidance and expertise of a teacher not to attempt yoga postures that are beyond your current level of fitness and experience. You do not want to get injured. Work with what feels comfortable and when you are ready, jump into some classes for added support and variety.

5. Make plans that excite you

Planning for the future seems a bit hard to contemplate after the last 2 years. But, we cannot dismiss the feeling of what it’s like to look forward to something super wonderful. A few years ago I attended a Yoga Festival on the South Coast. It had an amazing array of speakers and presenters. There was a woman presenting a seminar that I had chosen to sit in as I waited for my chosen seminar to start. My yogi crew, you are aware of my inability at times to remember names but I’ll never forget the presentation. She used charts of our brain waves to amazingly describe what our mind does and how our immunity is boosted with the knowledge that we have an upcoming holiday or getaway to look forward to. Literally planning for a holiday boosts our immunity and uplifts our productivity! I’m waiting for the refund of my 2020 airline ticket to Greece. It has been 8 months since I cancelled and I’m still waiting for my so-called refund. I regret applying for one because I feel I will definitely be purchasing another airline ticket to the Motherland. I decided that even planning for my next Summer in Greece in 2022 would make me happy and it does! The planning of a road trip with my man makes me smile like crazy. Hosting a Summer Yoga retreat at Callala Beach at the end of January makes me jump with excitement. Attending a yoga course for my continued Professional Development in February at Byron Bay beams me up with happiness. We cannot deny it – small travel plans and getaways bring us hope and happiness.

If you have made it this far, thank you for reading!
Let me ask you…
What are you looking forward to in 2022?
What are you leaving behind this year?
Drop me a line.

Xoxoxo