Ajna Experts: Lisa Ophoven
Meet Ajna Expert, Lisa Ophoven.
Lisa is a Mom, professional photographer (http://LisaOphoven.com), and yoga teacher. She received her 200 hour yoga teacher certification in 2016 and began teaching at the same time. Currently, she's embarking on another 200 hour training!
Lisa has also trained in restorative and somatics, as well as SUP yoga, and especially enjoys helping those recovering from injury or who are needing extra help in flexibility.
With so much on her plate, we knew we had to ask Lisa about how she keeps balance in her life!
How did your journey into holistic health begin?
I started dabbling in yoga a bit and really loved arm balances. Once I discovered them I was hooked. During pregnancy, I got a back injury and started pursuing more into yoga and decided to get my YTT. That really helped me become interested in helping those with injuries. I also started to teach more strength drills and arm balances and inversions to those that wanted to advance in their practice.
Do you have any routines that keep you feeling good?
I always start my day with extended child’s pose, cat/cow, pigeon pose, lizard pose, supine pigeon and reclined twist. These are things that help me with my back. It has never fully healed yet, but I’m in a much better place with it.
What are your preferred ways to practice self care?
I love acupressure, restorative/yin yoga, foam rolling, face masks and a hot bath.
Ajna is related to intuition. Can you think of a time that you listened to your intuition rather than other people’s opinions?
I always try to listen to my intuition. I sometimes will weigh what others say, but they are often giving advice out of fear. I try to to make rational decisions, but I also consider my happiness and well being
If you could give one piece of advice to yourself ten years ago, what would it be?
I think it would be to start more yoga then. Honestly, the first class I went to I didn’t like. It really too finding arm balances to get me to try more yoga. Turns out I just didn’t like the class/teacher. I feel like it could’ve been good for me and maybe my back would be in better shape.
What’s your favourite Ajna product?
That is a tough one! I love them all. Right now, I love my Zabuton.
If you could share one message with millions of people, what would it be? Care for yourself, so then you can better care for others.