The following is taken from an interview between Dala Matar (interviewer), organic beauty expert and founder of Beautillicious, and Yara Barqawi (interviewee), yoga teacher and sound healer and founder of Serendipity Wellness.
DM: Good morning Yara and thank you for taking the time to join us on BeBlog. You have been practicing and teaching yoga for over ten years. From your experience, what are the benefits of yoga and how does it affect the body and mind?
YB: Thanks for having me. Yoga is a holistic practice that encompasses physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. All of these contribute to the mind-body connection. This connection is central to enhancing quality of life and leading to human wellbeing.
DM: Do you have to be at a certain level in yoga to benefit from it?
YB: No, absolutely not. Everyone who practices yoga will reap the many benefits of the practice, even beginners trying their hand at it for the first time.
DM: How many times a week should one practice yoga?
YB: I recommend starting with 2 times per week and then gradually increasing that number to as many as you want - maybe even 6 days per week.
DM: Besides being a yogi, you are also a sound healer. What is sound healing and what are its benefits?
YB: Sound healing is a therapeutic practice that uses sound and vibrations to promote healing, relaxation, and overall well-being. It is based on the principle that everything in the universe, including our bodies, is in a state of vibration. By introducing specific sounds and frequencies, sound healing restores balance and harmony within the body and mind.
DM: During our last conversation, you mentioned that you meditate every day and that it is something you cannot live without. What are the benefits of meditation?
YB: Absolutely, meditation is a life-changer! To start with, meditation is a practice that involves training the mind to focus and redirect thoughts, ultimately leading to a state of deep relaxation and heightened awareness. It has been practiced for thousands of years and has numerous benefits for overall well-being. Some of its benefits are stress reduction, better concentration, enhanced mental clarity and creativity, improved quality of sleep, increased self-awareness and mindfulness, and the list goes on and on and on.
DM: In your opinion, how often should one meditate?
YB: When it comes to meditation, it is important to establish a regular practice. You can start with a few minutes each day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Even just a few minutes of meditation each day can yield positive results. Again, consistency is key, and even though you do see benefits even after just one session, you start to witness drastic changes in the quality of life after practicing meditation for longer periods of time
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Enjoyed this interview? Follow Yara on Instagram or visit the Serendipity Wellness website.
 