Yoga helps to keep body and mind strong: Leanne Cutler
Interviewed by Acarya Shubhacetanananda Avadhuta
1. Please introduce yourself.
My name is Leanne, I’m an Australian and I’ve spent 57 winters living a beautiful and happy life on this Earth.
Before I retired last year, I worked at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. I have always worked in finance and I’ve always chosen to work in research facilities as I loved working with scientists, they are so passionate about their research and so inspirational!
2. How did yoga help you?
When I was working Yoga helped my body cope with sitting in front of a computer every day & my mind deal with daily life. Now, Yoga helps keep my body & my mind strong and flexible.
3. When did you begin learning yoga?
I started going to Yoga with my Mother when I was six years old!
4. Where did you learn?
In Australia – Cairns in the 60’s when I was a child and then in Brisbane during my adult life.
5. What are the benefits of yoga asanas and meditation?
Body, mind and breath, inner peace, the benefits are limitless.
6. How many times a week do you practice yoga asanas and meditation?
I practice Yoga in a class twice a week. At home I do a version of yoga, pilates and physio exercises every night, as my body is not as flexible as it used to be.
I started meditating when I turned 30 years old as I was gifted a meditation course for my birthday and I have continued practicing. I love to meditation once or twice a day now. I also practice mindfulness daily.
7. Does yoga help you for your work?
I’m retired now, but yes, Yoga certainly helped me when I worked as I sat at a desk in front of a computer all day. Now, Yoga gives me energy, fills my heart with love and adds harmony to my life.
8. Does it help you for health and mind?
Most certainly! I believe Yoga and meditation keep me physically and mentally strong. Yoga gives me the ability to focus on my body, focus on my breath, focus on my heart beat, clear my mind and enable my body to heal itself.
9. Does it help you to manage your stress and anxiety?
Yes, in the past when I had a busy career.
Now days, it helps keeps my mind clear and certainly helps maintain my focused when I’m travelling through different countries and need to be alert. When necessary, I can quickly focus on my breathing, clear my mind and manage challenging situations.
10. Do you recommend others to join the classes?
I love attending my Yoga classes with Dada and would certainly recommend the classes. I leave my class feeling like I’m walking on air and I sleep so soundly.
11. What is your goal of your life?
I like to reevaluate my goals in line with the equinoxes and solstices, as they mark the key stages in the astronomical cycle of the Earth.
To contribute beyond myself, this goal is about giving, because it’s true, the more you give the more you receive in return. Seek opportunities to do good things for others.
Nourish my body by taking care of myself, practice my yoga. Nourish my mind by meditating and reading daily.
Step out of my comfort zone, give up work, travel the world and appreciate every moment of my life.
12. How long do you practice meditation?
I can manage up to half an hour, but I can meditate for longer when I am in a comfortable chair.
Anything you would like to share with others.
Yoga keeps my body & mind strong. Meditation enriches my life, gives me clarity, inner peace and keeps me young at heart.