Dear Binh, we are happy that you are part of the OGNX Family. We had a lot of fun shooting. Did you like it too? :)
Yes very. I usually feel uncomfortable when I'm the center of attention. But the atmosphere was very pleasant and the entire team made an effort so that I immediately felt comfortable and could be completely authentic.
When you are in your presence, you quickly notice that you exude a great sense of calm, you seem very relaxed and balanced.
Do you think you owe this balance to your Ashtanga practice?
Ashtanga can, but does not necessarily have to, lead to a balanced personality. From what I have observed, both in students and myself, it takes a certain level of mindfulness and awareness to realize the full potential of a practice.
It doesn't necessarily have to be Ashtanga either. I know many athletes who have achieved a high level of awareness in their discipline without yoga or meditation. My Ashtanga practice is one tool among many that helps me go through my life more consciously and freely.
Why do you practice Ashtanga, what do you think is special about this style of yoga & what does yoga mean to you?
Back then I started with Hatha Yoga and then came to Vinyasa Flow through Sivananda Yoga. But I always had a hard time with the music and the teachers' constant announcements and words of wisdom.
From the first moment I heard the word Ashtanga, without even knowing what it was, I had a feeling that it was for me.
What fascinates me about this style is the magic behind every asana, vinyasa and sequence. In contrast to other styles, I find that Ashtanga is very pure and honest. It shows you very quickly your limits, but also your possibilities.
Ashtanga can also be viewed as a painting. In our case, the frame around the screen is the fixed sequence of the respective series and the screen is our spirit. We have the opportunity to create this canvas during the practice.
We could expressively sprinkle the empty wall with thousands of colors or, what is magical for me, put on the brush and watch what happens.
Unfortunately, the word “yoga” has become a little worn over time and in the age of digital communication and, at least for me, leaves a bad taste in my mouth. But if the translation is correct and yoga actually means “unity/connectedness”, then for me yoga means living an authentic and fulfilling life.
Your retreats and your teaching are rarely just about the technique in Ashtanga; you like to deal with people and their 'conflicts'.
I like to deal with their potential and possibilities that are not fully exploited. My goal is for every person to live to their full potential. Ashtanga can serve as a tool and support us in this goal.
In your yoga lessons, in addition to the 'technique', are you also about introducing your students to Ashtanga as a therapeutic approach for the body and mind?
I hope that everyone who comes to my class is inspired to do more. Not necessarily just in yoga, but in every area.
The best therapy is still “being happy”. Sometimes you have to go through a tough time before you get back there. But if you have a vision of yourself and you are really passionate about developing yourself there, then nothing stands in your way. My goal is to ignite this passion. The rest comes by itself.
Your next yoga retreat will take place in Turkey in May and is called Ashtanga and the Search for Freedom. What does freedom mean to you?
Here, too, the word “freedom” has already experienced too many concepts and discussions for us to be able to talk about it in a relaxed manner.
What interests me personally is the freedom that I don't even know exists. My life is dedicated to this search. Be it in Ashtanga or somewhere else. And since this route alone would be boring, I take as many people with me as possible.
In your experience, what influence does yoga have on the mind and being?
Physical yoga practice can be a nice balance to our everyday lives. It can balance us out from stress and hectic pace.
Depending on how committed we are to the yoga practice and ready for change, a regular practice can bring out and sometimes even resolve hidden conflicts, fears, etc. So, yes, if we let it, yoga can have a big impact on us.
And if not, then at least we have done something for our bodies.
If you want to experience Binh live and in action, there are still a few places left in Turkey! Binh also teaches a Mysore program in Munich with Patrick Broome.
More information about Binh's classes and retreats on www.yogabinhle.com More information about Binh's classes and retreats on www.yogabinhle.com