Dear Seonia, we look forward to talking to you. We've been following you on Instagram for a long time and really like your aesthetic, often spectacular photos, and the way you can move is simply incredible.
What do you do for a living? Are you a yoga teacher?
Yes, I am a yoga teacher. I also translate when, for example, teachers from my home country of South Korea visit Japan. At the moment I'm not teaching, but devoting myself entirely to my own practice and my inner journey to myself.
Has your Instagram success changed your life? You now have almost 30,000 followers.
No, I don't think so, I'm just taking a few more photos than before ;). I never thought about whether I would be successful - for me it's not a business. I simply love yoga and Instagram helps me bring it closer to people.
Why do you like Instagram so much as a social network? When did you start taking yoga photos and how did it come about?
I love Instagram because it allows me to meet so many inspiring yogis and teachers. I've made some good friends around the world, which is by far the best effect of Instagram for me :)
My first photo for Instagram was taken last summer and was a friend's idea. At first I hesitated because for me yoga is less something to show off and more something personal, for your inner self. So why did I start? At this time I was having panic attacks that made it almost impossible for me to leave the house. So I spent most of my time at home. I really missed my yoga friends, my students and teaching, so I finally decided to at least become part of the community again through Instagram. I just jumped into this yoga challenge.. and it worked!
How long have you been practicing yoga and how did you get into it?
I started practicing yoga in 2006. For me, yoga is more of a spiritual practice. We live in such a hectic society and at that time I couldn't handle the stress. I couldn't find peace at any moment and felt insignificant and small. So I started meditating and going to yoga classes. When I came out of my first yoga class I felt something in my heart. Something had changed. It's hard to explain, but suddenly I had this feeling of happiness. At that moment I fell in love with yoga.
Are you feeling better now? Has yoga helped you to alleviate the panic attacks?
Yes, yoga helped me a lot. Through conscious breathing, meditation, philosophy and all the other effects of yoga, I see myself more clearly than before and am more conscious. I no longer judge myself for my panic attacks, but rather feel more inside myself and see what I need and treat my physical and mental condition more carefully.
What kind of yoga do you practice?
I mainly practice Vinyasa Flow and Hatha Yoga.
And how often and for how long do you practice?
I practice almost every day, for about an hour, sometimes a little longer, sometimes a little shorter, depending on my physical and mental condition.
Is yoga a big deal in Japan? Is there a big community?
Yes, yoga is big in Japan, especially among women. There are many yoga studios in Japan.
What would you say are the most popular and well-known yoga styles in Japan?
Most people prefer relaxed, gentle yoga styles, but Ashtanga is also very popular.
How did you find OGNX and what do you like about the label?
I love my OGNX pieces very much, especially I wear them in everyday life:) It's so cool, you can wear them anytime and anywhere. The organic cotton feels so soft and light on the skin!
Thank you very much, dear Seonia, for your honest and inspiring words!