In a fast-paced world, Eli Desejo reminds us of the power of slowing down. Through yoga, mindful rituals, and energy practices, she has discovered a path to harmony that unites body and mind. With honesty and grace, she shares the practices that restore strength, prevent illness, and bring lasting peace.
How does yoga change your perception of the body and inner state? Which energy practices do you find most effective for restoring strength?
I’ve been practising yoga for a long time, though in the beginning I thought it was simply about people sitting in the lotus pose and meditating. In reality, yoga can take many forms — slow, fast, or intense. Its main purpose is to restore balance between body and mind. It’s important to perform each movement with proper breathing, because inhalations and exhalations bring equilibrium and synchronise the physical and mental states. After yoga, you feel clarity of mind, mobility in your body, and a renewed sense of energy.
Do you have a morning or evening ritual that helps keep your body in good shape?
Throughout the week, I always make time for myself. My mornings begin without a phone — just me and my thoughts. These rituals help me preserve inner tone, stay focused, and listen to my sensations. I also keep a journal of my goals and plans, which gives me clarity and direction.
Have there been times when breathing techniques or meditation helped you cope with illness better than medicine?
I believe body practices allow us to notice signals from within before illness takes hold. Often, we only pay attention when we are already unwell, but breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation teach us to respond earlier — to rest, replenish, and restore strength. Illness is simply an extreme measure, a message that we have stopped listening to ourselves, our intuition, and our deeper needs.
If you had the chance to share only one secret of harmony, what would it be?
The secret of harmony is simple yet universal: listen to yourself and your intuition. During a Vipassana retreat, I spent four days in silence — no phone, no conversations, no books, no distractions. It was only yoga, meditation, walks, and my inner world. There I realised that the greatest skill is to pause, remain with your thoughts, and resist the urge to escape into constant busyness. That is where true freedom begins — and with it, real balance and harmony.
Model: @elidesejo
Photo: @erinajulia
PR: @pr.gramotnaya.uliana
