Lucile Hernandez Rodriguez
Yoga Alliance RYT-200, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
Reiki Level 1 Practitioner
Mindfulness and Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Teacher
Tell us about yourself, your story, where you are from, practice, etc.
I am a French and Spanish national and I have lived extensively in the US and the UK. I love traveling and I currently spend my time between Paris (France) and other incredible locations around the world such as New York, Japan or Bali. I became a Yoga Teacher in parallel to my career in Tech. I then trained to become a Holistic Health Coach and I currently mix my passions coaching digital entrepreneurs and people in innovative businesses on their mindfulness and wellness goals. I am deeply passionate about the concrete changes a regular yoga or mindfulness practice can bring into our lives!
How and why did you start yoga?
I started Asana when I was 17 after a knee injury. It was a life-changer for me! I learned to use my body properly by moving in a way that felt good to me and haven't felt knee pain since!
Who was your great mentor/teacher?
My mentor is Eileen Goddard from Yoga Vida in New York, I've trained under her during a 100-hour mentorship program. She makes Asana and Yoga Philosophy accessible to everyone with her down to earth approach!
Tell us your practice style and how did you choose your yoga method?
I am a certified Vinyasa teacher with a heavy orientation towards meditation and breathwork. I love exploring the mind-body connection. I believe most of us are not moving our bodies in a way that feels good anatomically speaking. I make sure my sequencing is safe and my cues are precise. On the other hand, I like to guide people deeper into themselves in a way that is accessible to everyone. Lastly, a Yoga class should be a fun event so I make sure I always have an uplifting playlist and connect with every single student. It is a good mix between introspection and action!
I am deeply inspired by other styles of Yoga, especially Iyengar Yoga. I make sure I am always learning and trying new styles of Yoga. Currently, my personal practice is becoming slower and more meditative and I've been drawn to Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, and Kundalini.
What obstacles has yoga helped you overcome?
I have developed more Mindfulness through yoga and this awareness has helped me in so many ways! Physically, I am more aware of my posture and feel better in my body. Mentally, I feel less stress, sleep better and know I have everything I need to get back to a more balanced state when I am not feeling a hundred percent. Overall, yoga has given me the tools to live life in my own terms and realize the unique value I can bring into the world.
What is your mind set when you step onto the mat?
Whatever I'm feeling, I know that I made the right decision to be there. Yoga always makes me feel better and balances my emotions. If I am sick, I still practice but I'll choose a more restorative style or take plenty of options.
When did you understand you wanted to be a yoga teacher?
I remember being a teenager and looking up how to become a yoga teacher after my first week of class! This idea always was at the back of my mind but when I tried my first community class at Yoga Vida New York in 2017, I knew that I wanted to do my training there.
What is the most rewarding part of being a yoga teacher?
Seeing people who started practicing just to have nice abs come back for the total mindset shift yoga provides. The benefits of yoga are far beyond only feeling good in your body, although that's always nice! I love it when people tell me that they feel more balanced, less anxious and are starting to make other lifestyle changes.
Why is yoga so important for the times we’re living in?
Most of us spend all day seated at our desks or crunched over our smartphones. The physical practice of yoga is a perfect way to build awareness of your body and to start moving it in a way that finally feels good. Our body in turns affects our mind, bringing it to a more stable state. The mental benefits of yoga are SO needed today, it is an awesome tool for stress and anxiety management, helping us take a step back and prioritize fun and feeling good.
Lastly, oga also brings a sense of interconnectedness and of a higher purpose which is often missing in the times we're living in. Yoga allows you to chose how to live your life according to the values you set and that work for your unique self.
How important is living a healthy lifestyle (clean eating/eating healthy for example) important to the yogi lifestyle?
Although it is very important, it is not a necessary factor before starting. As yoga becomes more of a priority in your life, you'll find yourself making more conscious choices by eating more nourishing foods and just overall being mindful of what you put in your body. I'll add to that being more mindful is also being more mindful of your impact on the world and prioritizing products and companies that are bringing something positive to our planet (organic products or B corps for instance).
Any natural ingredients and/or vitamins (example: Chlorophyll, Vitamin b12) that you recommend? And why?
Yes, eat a lot of plants. Since everyone is different, I recommend testing different supplements or natural herbs with a Health Coach and consulting a doctor before this if you have any medical condition.
How important is hydrating/drinking water to the yoga lifestyle/your practice?
VERY important. I can't live without my reusable water bottle. I'm always drinking herbal teas. If you are active, you should be drinking more water, it is the easiest thing you can do to prioritize self-care and recovery. Make sure you avoid plastic bottles that are not reusable or biodegradable.
Your favorite quote?
“The ultimate reason for meditating is to transform ourselves in order to be better able to transform the world.”
Matthieu Ricard, in "Why Meditate?". Mathieu Ricard is a French Monk and Scientist, he encourages an open dialogue between scientists and meditators.
Where can we find you? Instagram, website, etc
My website with a lot of free resources about mindfulness: lucilehr.com
I'd love for you to connect with me on Instagram and tell me your thoughts on this interview: https://www.instagram.com/lucilehr/
Anything else you want to share?
I have a digital Holistic Health Coaching practice where I use Mindfulness to help innovative people reach their wellness goals. If you mention you are coming from this article you'll qualify for a free 40-minute goal setting session (instead of going through the selection process for a 20-minute session). Contact me here: https://www.lucilehr.com/coaching
