Elisa Moga, creator behind Moga Yoga Art, eloquently shares her perspective what it means to connect with the wisdom within. For maiden or mother, Elisa provides comforting reassurance no matter where you are on the the path of personal transformation, acknowledging there are many routes to self-realization and personal practices that can be customized to your own experience. I personally love her approach to striving for balance, and the simplicity in her sustainable self care suggestions. I hope Elisa’s interview inspires you to reconnect with the ever-present wisdom within, honoring it for what it is and the continual support it offers. <3
Q: I’ve been so inspired by your approach for connecting women to their inner wisdom. Can you share a little bit about what you do and how you poetically weave together movement, photography and wise words to reconnect women with their inner voices?
First of all, I really appreciate the way you announce my approach ‘weaving’ sounds very right within myself so thank you for this.
I would say that all these different medias come from the same intention to rise, to express myself in a way that feels right, aligned and unique. Through the creative process, self-care and acceptance is essential, yet challenging. This inner voice is already here, waiting for us to take time to sit still, listen deeper than the fears, to a place deeper than the comparison and the judgmental thoughts. All these practices permit me to be fully present with myself and the divine energy (the feminine power); focused and open to what needs to come through me.
I would love every woman to welcome this voice, this power; to feel legitimate of being a source of inspiration for the world.
I simply share my journey with the most authentic and joyful voice I can make space for, so women can be inspired to do the same – because each of them are worth it – I do all of this through Yoga classes, retreats and workshops (in France and soon in Europe), poetry, photography and movement!
Q: The flow of movement in yoga can be seen as a parallel between the movement of the body and the movement of the natural working of the world around us. Would you like to share how moving the body (or the absence of movement) can act as a practice for emotional and spiritual awareness?
I love that question! In Yoga and in many other animist philosophies, a strong belief says that the world is around and within us – the Nature around us reflects our internal landscape and vice versa. Everything is One. Also, the body is considered as the link between these two spaces. So, whenever you move the physical body, you then activate an energy that goes way beyond the Human condition. Through movement we can create, we can build, we can release. Spiritual awareness starts with stillness – free from heavy and disturbing thoughts, we can see this peaceful emptiness, this silence that nourishes our spiritual Self. We are one. All these bodies as One, as Us, as divine.
In regards to emotions, we can release the stuck energies in the body parts (often the lower back, the hips, neck or stomach) that need the most release to feel lighter, more open, more grounded, and present. This state of ‘flow’ we can experiment with through Yoga or any creative practice and it is a wonderful and intense moment where nothing is more important than what and who you are.
In Yoga, we observe, we recognize our feelings, our sensations (either physical, emotional, mental…) in a sacred space.
Our practice is spiritual if we allow ourselves to try, to learn, to discover what makes us so special, so unique and yet universal. It is about letting go the preconceived ideas, the limiting beliefs of what is real, what is good or not, and to simply be with yourself, here and now.
Furthermore, I would say that movement and stillness are two faces of the same concept – energy. There is movement through stillness, and stillness through movement.
Q: We are living in a time of sensory overload – Any tips for quieting the mind in an effort to return to your sacred center within?
Oh yes, it is very needed and freeing to do so. First of all, we must remind ourselves that the mind hates silence because it thinks it is emptiness and nothingness, so we must be very kind and patient with ourselves when we are unable to quiet the mind.
Awareness of breath is my go-to tool for sensory overload. Either standing in the subway, sitting in the garden, or laying on my bed, I usually put one hand on my belly and the other on my chest. I observe the quality of my thoughts, of my breath and the sensations I feel in that moment (might be stress, anxiety, fatigue). Then, I practice this little exercise that helps me a lot – breath after breath, I try to equalize the inhales with exhales. If I inhale for 4 counts (without pushing the breath, just naturally inhaling with the belly), then I exhale for 4 counts. It takes a moment to find the rhythm. I keep my attention and my awareness in the practice as long as I need to feel quiet and at peace. Actually, meditation starts with concentration. Here is the first step. Try it out and let me know how you feel!
Q: Ancient wisdom and the principles of Ayurveda place high importance on understanding your body’s natural homeostasis or internal balance. From a yogic perspective, what does striving for balance look like?
According to many indigenous peoples (like the Lakotas or the Massai), the balance is a concept that, by definition, is never achieved. For example, whenever you change something in your food, you then change the entire system that once led you to balance before. Because of this, it is permanent work and an awareness practice.
From a yogic perspective, discipline is a key element for balancing our lives. Daily commitment to what makes us feel good and aligned – the asanas (the physical practice), the pranayams (the breathing exercises), the meditation and concentration. These times allow our cortisol levels to drop down considerably. All of this is part of the “striving” you mentioned.
At this point of my journey, I am able to surrender into a more peaceful and natural state, without straining myself too hard or with strict rules. For example, I changed a lot of my asana (movement) practice to something way more flowing, more like free dancing. In regards to food, I also do not put any tag on my forehead and listen more with my intuition for what suits my body.
And one major point I would love to share, specifically from a woman to another woman, is that balance is unique and not repeatable! So many magazines, ‘experts’ and teachers promote their super-wise programs to make us fit their own visions of what balance and beauty is. However, the only expert of yourself is you! It is this inner voice that expects your respect and attention. Balance is moving, balance is individual.
Q: As a mother, I’m always seeking new ways to fortify sustainable self-reflection and care practices – If you only had 5 minutes to pause and find that steadiness within, how would you spend that time?
Bare feet on the grass. Hands looking towards the sky. Still, yet in connection with Mother Earth and the elements. Breathing. Being.
Q: Any go-to resources you’d like to share to inspire continued personal transformation or connection to our omnipresent wisdom within?
I personally find books and poetry powerful to transform and transcend. Krishnamurti, Frédéric Lenoir for the spiritual/philosophical aspect. Khalil Gibran and Rupi Kaur for the poetic element.
Journaling is a limitless source of inner wisdom – writing from your personal source!
I would also recommend my dear friend Lora’s instagram, for daily inspiring imagery & words.
Also, the very well-made and complete website for sustainable living, The Good Trade.
And finally, to listen without moderation, the brilliant podcast ‘Mind Love’ created by Melissa Monte! It’s a daily go-to resource for acceptance, self-love and connection.
In this video, Elisa gently guides us through a 5-minute movement practice that nourishes your mind, body and soul through intuitive, free flowing movement.
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