True happiness is built within yourself. Interview with yogi Gosia Mostowska

Gosia Mostowska, one of the most recognized yoga teachers in Poland and mother of Anulka, has a passion for healthy cooking and an active, happy life. Charmed by her naturalness and kindness, we invited her to our latest photoshoot. We chat with Małgosia about gratitude, yoga, sand in your shoes, and smiling.

You're a mom to 20-month-old Anulka and a yogi. You have your own YouTube channel, record yoga sessions, and run a blog, workshops, and classes. How do you find time for everything?

You know, it's not like I fulfill each of these roles every day. I'm a mom every day, that's true. However, I don't write, teach, or record every day. I try to do something for myself and for others every day—things that bring me fulfillment and joy. Motherhood has also taught me that not everything has to be perfect, and for me... it definitely isn't.

After your daughter was born, are you still doing it alone or is there someone helping you?

I still do everything myself, but not because I think no one else can do it better. I just really enjoy it all! Although I admit that for the last workshop in London, I asked my beloved sister for help with registration, and who knows, I might ask her more often.

How did your life change when your daughter was born?

Oh, so much! It would probably be easier to list the things that haven't changed! My daughter taught me to distance myself, to not worry about things like dirty dishes in the sink or sandy shoes. I've gained a greater respect for my body, and I've reorganized my priorities and values. I try to focus even more on the present moment – ​​I know these moments will never come back. And, of course, a new dimension of love has emerged – for me, incomparable to anything else. A love that gives you strength and motivates you to be a better person every day.

Where does the need to be a yoga teacher and teach others come from?

When I was a little girl, I kept my own journal and played teacher. I took attendance, asked questions, and shared information. I loved it! Later in life, I tried various roles, but I was always drawn to those where I had the opportunity to help others. I felt I was simply perfect for it, and when I discovered I could combine one of my passions—yoga—with teaching and helping others, I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life.

What does being a yogi mean to you?

Being a yogi in the classical sense means adhering to many principles of yoga, and in that sense I cannot call myself that. Looking at it from a more benevolent perspective, a yogi is a woman who lives in accordance with her values, inspires, sets an example, and treats others the way she would want her loved one treated.

You've built a strong bond with your viewers and cultivated a large community around you. How did you achieve this? What do you think convinces women to train with you?

You know, it's interesting... I don't really know! My goal when I started making videos was to show a different side of yoga—a slightly gentler and more life-like experience. I wanted to connect with my followers, listen to them, ask what they need, and give it to them. And I think it's this listening and showing attention that attracts people. We all want to feel important and heard. I love giving attention to others, and maybe that's exactly it.

You invite people into your life, you're direct, you say and write what's on your mind. This leaves you vulnerable to judgment from others. How do you approach this?

It wasn't easy at first. There were a lot of comments—not always positive. However, there was always someone who would write something kind and supportive, and then I focused on the positive. Now that I know my worth and love myself, I know that writing about myself and my life is a way to show others that I'm not perfect and that I accept myself as such. I want to convey that you don't have to be perfect either, and that's perfectly okay.

You work two full-time jobs, yet you have time for a walk, a book, and exercise. It seems like you stretch your time as you please. Maybe you just have to be willing to carve out that time for yourself, and then you find it?

You know, when I read a book, it usually takes 15-20 minutes. I usually go for a walk with my Anula. I practice in the mornings – when Ania is still asleep. I work during her naps – and recently, when I leave her at daycare for a few hours. I think that if we really want to, we can find the time – just maybe not as much as we'd like.

In one interview, when asked about your goals, you said you'd like to become an ambassador for a highly recommended yoga brand. Now we're working together. Tell me, are you achieving everything you dream of and set out to achieve in life?

Yes, that's true! I remember that interview – it's nice to see your goals and dreams come true and realized in your daily life. However, of course, it's not always the case that everything I dream of materializes immediately. I think it's important that our goals are realistic, and that they are things we truly desire – from the bottom of our hearts. That they belong to us, not to our parents, grandparents, husbands, or wives. If you truly want something, you'll find a way to make it happen.

What do you think it means to be happy?

For me, being happy means living in harmony with yourself. In harmony with your values ​​and what your heart tells you. True happiness is built within yourself—it has nothing to do with what's outside. There are pleasures outside, yes. But it's within you—within you—that true happiness is born, one you feel with your entire being.

Your YouTube channel and Instagram account are incredibly popular. Tell us about your audience and how you connect with them?

It's incredible how important these people are to me. The most beautiful thing is that they come from all over the world, of different ages and with different interests, and we're united by yoga, the desire to take care of ourselves, and giving ourselves a little love. So I try to listen to their needs and respond to them as best I can. But I also know it's mutual. I know I have their support, that they're on my side, and if something were to happen, they'd help me in any way they could. I truly believe in this, and I'm grateful every day for their presence in my life.

What brings you joy? Do you have a practice that instantly brings a smile and puts you in a positive mood?

There are many such things; I think I won't surprise you. First and foremost – my child. Her one smile, one warm look, one hug – they can change everything. Getting out of the house and connecting with nature, hugging trees, breathing deeply and consciously, listening to the sounds of the forest. Cooking in my kitchen, because I love doing it. Sometimes it's enough to look at the fresh flowers in a vase or smell my favorite essential oil. Other times I sit down to meditate, focusing on the things and people I'm grateful for. Depending on my mood, time, and opportunities, I find something that brings me joy, because I'm a rather serious person by nature, and such joyful elements in my day are incredibly important to me.

When writing, practicing, or running workshops, what do you want to convey to others?

I want to inspire and show others that there is a woman in the world who values ​​humanity. For whom humanity and its feelings are important. I want to show others that they can be themselves, that they are truly beautiful just as they are—in every sense of the word. I believe that every person is guided by good intentions, that every person is inherently good and desires to do good, but perhaps they got lost somewhere along the way. And I want to be that person who offers a hand, helps them get up, and once again looks at themselves with a gracious eye—just as we look at our best friend.