I Learn People. Interview with Magdalena Janik @madalena_yoga

For our latest campaign, we invited Magda Janik, a yoga teacher who chose the beach, ocean, and warmth over the city. For years, she's been traveling, teaching classes, meeting people, and improving her skills. She shares stories about places close to her heart, the changes yoga brings, and how she got to where she is today.

Many people practice yoga, but not all become teachers. You do. When did the idea of ​​teaching first come to you?

The idea of ​​teaching came to me when I was completing my first teacher training course in Bali. When I left, I honestly didn't think I could be a teacher. I saw the course as a contribution to my own development. Of course, somewhere in the back of my mind, in my dreams, I had the idea, but I really, really held myself back. It wasn't until I completed the month-long teacher training course that I realized I wanted to do this, that I felt a calling, that I wanted to give it a try.

Before you dedicated yourself exclusively to yoga, you worked in an office. Did much have to change for you to leave your job and start teaching classes?

It was a very complex decision. After my first course, I returned to an office job, but already with the thought that I wouldn't stay there for long. It's completely not my world; I don't feel right here. I don't want to waste my time on a job that doesn't bring me joy. On the contrary, it robs me of my health and the space to pursue something more creative. I worked in marketing, in the SRM department. It wasn't boring, but the structures I operated in completely dissatisfied me – the time constraints, the hierarchy. What had to change? My thinking. I needed to believe in myself, to believe that I could follow my dreams and do what I truly loved. I had to find significant courage. To reach out to people with my yoga, to put myself in the role of a teacher, and to gain confidence in that role. A lot had to change in my perception of the material world – I needed to let go of the fear that had accompanied me for most of my life. I think many people struggle with this, with the primal fear of financial survival. Leaving a comfortable job required overcoming fear. Health considerations played a significant role. My job and the stress associated with it were taking a toll on me, and this strongly influenced my decision.

How did your loved ones react to the change?

I have a very supportive family. They're used to me coming up with crazy ideas. They don't even comment when I come up with another crazy place to move to. My friends always tell me I'm brave, and that's motivating. Among them, I have a reputation for going after what I want. For me, it doesn't take long from idea to decision. I trust my intuition a lot, so I don't overanalyze.

Being a teacher, leading classes, and meditating are your path of development. What do you learn from teaching others?

I'm learning about diversity. It's about not applying one mold to everyone. Just because I experience the world this way doesn't mean another person perceives things the same way. Those are the greatest lessons. I'm simply learning about people. They come from different backgrounds, with different experiences, different expectations, different problems, traumas. It's a fantastic learning experience that never ends. There are as many different people as there are different stories.

What qualities do you value in a teacher? What kind of person are you? What kind of person would you like to be?

I value warmth, reliability, and openness. I want to feel welcome with my teacher, I want to be part of the practice; I don't want barriers or exclusion. I strive to be the kind of teacher who is there for the students, not for myself. In my shala, on my mat, there's room for everyone who wants to come. I respect teachers who constantly expand their knowledge. I'm also constantly developing myself and never want to stand still. I want to constantly learn, be reliable, and be a good person.

You lead workshops and classes, bringing together people interested in yoga. What do these gatherings give you? What does the community you help create mean to you?

Workshops and meetings on the mat are the heart of my work. Nothing replaces a real meeting where we exchange energy, look into each other's eyes, and share space, practicing asanas or meditating together. It gives me a lot of energy and brings me great joy. I can't imagine functioning solely online. Unfortunately, these are times when many things have moved online, but these are crisis situations – if there are no other options, we make use of what we have. However, I always strive to meet others who practice in person. The yoga community is like a family spread across the globe. We share common goals, similar intentions, and use similar tools to work on ourselves.

Since you mentioned being online… how do you find harmony between being on your computer, on your phone, and being offline?

What hit us in the spring wasn't easy. I had been functioning in the online world before, with my Instagram profile and recording my practices on YouTube, but it wasn't on this scale. Now, being online is more intense. I won't deny that it's a challenge to maintain balance and not overdo it. If work is on the computer, you can close it and put it aside, which is what I often do. My phone, on the other hand, is less easy, but I have my own tricks for that. At home, I try not to carry my phone with me. I put it somewhere out of sight. When I'm with others, I leave it in my purse or pocket. I always turn off notifications in apps. Every now and then, I detox – I turn off my phone and don't check social media. I try to have one offline day a week, and it's usually Sunday. It's my home day, and there's no room for my phone. And self-awareness is important – answering honestly whether I am addicted to using my phone, to social media, and simply working with it, without lying to myself.

You travel a lot, moving from place to place. How do you ground yourself and acclimate yourself to a new space?

I have my rituals. I create a space for yoga and meditation practice wherever I go. There, I spread out my mat, crystals, incense, and palo santo. The practice itself grounds me, giving me a sense of home. I also like to have a few things – my mug, preferably handmade, ceramic, one with soul, my blanket, my mat.

Which place do you most like to return to physically or mentally?

I'd love to return to my beloved Bali, the island I left in March, in the middle of the pandemic, and haven't been able to return to since. It's such a powerful place for me, and I'll always return there if I have the chance.

What did you discover there that delighted you?

The energy, very strong. The nature, the proximity of the ocean, the quality of the waves for surfing, the yoga you can try in every style, the openness of the people. There's truly no concept of being weird. Being weird is normal, and everyone can feel at home there.

You're a free spirit, constantly on the go. Do you plan to settle down permanently? If so, do you know where yet?

The time will definitely come. I'm thinking about starting a family; I'd like to have children. However, I absolutely don't know where I'll live. The only certainty is that it will be near the ocean, but I can't put a pin on the map yet.

When COVID-19 broke out, you spread the word #worldstałnaheadwie on your Instagram. How has your world changed, your perspective, and what have you learned from this whole situation?

I left Bali, which had been my home. After two years, I began to believe I'd stay there longer, but the universe showed me otherwise. It was a great lesson in humility and acceptance. The whole pandemic situation taught me not to cling to my plans, assumptions, or arrangements. Many things fell through, many things didn't work out, and many that were almost certain never happened. A bitter lesson, but a very necessary one. I have absolutely no regrets. At the same time, new things were born, so the balance is positive, despite everything.

You've been practicing yoga for over eight years. What changes have you noticed in yourself?

Greater self-control. Control over anger and aggression. Previously, I was very anxious; when I would explode, it was like a snowball, and it was very difficult to stop. Yoga and meditation allowed me to examine myself, my reactions, and the patterns I follow.

Do you have any favorite rituals before and after practice?

Before practice, I always set an intention for when I step onto the mat. I like to write before and after practice, and during it whenever something comes to mind. I love burning incense, cleansing the space with sage, and inviting positive energy with palo santo. I believe in the cleansing properties of these rituals and the power of the crystals I place close to me.

You have a lot of warmth within you. Where do you draw your energy from each day?

I like to smile. I find joy in the little things. These little things, which everyone finds in their daily lives, recharge me and give me energy.