Meet The Team - Gea Krajcar

What is yoga for you and how did it change you and your life so far?

Yoga is what and how I live, an ongoing process of unveiling my true nature, of shedding all the layers and roles that I play through life; as a daughter, wife, mother, friend, student, teacher… And remembering what lays underneath when I put all of that aside. But, Yoga also taught me compassion and helped me be better at those rolls, as a partner, wife, mother.

Yoga is also a tool; when life's dramas overwhelm me, it helps me ground and re-centre, so I can remember what is important. Yoga helped me clear the cloud of ideas and expectations of what I thought I was and should be, and discover what was already there. 

Yoga gave me the courage to take a different career path, one which I make my heart more joyful and excited. I can happily say I live yoga both personally and professionally, and I wake up content, fulfilled, and happy because of it.

When did you start to practice?

I started to practice in high school. Not regularly though - my mom had a yoga studio, and every now and then I would attend classes. My practice became consistent during my years at the University.

Do you remember the first class you taught and how did it feel?

Oh yes! I definitely remember it. It was in Sangha Yoga shala in Zagreb when I was subbing for my teacher Nina. Her students, advanced class… Talk about pressure! I was super scared at the beginning, but we always start with a short meditation, so I had a few moments to collect myself. Aligned with my geeky nature, I was super prepared, which helped. Even though afterwards I had a list of things that I could have done better, that wasn’t good…all the silly stories we tell ourselves - it was a pretty cool class. Speaking in front of people was not something I was always comfortable with, and it could have been a deal-breaker for becoming a teacher. But, teaching yoga felt natural from the start.

What inspires you to step on your mat even in those days when you just want to stay in bed? 

I know that I just have to show up. And, no matter what is happening that day - I just need my feet on the ground, and a few deep breaths - and I’m there. I also know that I don’t always have to practice for an hour or more. Sometimes I just need to sit, or lay down and breathe a little. All is allowed, all I need to do is show up.

You recently became a mom, how has Yoga helped the journey towards motherhood, and being a young mother in the midst of a global challenge?

It helped me so much! I was pregnant through the first wave of the pandemic, we have just moved from Seattle to London, I didn’t really have many friends here and there were no opportunities to meet new ones. I was practising Prenatal Yoga every day, and it literally kept me sane, centred and grounded through the chaos that was around me. We were spending so much time inside, which is very unusual for me. Yoga kept me healthy and pain-free throughout the pregnancy. After giving birth, it helps in subtle ways - the way I respond, the grace in navigating tough situations, naming my struggles, the calmness and understanding I can provide after a (few) sleepless nights, the capacity to give. I learned that breath is everything, I don’t know if I ever appreciated it more. 

Being on the path to the state of yoga motivates me to question and re-evaluate what I, as a mother, can do to give love, freedom, safety, trust, boundaries, to help Vito grow up feeling loved, safe and being himself.

Do you have a book recommendation for these winter days when we can stay in bed?;)

Meditation for the love of it by Sally Kempton. You can meditate in your bed, too!

We’re all focused on the challenges of this year, but for sure there were many good, some even magical moments. What are yours? 

Collectively, it’s been tough. It still is. But in the midst of the world ‘falling apart,’ I feel like we have all started to appreciate the little things more. For me, 2020 will be forever imprinted as the year I became a mother. Also, with my partner working from home, and spending so much time together, we grew closer than ever. Settling in London feels good after living so far away from our families.

What is your greatest source of inspiration?

I really feel like everything can serve as a source for inspiration! Good times, bad times - there’s a blessing in everything. 

Any final words?

Thanks for taking the time to meet me a little better. I’m so happy to be a part of the Spanda team, it feels both like completing the cycle, and starting a new one. Please feel free to get in touch with me, whether it’s just to get to know each other, or if you have some yoga goodies to share - I’d love to meet you!