In Conversation with Eva Lai

Every now and then I am drawn to an energy that a person exudes, even though I have never met that person face to face their passion, personality and positivity jump off a page and that was the connection I had when I came across @zense.space and Eva.

Eva describes Zense Space as the embodiment of all her passions: art, yoga, beautiful designs, meditation, reading, writing, and creating but most of all learning, healing and growing! She shares this through her online presence and also through her yoga classes.

The discovery of mindfulness and yoga have truly changed my life ~ Eva Lai

Eva uses Zense Space as a way to encourage herself to keep growing personally and to share her new found knowledge with like minded people. Check out her recommended reading books here.

I do love a book so have selected a few for my own personal growth!

Sharing her thoughts, learnings and ideas with others through her artwork, yoga and writing creates a beautiful connection and a chance to be apart of Eva’s growing community. Compelled to learn more, Eva has kindly given some of her time to answer my questions below, so find a comfy seat and read on to find out more about this inspiring woman....

How did you get into drawing?

I've been drawing ever since I could remember (as soon as I could hold a pencil?!) I was an only child who grew up in a tiny council flat with my grandparents. Drawing was a window to a magical world of my imagination, I could dream on paper for hours...I think creativity comes very naturally to children, no need to be taught. Then encouragement from parents and teachers really cultivated my love for it - when someone tells you that you are good at something, it motivates you to keep going.

I chose arty subjects as my major in school, then went on to the University of the Arts London, then naturally it just became my path, but it has always been a part of me (& I think it's an innate ability in every human!)

What inspires your work and why?

I am inspired by feelings. Whether it's something that brings me joy or reimagining a better time/place, it has to FEEL right!

The past year I've been creating a series of people (yogis, teachers, healers, authors...) who have had a positive impact in my journey of growth and healing. I create illustrations of them, alongside their mantra/quote that has really helped me. It's my way of expressing gratitude and love for them, while sharing their teaching that I believe others will benefit from too!

It brings me so much joy to let the person know that their work matters, that they have made a positive difference. Hopefully those feelings of love and light transfer onto my work.

What aspects of being creative do you find challenging?

I think creative energy is like water ... Sometimes you get NOTHING for days! Sometimes the big ideas come to you all at once and overflow. I find it challenging to be patient when it's not happening, and then trying to materialise all the good ones when they come at the same time, without getting too overwhelmed. I guess the challenge is learning to ride the waves.

How do you look after and protect your own wellbeing?

I have the utmost love and respect for my body and my time.

I make sure I put my health and wellbeing as my No. 1 priority...(above everything else with no exception!)

I make sure I eat well with natural ingredients (I love cooking and baking!) Yoga and meditation to ensure I check in with myself. My "ME time" everyday is so important to recharge my energy, so setting boundaries is crucial!

How has yoga changed your life?

Yoga was a game changer for me! The physical asanas have made me stronger, fitter, bendier than I've ever been. But the mental understanding and healing have made me view life with so much more joy and acceptance.

Problems can feel like blessings, worries can feel like adventure. It has taught me to respect myself and others more, so the connections in my life become more authentic and loving.

The path that yoga has put me on is waaaay more free and fun!!

What three yoga poses could help with digestive problems?

Stomach problems are related to Manipura (the solar plexus chakra), so any twisty asanas; Parivrtta Trikonasana, Twisted Lunge, Supine twist / Fire Mandala practice are great.

Digestion problems tend to be unresolved fear/ anger stored in the solar plexus.