Meet Vesna Jacob, now living and settled in India from Bosnia – creator of Vesna’s Pilates Method, a physiotherapist, a heart & clinical hypnotherapist, and an author who strongly believes and promotes the power of proper movements and engagement based on functional science and fundamentals of energy and spirituality. Practising yoga and spirituality for a decade now, she found channel in India where she could credibly mix spirituality into her physical practice. Here Vesna shares how she explored India’s underlying connection with spirituality & wellness living & working here, places where she has travelled, experiences and more.

“Having grown up in a Communist / Socialistic country like Yugoslavia, I never could have been open about my spiritual inclinations or my connection to Energy. India was the perfect place for me to live in.”

1. Your perception of India when you first came here – Expectations v/s Reality.

I had a very romantic notion of India before I ever got here. India was an exotic place where everyone was spiritual, they meditated, did Yoga. When I got here, the reality was as far from my fantasy as it possibly could! But as I got to know the place better, I realised I was always meant to be here. I found people extremely open and receptive to new ideas. I love how I can credibly mix spirituality into my physical practice. Having grown up in a Communist / Socialistic country like Yugoslavia, I never could have been open about my spiritual inclinations or my connection to Energy. India was the perfect place for me to live in.

2. You have traveled to several countries but decided to settle in India. What are the few things that India offers which no other country does, which made you take this big call?

The reason to choose India was in a way very straightforward, I met my husband online who lived in India – these were pre-Facebook and pre-Wifi days. It was a logical choice to move here, even though we were in agreement that if I could not adjust to India, we would move somewhere else. Having got here, I was welcomed with open arms. I will always remember something my husband’s Godfather said, “Somehow there was a Vesna shaped hole in our lives here that I came and filled”. As I said before, people are very welcoming, ready to give you a chance – what you do with that chance is entirely up to you. Also the underlying connection with spirituality, mysticism is very appealing. “I met my ‘Energy Guru’ here, so it was a question of being in the right place and at the right time for me.”

3. They say travel is the best form of education. What is one major learning from your stay in India?

Patience and understanding and the value of these two qualities have been among my biggest lessons living in India. India is a land of massive contrasts from incredible wealth to shocking poverty. The infrastructure, traffic, and pollution make it a not very easy place to live in. Yet, with patience and understanding one can learn to live and enjoy India. But this understanding comes with a responsibility of going out of your way to help those who are not fortunate as I am and my family. I try to do whatever I can to help those in need, I am sure there is enough talent and ambition in this country to uplift the poorest citizens. But we need to work on compassion about the new generation growing up.

4. What is travelling for you?

Educational & Fulfilling. I love to travel, both in and outside India. Given my lengthy working hours, taking even a short break for a few days every 2-3 months recharges my batteries. I cannot imagine not being able to travel regularly.

5. Yoga has come up in a big way in the West. When did you start doing yoga? How is the Yoga practised and taught there, different from that taught and practised in India?

I practiced Yoga seriously only after coming to India. So I have practiced Yoga properly for around 15 years. Yoga in the West has very little to do with proper Yoga in my mind. I know the physical benefits of Yoga, but for me its emotional and spiritual aspects are so much more important. For the physical aspect I have my own 3D Pilates or Vesna’s Pilates Method. Yoga helps calm the mind and rejuvenate the body from within. It’s great for meditation, for increasing flexibility. I also do not agree with emphasis on the physical aspect being promoted now, many Yoga teachers feel pressured into competing with other exercising techniques, rather than having faith in Yoga in its original form.

The result is quite a few people getting injured as their bodies are not ready for complicated asanas or performing asanas in ways they were not meant to be performed.

I think everyone should visit India because It is a fantastic mix of an ancient culture and new energies. The fusion of cultures, that you see here is rarely seen. This is the land of the Taj, it is also the land of Bodh Gaya, of Ladakh and Mahabalipuram. The colours of Rajasthan, and stunning natural beauty of the North East. India has something for everyone.

6. What do you feel about Experiences over Ownership/Materialism, which is one of the core philosophies at Touch Down India?

Things come and go, but experiences enrich you, help you grow.

7. India is a land of unique cultures. What is the most unusual culture that you’ve experienced here?

I have been blessed to come across many interesting cultures in India, from the serenity of Ladakhis to the boisterous exuberance of the Punjabi’s. But I am fascinated by the matriarchal cultures prevalent in the North-East.

8. Could you describe a bit about your recent trip to Ladakh? How is it different from the rest of India. What is it living around the monastic way of life?

I loved my time in Ladakh, my husband kept telling how it was one of his absolute favourite places in India and we finally managed to visit it in the winter. It was an absolutely magical experience, bright sunshine and stunning blue skies one never gets to see in Delhi with the temperature being 10 to 15 degrees below zero. The people of Ladakh are absolutely wonderful and they complement its stunning natural beauty.

9. What is your advice to yoga enthusiastic travellers coming to explore India for the first time?

First and foremost, don’t judge the teachers by their appearance. Yoga teachers here tend to be more organic. Yoga teachers in the west imbibe every aspect of what is the western perception of yogic culture – vegan, usually very slim and spiritual in a very Western sense. I have found some excellent teachers, who may not fit this description but are masters of their craft. Get used to a very different style of teaching, where your Guru will tell you when you are ready for your next lesson.

10. How does travelling inspire your work?

I learn and take in the best of the cultures of the place I travel to, to help me grow both personally and professionally.

Rapid Fire Q & A

Your go-to-destination (if you are seeking inner peace)

Depending on your budget or the kind of climate you like – Rishikesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands ( Havelock Island), Ladkah & Pondicherry

Favourite culinary destination

Unfortunately spices do not agree with me so I am very safe in my eating habits, but any proper Saatvik food (little to no spice!) is what I look for.

The best hotel that you’ve ever stayed

Lake Palace Udaipur

The most under-rated destination.

Andaman Islands

The most unusual food that you’ve ever had.

Raw Squid and Prawn in Tokyo

One thing you can’t travel without

Exercise mat to practice my Pilates & Yoga.