By Anna Cominos
The law of nature has always been of great interest to Greeks, so it was with pleasure that Greek City Times sat down with Sydney-based Meditation Teacher Angela Lyos to understand how bliss and happiness are achievable.
Angela teaches Vedic Meditation to empower people to live happier, healthier lives.
For many years Angela worked in a corporate environment bringing in the big clients and big wins was the only thing that mattered. “I constantly pushed myself to the limits, working long hours and leaving little time for anything else, until I burnt out. When I learnt Vedic Meditation, everything shifted – not only did I start to restore my health, as time went by every aspect of my life improved. The changes were so profound that I decided to transition out of my corporate role to teach this very powerful technique to others,” she says.
Tell us about your line of work.
I am a teacher of Vedic Meditation, which is an ancient type of meditation that provides very deep rest and stress relief. I love my work, especially seeing my clients experience the benefits.
Where were you born and where do you live now?
I was born in Melbourne and lived there until I was 21. I live in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. I have been here for over 20 years. I love the outdoor lifestyle, like morning jogs on the beach, or a weekend kayak paddle on the harbour.
Where do your ancestors come from?
They are from the Peloponnese, a tiny town called Xylokera, which is northwest of Pyrgos, Ilias. However, they all moved to Athens many years ago. Some of them still spend time in the summer at a small beach house near their ancestral village, in a town called Agios Ilias. It’s so peaceful there.
What are you currently working on?
I am giving educational talks about meditation and teaching this meditation technique to a wide range of people. I have taught business owners, university students, bankers, IT executives, school teachers, and health professionals. My students are so interesting. My oldest student learned when he was 92 years old. He is still meditating regularly and living an active life.
How has your upbringing influenced what you are doing now?
My parents came to Australia from Greece and had a very strong sense of passing of Greek culture, history, and language. When I was in primary school, I also I had to go to Greek school two evenings a week. I was captivated most by Greek mythology. As an adult I spent more time studying the wisdom of the ancient Greeks and the myths, which led to me becoming involved in theatre and screenwriting. The meditation I teach is also connected to ancient wisdom.
Apart from your family, what Greeks have influenced your life?
I have been influenced by all the Greeks, like my parents who came here with one suitcase, worked hard, built businesses, bought homes and created a new life for themselves in a strange land that wasn’t always welcoming. On the world stage, having worked in publishing for many years, I am inspired by Arianna Huffington, as a successful businesswoman and pioneer in electronic news and progressive media. I’m also influenced by her current books on health and wellbeing and hope myself to write something inspiring like she has.
Have you been to Greece?
Yes, almost all my uncles, aunties and cousins live in Greece. I have mostly spent time in Athens and Agios Ilias on the west coast. I have also visited a lot of the mainland and some of the islands. I can’t wait to go back there next year, with my husband and some of his family. We plan to visit some of the smaller and larger islands.
What is your favourite Greek food?
Moussaka, the way my mum makes it – with extra layers of all the good stuff.
What piece of ancestral knowledge do you still remember to this day?
I think some of the ancient Greeks gave us wisdom that still lasts today. Here is a well-known quote from Heraclitus that I have loved for many years, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”
Change is always happening, and being aware of the constant flow of life, is especially important to me as a meditation teacher. I feel this ancestral wisdom also speaks about how the constant change around us is part of a more profound evolution.
For more details information out Angela’s website: angelalyosmeditation.com
