Tash Cope loves to dance, so much so that she starts every day grooving to the sound of music. Get It catches up with this livewire for our conscious-living edition, to find out her thoughts on awareness and why it matters.
Tell us about Tash – where were you born, did you study, how long have you been in the Lowveld?
I was born and raised in Pretoria, studied at the University of Pretoria – achieved an honours in BSc Actuarial Mathematics. I moved here in 2016 after giving up my corporate job – this was all thanks to me spending weekends in the beautiful Lowveld visiting my boyfriend (now my husband).
You are obviously an extremely active person, how does this fit into your ideal for daily living? Why do you think it is important to be active?
I love being active – I dance, mountain bike, teach aerobics and body conditioning at the Fitness Studio in White River and love a little yoga or a run here and there.
Exercise makes me think straight and clears my head. And it is always accompanied by the best music to have a fun time while doing it so I can take on the day with positivity and focus. But the secret is to not overdo it!
Secret Sunrise has grown phenomenally. Tell us about it.
I attended my first one in 2017 and was hooked right away. After much deliberation I made the investment and got the Lowveld franchise up and running. I love the free-spirit element honouring an expression of self rather than a routine or choreographed thing.
It celebrates us as humans and nature as one through a musical journey incorporating meditation, a little yoga, free crazy dance, imagination and stretch. It is really such a unique experience, as we do it via wireless headphones pumping all sorts of funky vibey tunes. We seek out beautiful, special venues that have a high energy all over the Lowveld.
My only wish is that more people would come to a session before thinking it is not for them and that more companies consider this as a team-building and employee-wellness tool. It is wonderful. The feeling after a Secret Sunrise (although it can be at any time of the day!) is unexplainable. I really believe this is game changer and hope it will grow into the magical thing it can be like in many other cities.
What is your philosophy, the principle that powers you?
I have a lot of drive, endurance and a positive approach to life and I love having fun.
My motto is very much aligned to this saying Regina Dawn Akers, founder of Awakening Together:
“From within the stillness you are aware of the one unifying field. Stand within this awareness as that of which you are aware. Be the unifying field itself, and you bring the gift of peace to the peacemakers of the world.”
This is our conscious-living issue… Conscious living is a zen philosophy that teaches us awareness of ourselves. Some would say most people are not very aware, many are simply on autopilot, going through the day, getting things done. If you could, how would you change this?
A Secret Sunrise every morning (haha – my ultimate dream), but yes, time with yourself and the things you love before you start your day event if it is only for 10 minutes. I, too, was stuck in the rat race before moving here in 2016, taking a three-month sabbatical. After spending time in nature as well as getting out of my comfort zone and experiencing new things, I found my true passions. We sometimes have to take time off to understand more where we want to focus our energies.
How does being aware of yourself and the world around you translate into the food you choose to eat?
I have a very healthy appetite and am fortunate that I have always been quite in love with healthy food. If I eat something that makes me feel unwell I try not eating it again. I am a fond lover of good chocolate – my big cheat food! Conscious eating – well if you are aware of what you eat and how it makes you feel afterwards (but not obsess about it) you naturally build a healthy craving for the good stuff.
Why should you live consciously? Not only health and fitness related, but also mentally and spiritually.
We are all actually one being dependent on one another for survival – all connected in one universe, currently being destroyed by the human race’s greed for money and fame. The terrible and evil things in our world are a result of doing things for self-benefit, things that are ego-driven and not for the greater good – something you can only acknowledge if you are in tune with your thoughts and spirit.
What would you advise when it comes to adopting a conscious-living lifestyle, how would you suggest people go about treading lighter and becoming more aware of themselves and the earth?
I believe the more aware and conscious we live in our everyday life and choices, the better chance we have at creating a longer-lasting ecosystem so that next generations can also enjoy the beauty the planet has to offer. I believe that balance in everything you do is the key to living life abundantly.
Covid-19 has changed the way we do things somewhat drastically in some ways. What lessons should we learn, if any, and how are you adapting to the changes?
We can do a lot via technology these days and should use it where we can to enable us to have more free time to do the things we love and to spend time with loved ones. Self-reflection has been forced on us and hopefully it has spurred some drive for consciousness and enlightenment – our ultimate purpose being on earth.
I think many have realised that we actually don’t need all the things we thought we did, and that appreciating the simple things in life and living each day as if it is your last is actually what it is all about.
On the Secret Sunrise front we have taken our sessions online to still share magic on the screen until we can share some good vibrations in the physical space together.
Anything else you want to add?
Join one of our online Secret Sunrises every Saturday! It is a fun way to do something for yourself, connect with some humans across the globe and raise your vibrations – a secret to well-being.
Details
Visit our Facebook or Instagram pages to get all the info you need – Secret Sunrise Lowveld or contact Tash on 072-530-9795
