Prioritizing Wellness: Vilte Jankunaite’s Journey Through Yoga and Community Building

After a diagnosis of a chronic condition, she decided to prioritise her love of yoga, leading her to create a yoga and wellness community.

In today’s fast-paced world, prioritizing health and wellness can often take a backseat. Yet for Vilte Jankunaite, a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes served as a wake-up call that transformed her approach to life and well-being.

Originating from Lithuania and raised in Ireland since the age of three, Vilte is not just a qualified yoga instructor but also a full-time dental hygienist. This blend of careers, she says, helps create a perfect balance in her life.

Vilte’s journey into yoga began at 17 when she sought relief for back pain, only to discover a wealth of mental and emotional benefits that enriched her life beyond physical healing.

In the wake of her diabetes diagnosis four years ago—a shocking turn of events as there was no family history—Vilte experienced profound changes. ‘This diagnosis flipped my whole world upside down,’ she reflects. ‘But it also reminded me that our health and wellbeing is the most precious thing we have.’

This turning point prompted her to vocalize her dreams, face fears, and embark on adventures, including a transformative year of travel with her fiancé that took them to countries such as Mexico and Bali. Inspired by the serene landscapes of Bali, Vilte completed her yoga teacher training, affirming her passion for teaching and community-building.

Thus, **Balanced Hearts** was born—a yoga and wellness community where individuals of all backgrounds can come together, learn, and practice yoga. ‘It’s about making people feel good and leaving with more self-love and joy,’ she explains. Balanced Hearts focuses on beginner-friendly yoga, demonstrating that it is accessible to everyone, not just seasoned practitioners.

Events promote connection, wellness, and self-reflection. Vilte emphasizes the community’s goal: ‘It’s not about how the poses look, it’s how they feel.’ This approach fosters a sense of belonging and encourages mindfulness amidst the chaos of daily life.

Participants in Balanced Hearts experiences learn not only about physical postures but also the mental and emotional relief that yoga offers. Vilte highlights lesser-known benefits of yoga, including its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, enhance mood, and even aid digestion.

To those interested but unsure where to start, Vilte recommends joining community events like Balanced Hearts or exploring online resources. ‘Simply dedicating ten minutes a day to yoga can significantly transform your overall well-being,’ she suggests.

As Vilte continues to inspire personal growth and build a supportive community, her story serves as a reminder of yoga’s transformative potential—both on and off the mat.