1. When did you start practicing yoga and what brought you to yoga?
I took my first yoga class almost 10 years ago, when I was 16. I can't remember exactly why I started taking yoga, I guess it was something I was interested in doing. I remember that was the summer I also took drivers ed, and was becoming more independent. My mom would drive me to yoga in the morning and we would argue about something-probably me sleeping too late-and after I was done with yoga, I was in a better mood and always apologized for being difficult. This demonstrated the power of yoga to both me and my mom. I didn't take much more yoga in high school, but dabbled with it more in college. Ever since my first yoga class, I wanted to become a yoga teacher.
2. How long have you been teaching and what brought you to teaching yoga?
I have been teaching yoga since earlier this year. I always knew I wanted to teach something and teaching yoga had been in the back of my mind since I took my first class. I had thought about taking teacher training last year before, but for some reason didn't go through with it. I think I was afraid of something. Finally at the end of 2010, I decided that 2011 was the year I was going to do things I wanted to. Becoming a yoga teacher topped my list. I think second was learning to play the guitar.
3. What do you like about Awakened Yoga and its students?
I love Awakened Yoga because it feels like my yoga home. I'm up at the studio almost everyday for something-practicing, teaching, working, visiting. I think there are so many amazing people who practice and work at Awakened Yoga, who all have amazing stories to tell. I love learning from other people's life experiences, and gaining wisdom from people who have more life experience than me. I love being around people, and could never imagine myself sitting at a desk all day-interacting with people gives me energy!
4. Do you have any advice for keeping up a practice?
My advice for keeping up a practice is to find what you like. There are so many different kinds of yoga available in this city and so many different teachers. Figure out what you want out of yoga, then find a class and teacher who can help you achieve it. Explore a home practice. Sometimes practicing at home can be just as beneficial as practicing in a studio. As your practice deepens, continue exploring different types and aspects of yoga so your practice is always fulfilling. Taking care of yourself is really important-so get over your excuses and do it!
5. What other things do you enjoy doing besides yoga?
I love being creative. If you've ever walked into the studio or the boutique and something looks different, it's probably because I've done something to it. I like to do things with my hands, and lately I've gotten into sewing and crafty type things. I'm currently working on a couple of quilts for Christmas presents. I also love cooking and experimenting with new recipes and types of food. Eating healthy is really important to me, because a lot of foods make me feel icky-so I try and do as much cooking as I can.
Other than that I love getting lost in a good book, spending time with my husband and dogs. Family time is really important to me, and I enjoy any time I get with my family and try to teach them yoga when I can. :)
6. Any other things you would like to share with our yogis?
Give yourself permission to take your practice at your own speed, every time you come to your mat. There is no higher standard to compare yourself to-that is the beauty of yoga. Approach every class like it is your first and have no expectations for yourself or the class. Be kind to your body, and remember to tune into your breath and let it guide your practice. Breath is the most important thing in your practice-without it, where would you be?
Change the way you think-and you can change the world. Those are some of the most powerful words I've ever heard.
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