Why do you practice yoga?
I originally practiced yoga when going for a run wasn't enough stress relief. I now practice yoga because I love it, I have truly connected to it on both physical fitness and personal levels.
Why do you teach yoga?
I want to share the happiness, the fitness, the relaxation that the practice has brought to my life. Yes you can be fit, flexible, and more from yoga... it's an all-encompassing practice!
What on earth is "Therapeutic Yoga" and who is it for? What can I expect from a session with you?
Therapeutic yoga is yoga geared for healing, be it emotional, physical, or stress-related. In a therapeutic yoga session, you can expect full attention on YOU... your body, your needs, your emotions, your stress levels. Expect a practice directed, in a way, by you, and expect to leave feeling better than when you came in!
I don't have any injuries. Why should I do Therapeutic Yoga?
If you have stress, if you have tension, you should do therepautic yoga. Yoga is all about opening up muscles and opening boundaries. A therapeutic yoga practice catered to your needs could change your stress levels, your amount of stress hormones in the body, and even impact levels such as blood pressure.
What makes your yoga classes unique and who should take them?
I naturally have a lot of energy, so you can always count on me to give a class that will involve some flow & some hard work. I also love music and play everything from relaxing mantras to pop culture music. I love having an "open format" where students can ask questions or even have a laugh!
What is "detox" and why is it important? Is there anyone who should not do it?
Detox is short for detoxification and it is the elimination of impurities from one's body. It can be anything from something that makes you sweat to a full-on lifestyle makeover (i.e. sugar/ caffeine/ alcohol removal). I believe detox can be for everyone and it can be as intense or as light as one makes of it. For instance, twisting poses in yoga are detoxifying in property... and doing just that gives your digestive system a cleanse. If that's as far as you want to go, that's great! Something is better than nothing!
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by nature, stress relief, and that I know I am a better person when I practice yoga... I am so much more grounded and confident now with my practice. My parents are huge inspirations to me, both have taught me to find that work/life balance and to do the right thing.
Real life yoga lessons?
When I practice, I think clearly. When I am unable to practice, I don't. My best ideas and inspirations come after I practice. Most notably, one of my teachers in Thailand has really helped me see how my practice is constantly giving me lessons... how one day, when a chest opener hurts, that maybe my heart is hurting. How another day, when everything flows easily, I should appreciate all the little moments life has to offer.
Birthday:
August 6th
Hometown (and where else have you lived):
Long Grove, IL... Oxford, OH.... London, UK... Central, Hong Kong... Chicago, IL
Hobbies & interests:
Sports, running, being outside, friends & family, cooking
Favorite yoga pose:
So many but I love arm balances, inversions, and all of the Sun Salutation series.
Least favorite yoga pose:
Hip openers (i.e. Lotus is my nemesis!)... ouch ouch ouch! Working on it... years of sports and running to work through!
Favorite yoga experience:
Studying in Koh Samui, Thailand, for the entire month of April 2008 at Yoga Thailand. One word:
incredible.
Something most people don't know about you:
I was shy until I was 10 years old! :-) Hard to believe now!
