How did yoga become a part of your life? What led you to a devoted yoga practice?
I started yoga when I was pregnant with my first son. I couldn’t do any balancing poses and I actually fell out of triangle pose. I was certain yoga was not for me. I stopped for a while but found it again and began to realize the importance of shifting my mindset. I didn’t need to “know” how to do the poses or even stay in them long. I needed to learn them. A very different mindset. Once that clicked, I began to breathe more and think less. And it became a very necessary part of my every day.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about yoga?
That you need to be flexible to do it! No one starts working out because they are already in optimal health. It’s a process. We have to learn and grow and become healthier on the journey. You don’t start out at the end. You start at the beginning.
Name 3 non-negotiables in your life
Family first. Breath work every day. Seeing the very best in situations that I can.
What is the pose that challenges you the most and why?
Crow pose! Oh crow pose, how you challenge me! It’s totally a mental thing. I always want to look down and tuck in to feel safe, but I need to look up and out and the pose comes easier that way.
One mantra to share with students
“Be the light.”