How did yoga become a part of your life? What led you to a devoted yoga practice?
I first did yoga at a tournament years ago. It was a free session. I liked it but didn't think much of it. I've always been flexible and stretched and did think about doing classes. Well years after that experience I started weight training heavier than I have ever done before. I thought it would help me get better at jiujitsu but I regret doing that much. My coach was able to just beat me on putting me in different positions and not by doing actual moves. I realized I had to get my flexibility back so I went to some different studios and tried different classes. It eventually started to help get me back to normal. After doing classes for a while Devon asked if I wanted to do teacher training. I thought about it and wanted a change of pace from my regular activities so I did it. During one point in the training I started teaching some friends and I realized they were getting a lot out of what I was showing. At that point I knew yoga was for me. I loved how it helped me and how I could help others. Even on weird days I'm always better after helping some body doing yoga.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about yoga?
I think the biggest misconception about yoga is that "I can't do it because it's to hard, I'm not flexible enough, I won't get stronger from this". I hate those excuses just get on the mat. Mess up get things wrong then you get better over time. It's a practice. My biggest misconception was I have to be able to do a pose. Now I realize some times your body won't let you do a pose and that's ok. You just do what you can and work through. It's all about getting to your own inner place of peace. Letting go of that which does not really matter. Everything else is second to that goal.
Name 3 non-negotiables in your life
3 non negotionables. 1: always say I love you to family. You never know if that will be your last time. 2: never go a week with out exercise. I have to train. I try to practice as much as I can. I don't let two days go by with out doing something physical. 3: I have to practice yoga at least 3 hours a week. That's ingrained in me from yoga school
What is the pose that challenges you the most and why?
I am working on scorpion. The bending of my legs to my head and pushing with my arms to balance takes work to get right.
Also I'm working on savasana. On my own practice it's hard for me to stay still. I have to learn to be still and not just jump to the next thing on the to do list.
One mantra to share with students
One mantra would be: let go. Let go of all the weirdness of the day. The negative feelings you have to yourself and to others. Just let go. Release it whatever it is and let it go.