Q. When did you begin practicing yoga and what inspired you to do so?
A. I was a classical ballet dancer from about age six to twenty. When I stopped ballet I turned to running, weight training, and group fitness classes. I have been a group fitness instructor for over fifteen years. Believe it or not, it was my husband who first suggested we both try yoga in 1998. He ordered some tapes for us (back then they were still called tapes) and we started with basic hatha yoga at home. In 2000 Bikram yoga was brought to Birmingham, and I took my first studio class; I was immediately hooked. I would sometimes take two classes a day! I then tried Ashtanga yoga and loved it too! In 2001, I went to Atlanta and completed David Swenson’s Ashtanga training; I’ve been teaching Ashtanga and power vinyasa yoga ever since.

Q. What is the purpose of yoga?
A. The word yoga means “union.” In the east where yoga originated this “union” meant “union with the divine.” I think the purpose of yoga is always changing and the purpose of yoga is different from individual to individual. Some people practice yoga purely for the physical benefits or flexibility, some for relaxation, for pain management, and some for a combination of reasons. I started practicing yoga for the physical benefits and then the yoga began to find its way into other areas of my life.

Q. So how does practicing yoga affect your everyday life? Is there more to the practice than just learning the various poses?
A. Yoga can just be exercise or it can be a way of life. For me it’s about strength, flexibility, endurance and relaxation, but also mindfulness. I am more mindful of how bad I feel when I eat unhealthy food. Also I find myself using my “yoga breath” when I get stressed or angry, and I use the breath with running and weight training. I have learned to calm the chatter in my mind—especially the negative chatter—and yoga just makes me happy. I really don’t know what I would do without my yoga!

Q. What kind of clothing do you like to wear to practice yoga? Where are good places to shop for yoga wear?
A. I enjoy wearing clothing that I feel good in and that is comfortable. I like shorts for hot yoga and longer pants for the gym where it can be too cold. I love Lululemon. They recently opened up an online store. For hot yoga, I love Shaktiactivewear.com. Around here Mountain High, Homewood Sporting Goods and the Mountain Brook YMCA have cute stuff.

Q. What would be your advice to someone who is thinking about starting yoga?
A. There are so many different styles of yoga and every teacher has something unique to offer. Spend a month trying different yoga classes and teachers around town and find a class you enjoy. Birminghamyoga.com is a great website that will keep you up-to-date on yoga events and workshops in Birmingham, and it also lists local studios and teachers. Just remember to take it easy in the beginning and let go of the “ego” if you can.

Q. Tell me about the jewelry you are wearing.
A. I actually have on about four different necklaces. A few I picked up in Israel, which is the most amazing place for jewelry. My favorite is the diamond Star of David from my husband. My bracelets are from AlexandAni.com. I love their designs and they are all made from recycled metal.

Q. How would you describe your personal style outside of the yoga studio?
A. Eclectic, experimental, and earthy.

Q. You are an artist as well. What inspires your paintings?
A. I am always looking for inspiration in nature, people, fashion...mixing different textures and materials, and just anything that makes me go “wow!”

Q. Could you offer a “yoga approach” to New Year’s Resolutions?
A. Instead of the usual approach in which we give up carbs or other food groups, or we work out hard seven days a week without taking a break, or we set some other unrealistic goals we can never attain... I think taking a more mindful approach is more achievable. Yoga really is about finding that balance. Instead of cutting out food groups to lose weight, try bringing awareness to your eating. Notice when you feel satisfied and stop there. Also, ask yourself if you eating for fuel or to drown out depression or stress. When it comes to your workouts also try to find balance. So many people are overdoing it. You just need to mix it all up. Throw in a little cardio one day, do some yoga the next, try a new class, hit the weight room, go for a walk and enjoy the outdoors, and never forget to rest. Just do what makes you feel good and never take anything to the extreme.

Namaste.
Namaste. •