How did you first discover yoga/meditation? What was your first impression of yoga/meditation?
In high school, my mom signed me up for a local rec center class. This was the early oughts, when yoga was just reaching the midwest! I thought of it as more of a fitness practice at that time.What brought you to yoga/meditation?
I studied meditation in college to explore the philosophy and deal with anxiety. I tried yoga on and off, mostly in a gym setting.What was your first meditation class like?
My first meditation practice was at the St. Louis Zen Center, which is a beautiful home turned into a Zendo in Webster Groves. In 2008, I wrote my Bachelors in Anthropology thesis on Midwestern American Zen Buddhism based off my studies there. The instructor is a Zen monk, and the practitioners were very cool St. Louis folks who came from all walks of life. In the last few years, I have practiced yoga at Blue Sky and Brick City. The teachers and practitioners at both studios are a lovely mix of enlightened and practical. Especially at Brick City, where the students and instructors are working class south city folks.What is your favorite part of a yoga or mindfulness practice?
Focusing and simplifying my thoughts. Connecting with my body. Taking time on the mat to synthesize my mind and my actions. I have returned to yoga fully at this point in my life as a meditative practice to cope with anxiety. It is a major part of my healing process, and I am so grateful.What does your current yoga and/or mindfulness practice look like?
Currently, I practice at home 4-5 days per week. I attend 2 classes/week when we aren’t under quarantine.What styles of yoga do you practice ?
I prefer slower flows, because they focus on the breathwork/meditative aspect of yoga.What are your favorite yoga props and/or tools?
My blocks! And a blanket for these old knees 😉
How does yoga show up for you off the mat?
Off the mat, I find it easier to do breathing exercises/grounding thought practices during moments of stress, now that I am practicing yoga regularly.
How has your practice impacted your life?
It’s hard to measure the expansive positive effects yoga has had on my life. Between a physical practice, which my body needed; a mindfulness practice, which has deeply aided my issues with anxiety, and a daily practice to care for myself, yoga is a major tool in my life for living well.
Where do you practice yoga or meditation in St. Louis?
Brick City Yoga! It’s a dream studio!
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started practicing?
Kindness and flexibility to myself while practicing. I was definitely too critical about form/endurance when I tried yoga as a teenager.
What are you currently reading or listening to?
I love graphic novels! I have read the entire Sandman series while in quarantine.
What are you curious about within yoga/meditation/etc right now?
Will I ever do a headstand? Ha!
What are you up to when you aren’t practicing yoga or mindfulness?
Reading Tarot as Ellen the Red at the Fortune Teller Bar. Playing music with my band Banana Clips.
If you could have an intro song play everytime you step onto your mat or chair, what would it be?
Good question! The Witch by the Sonics is the first to come to mind, if we’re talking anthems that get us pumped.
If you could practice yoga anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Along the Mississippi River, in a cool grassy spot.
If you could share any message on a billboard, what would it say?
Be Excellent to Each Other