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Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
Childhood aspiration: to do any type of performing, especially ballet and
acting.
First Yoga Class: I was about 16. It was a little studio in Costa Mesa that
my mom used to attend before I was born.
Most influential teacher: Casey Coda. She was one of my trainers for my
200 hour teacher training in 2008. I have never met anyone so open to life
and love, so connected to the earth and spirit. She continuously blossomed
with a bright light that was so in tune with the world--I left the studio
fully inspired every day. In a sense I still see her as my mentor, even
though I haven't seen her in years.
Favorite Pose and Why: Pincha Mayurasana (forearm stand). I love
inversions. I love the childlike feeling of going upside down. Handstands
are the best, but to me Pincha takes more strength and more concentration.
I remember how odd it felt the first time my legs went up; it was almost as
if my upper body didn't contain the capacity to hold myself without
collapsing. I still usually practice this pose against a wall...it's also
fun to take it a few feet away and walk my feet down the wall into scorpion.
Most Challenging Part of Your Yoga Practice: Letting go...of everything
basically. Letting go of the negativity I give myself when I don't
physically practice on a daily basis. The physical practice of yoga is only
one of the eight limbs of yoga. It's difficult to remember that.
Book you are currently reading: The Book Thief, The Autobiography of an
Execution, Just Kids.
Secret Comfort Foods: It's not really a secret, but licorice and frozen
yogurt.
Movie that has changed the way you think: Honestly, I remember leaving the
theater after Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and still having
chills. It was such a beautiful story and a beautiful piece of art.
Cause you feel most passionate about: Body image and the media. Educating
young girls on the effects of media and the way they view their bodies;
also, educating boys on the effects of media in terms of how they view woman
(as well as themselves). Negative body image is out of control in our
society. It seems to be more common to dislike yourself than to have actual
self esteem. A friend of mine lives in Ireland and says things are much
different there, that women are more apt to have a positive sense of self
because their media is much less focused on that impossible ideal. It's so
sad to realize what we've come to over here.
Your local retreat: As I write this I'm sitting in a condo in Kauai, so
it's tough to think of anywhere else that could compare to the word
"retreat."
What is your favorite expression? My boyfriend said recently that he lives
with his elbows on the table. It made me smile. Sometimes, no matter how
hard you try, you just can't keep those hands in your lap.
What is your teaching philosophy? Have fun, be safe, and feel the flow of
life.
How long have you been teaching yoga for? Since August 2008.
Most impressive person you have ever met: My grandma took care of 5
children during WW2 in Europe. She and my grandfather escaped my mom's home
country of Slovenia for America. They stayed in refugee camps and travelled
across Europe. When I was young I never really understood why my mother's
family had such appreciation for this country, but now of course I do.
Why is yoga important to you? When I practice yoga it seems that all
question and negativity melts away. The world begins to make sense.
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Dead Body Savasana