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 Feartured Ashtangi of the Month Carla Provenzano
What were some of your earlier types of exercise and how did you come to this practice? When my four kids were young, I went for daily runs or squeezed in exercise videos depending on my families schedule. After years of being consumed with worry and concern over my twin sons' autistic diagnosis, I was searching for something to help me live a healthier, more balanced life. Ashtanga has proven to be the answer, as it provides a daily respite that allows me to build my strength while steadying my body and mind.
How do you feel yoga compares to other forms of exercise? I experimented with different yoga classes for a few years before being introduced to Ashtanga. I stopped doing everything else, when I learned that Ashtanga was a complete system for the mind and body. At first, I was skeptical, and now I can say that I have never looked back. I have been practicing Ashtanga for over 10 years now.
How has your diet changed since you've been practicing Ashtanga? I became more aware of my digestion while practicing. I gave up drinking coffee. I began eating more raw foods and juices. My twins with autism were on a gluten-free, dairy free diet and I followed it along with them. I spend a lot of time cooking and preparing meals for my family so I always try to make conscious, healthy choices.
Looking back, can you remember any particular asana that you struggled with and have come to have a different relationship with now? Kormasana, the spine straightening pose and Supta Kormasana seemed next to impossible for me since I have scoliosis and had very tight hamstrings. I would remain in the pose, sometimes weeping, unnoticed, with my face to the floor for long periods waiting to be adjusted. I felt I would never move past this pose. Eventually, I was able to clasp my hands and cross my ankles on my own. I learned how steady, daily practice could bring subtle changes to my body. I approach all new poses with this knowledge, so nothing seems impossible now.
Talk about your family life and how your practice helps you deal with the daily stress and the tools you use in practice and life. My family has been a great source of support for my practice. Caring for my 19 year old twin sons' with autism can be mentally and physically exhausting at times. I have gained patience and strength through practice that enables me to cope with the challenges more easily. Learning to be in the moment along with them gives me the most joy. The most basic, yet most important tool that I have learned is how to breathe. When I step on my mat, all of my thoughts and worries melt away as I focus on my breath. Doing so leaves me with a rhythm of calm that carries me through my day. Because I am able to maintain my patience and composure, I am better able to soothe and offset the twins anxiety and high levels of energy. Regardless of the amount of sleep I got the previous night, I go to practice and feel a sense of renewal as my body is restored with new energy.
You have been a dedicated practitioner for some time. What is your history and how far do you travel each day for your practice? This practice inspires me to wake up before dawn and travel 45 minutes each weekday I am so grateful to Chuck and Deb for opening Asana House in Montclair and building a dedicated Ashtanga community in New Jersey. Prior to practicing here, I spent 8 years commuting daily to AYNY to study with Eddie Stern. Asana House has grown strong under Chuck and Deb's guidance and careful observance of teaching in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. They have provided me not only with the lifestyle that I was seeking, but have left me with enduring friendships. . I can't overstate the sense of health and happiness the practice has given me.
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