JiggaRoo

Nancy, one of the co-founders of Namaste Book Club and blogger of Welcoming Space asked me to interview for her blog a few weeks ago.  After writing down my responses I found myself curious about her journey, and asked her some questions in return.  There’s something so special about each person’s journey that I find intriguing – it gives you a whole new sense about a person, a deeper understanding, and hopefully a more fond appreciation.  Enjoy!

1.  Did you have any misconceptions/assumptions before you started doing yoga? Yes!  I was sure that I would be one of the oldest people in the class ( I turn 40 this year) but more often than not I’m one of the youngest.  I thought I would hate heated classes but they are some of my favorite.  I also thought all super yoga teachers would be thin, wispy and uber fit.  Neither the best teachers or the best students usually fit these descriptions and I love that about yoga.

2.  How long have you been practicing?  What led you to start practicing yoga? I did videos, prenatal ones with Gurmurkh and Shiva Rea) when pregnant with my kids and tried others at home.  But I really needed a classroom structure to get started.  I actively started a year ago and on a consistent 6 times a week basis about 6 months ago.  Where I lived prior to CT we had essentially no yoga studios and I also had little kids so it was hard to find time to practice.  When we moved, finding where I could do yoga was my top priority after finding schools and a house.  I contacted teachers and studios here before we even packed boxes!

My mom had been practicing yoga for 10-15 years.  She is an absolute convert to the amazing things it does for you.  She got me my first mat and is my number one inspiration.  I was also encouraged to do so by a high school friend who blogged about her journey to yoga teaching (www.katetayloryoga.com).  I saw what positive and life changing things that she gained from her practice.  Finally, my first real “class” teacher Korin (www.yogawithkorin.com) showed me the grace and poise that comes from practice and I am eternally grateful for all the things she taught me.  I still use them every day in my practice and my life.

3.  What style do you do now? I do an ecclectic mix of styles because my teachers have mixed backgrounds.  Usually it is some form of Vinyasa or Power Yoga.  I prefer the faster and heated classes.  However, I do one restorative or yin class a week to keep me grounded.

4.  What styles have you tried?  What styles would you like to try? Vinayasa, power, Kripalu, Hatha.  I am trying Forrest this weekend, and will try Anusara in Aug during my vacation.  My mom practices Anusara and my teacher Korin also studied Anusara so it interests me greatly.  I am also very interested in studying Jivamukti and will do at least one class with Bryan Kest (power) this fall.  I have plans to attend Bikram classes with a fellow yogini here and would like to incorporate some Mysore Series into my regular practice.  Ok, I admit it, I’m in a sponge phase.

5.  Do you teach yoga? I don’t teach yet but I hope to one day.  I am starting my 200H Yoga Teacher Training this September and I seriously can’t wait!  My dream is to open my own studio (I know, cliche’) and I have lots of plans already for it.

6.  What is your favorite and least favorite yoga pose?  Why? My least favorite poses are ones where I have to have my knees on the mat (aside from table poses).  I have very boney knees and these poses are often uncomfortable: runner’s lunge and frog (knees down feet behind hips in frog like position) are two that bother me.  I also am not a fan of Trikanasana but perhaps that’s because I need alignment help with it.  I have heard it feels wonderful when it’s done correctly. 

7.  Do you have a blog?  What do you write about? I have two blogs:  http://welcomingspace.blogspot.com and http://namastebookclub.blogspot.com.    The first is about my personal practice and my teacher training.  I do a lot of reflecting there and sharing about my growth as a yogini.  I hope to share about the training and all I gain from it.  The second is for my bookclub which I share with Jenny Naes (@evvashtangi for Twitter folks).  We started this to have a place where other yoga folks could get together and share the experience of reading yoga-related books as a group.  It’s really blossomed and become almost more than my personal blog.  I have to work on balancing the two.

8.  How long have you had the blog and what led you to start blogging? I started my blog about three months ago and the book blog about a month ago.  I wanted to have a way to document my feelings about my practice and share it.  I felt like my husband needed a break from hearing all I was saying and maybe it would be a way to get it out of my head.  I find it both daunting (what to write?  does it sound normal?) and cathartic.

9.  Do you have any recommendations for those new to yoga? Don’t be freaked out by the young yogis in the class, they often aren’t the best ones.  Don’t compare yourself to others, it’s a personal thing.  Don’t only go to one class and if that teacher isn’t there stay home.  I find that the days I get the most out of class are the ones I’m least prepared for or are surprised by.  Try lots of different teachers: you will gain so much from each.  You’ll never know what you might like and what will work for you.  Get to know your fellow yogis/yoginis!  My classmates and my Twitter pals have taught me so much about asanas, breathing, and grace.  THEY are my biggest teachers.

10.  What have you learned and continue to learn from your yoga practice? The biggest thing I have learned is to focus on myself for a few moments each day.  As a mom, I am often putting my own needs second to my family.  Yoga is the one thing I essentially share with no one.  I love that.  I also find that whatever lesson I needed to hear that day (whether I knew it or not) I get in my class.  Finally, yoga teachers humility: you may be able to rock a tough pose one class, and then the next you can’t hold it to save your life.  We are changing beings and yoga reminds us that what we bring to the mat each time is different.  Embrace it!