How did you get started in yoga?
I started practicing yoga when I was 17 (I am now 46). My mother was the one who suggested I practice yoga (something I will be forever grateful to her for). I never thought yoga would be such an important part of my life. Initially, I started my physical practice to help with my knee injuries from years of freestyle figure skating and to help with my asthma. In my early years, I was full of fear and worry and could barely breathe most of the time. I remember the first time I stepped on a yoga mat for a practice, I completely sucked at the postures and felt like I was floundering the entire class. But there was also a presence I felt, a peace, an acceptance; a belonging and a freedom. I remember taking some of the biggest breaths of my life. I remember that feeling being so new to me — and so very wonderful. I was hooked.
How has your practice changed and evolved over the years?
I view my practice as the ocean. Some days it is strong and powerful, other days very still. My daily practice always includes meditation, reflection and journalling. The asana part continues to ebb and flow. I usually do a check-in to see how I am feeling within my 7 Bodies (a personal development method that I created years ago as a data collecting and self-analysis tool) and I assess what kind of physical practice my body needs. Some days it’s a strong Prana Power Yoga practice, other days it’s a long, deep yin practice, others a gentle practice and sometimes a balancing hatha practice.
