Hear from a TRUE Yogi

Morning and HAPPY SUMMER! I know, I’m a little too happy for the morning, but something about being woken up by the shining sun, even if it’s earlier than I wanted to be up, makes me happy. During the week, even when I plan on sleeping in (which means 6:30), I find myself naturally waking and that’s OK with me. I am such a morning person it’s kind of ridiculous. Ask me to do something at night…especially during the week and I start mentally calculating my bedtime.

Remember when I went to Wanderlust in the City a couple of weeks ago? Well I was supposed to meet with Elena Brown after the yoga class, but I double booked and had to run out of there. I am so greatful and appreciative that she took the time to answer my questions. I started doing yoga in January 2010 and have made it a part of my week, every week, whether it’s in my living room or at a yoga studio. Yoga has brought me joy, focus, inspiration, gratitude and that’s not even including the physical aspects. It was so interesting to hear from, Elena, a real “yogi” and see how she incorporates yoga into her everyday life AND career.

I’m always so incredibly inspired by people who take life by the proverbial horns and do what makes them truly and utterly happy, WHILE making a successful career out of it. I hope you will be as inspired by Elena as I am.

Elena Brower, Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher, is the founder and co-owner of Virayoga, New York City, and offers varied practices at Art of Attention. She’s been teaching 14+ years. Elena’s been featured in the New York Times, Yoga Journal,FitYoga, and Element Yoga DVDs . Currently she supports Women for Women, Acumen Fund, and Bent on Learning. She offers weekly classes in New York City at Virayoga, and online at yogaglo. Visit Art of Attention for Elena’s calendar and writings. (Bio from The Huffington Post)

1. I’ve taken many bikram, hot yoga and vinyasa classes, what do you like about anusara yoga? I read that it means “flowing with grace” “following your heart”, what does that mean to you?

Anusara yoga is a super precise yet radically expansive practice that involves every single muscle and bone as much as your heart. I’d taken every type of class and when I felt Anusara connecting the dots in my body, I was lit up. Have been ever since.

2. How does yoga help make day to day life better and more complete?

Let’s put it this way: without it, I’m not connecting to myself and my day is less organized, less intentional and less visionary. When I do my practice, I am calmer, more able to listen, love and be present.

3. How do you maintain a balanced life with all that you do as a mother, yoga instructor, writer etc? How does nutrition fit into your healthy balance?

I simply do not cave in to making things “easier.” I spend a lot of time in the mornings cutting up fruit and veggies for Jonah’s lunch (he’s almost 5) and a chunk of time blanching kale, steaming veggies, cooking quinoa and mixing up some miso dressing for myself (which he has FINALLY begun asking to taste!). I miss a bit of time playing in the morning because of the food prep, but I know we’re both benefiting from having such gorgeous, nourishing meals.

4.How did you get started with yoga? when did your journey turn professional?

I started 1992/3 when I was taken to a class with a friend. In 1997/8 I met Cyndi Lee of OM yoga while i was still freelancing as a textile designer and studying to teach art to children. She invited me to take her second ever Teacher Training. During Training she encouraged us to study with several teachers; Rodney Yee and John Friend were amongst them. The rest is history.

5. How and why did you get involved in Wanderlust?

In 2010 I was the Global Yoga Ambassador for Adidas, and they sponsored the very first Wanderlust 3 years ago. The festival is the creation of Jeff Krasno and Schuyler Grant, now two of my dearest friends in the yoga world, who wanted to bring music to the summer yoga retreats and yoga to the summer music festivals. I was supremely lucky to have that sponsorship from Adidas- but I had to bring real valuable teaching if i was to return on my own the following year. The gig with Adidas gave me a great deal of confidence and competence; John Friend and I designed the Adidas/Anusara curriculum, then I traveled the world teaching with translators, spreading the tradition and technology of Anusara far and wide. By the time I ended my connection with Adidas, I’d created enough momentum to be an integral part of Wanderlust, and here we are.

How much do you love her? A huge THANK YOU to Elena for being a part of my blog!

I hope this offered you some insight and inspiration for your day!

Enjoy!