Mind, body, spirit — did one element or another first draw you to yoga? That is, were you seeking to settle your mind? Have greater physical flexibility? Explore your true, spiritual nature?

body — my first classes were at a Crunch Fitness

How about now: does yoga feed your mind or your body or your spirit more, or are those elements more in balance than when you started?

things are generally more in balance — but there’s an ebb and a flow there

How long have you been practicing yoga?

off and on for more than ten years

How frequently do you practice yoga?

I aim for three times a week but sometimes life (namely, my small kids) gets in the way

What are the benefits of classes at a studio vs practicing yoga at home?

I love the community of a yoga studio — and I find that I challenge myself more in a classroom setting

Do you have a preferred yoga style?

Vinyasa, although I did my teacher training in Hatha

When you were starting out, what came easiest and what was more challenging?

the mind-body connection was most difficult for me at the start — I could move my body in the right shapes but didn’t feel it

What have been the greatest benefits of yoga for you?

everything! when I practice regularly, my entire body just works better

Apart from yoga, do you practice other techniques of mindfulness or meditation?

occasionally I try meditation but it never sticks

Do you regularly do other forms of exercise?

running

Outside of a yoga session, do you ever just strike a pose and stretch? If so, which pose(s) and where?

yes! Tree pose and Warrior III are my go-tos

If I gave you an expenses-paid yoga retreat, where would you go?

Bali

—interview © Marshal Zeringue

Yoga is a holistic experience for many — mind, body, spirit — but did one element or another first draw you to the practice?

I turn towards yoga to calm my mind and body — each goes through a lot during my daily life and yoga provides a sense of calmness and peace

How about now: does yoga feed your mind or your body or your spirit more, or are those elements more in balance than when you started?

each is more balanced

How long have you been practicing yoga?

on and off for about 10 years

How frequently do you practice yoga?

every time my body or mind feels cluttered I turn towards yoga

Are you more likely to attend classes at a studio or practice yoga at home?

at home, particularly with an assist from YouTube

Do you have a preferred yoga style?

I do not follow a specific practice, but just what feels right to my body

When you were starting out, what came easiest and what was more challenging?

the movements were fairly easy — blocking out distractions, especially when practicing at home, was more difficult

What have been the greatest benefits of yoga for you?

a clear head and the sense of accomplishment while moving my body

Apart from yoga, do you practice other techniques of mindfulness or meditation?

I practice sleep meditation each night before bed

Do you regularly do other forms of exercise?

I have recently started switching it up, and I enjoy a good Pilates session

Outside of a yoga session, do you ever just strike a pose and stretch?

tree pose is my go-to while cooking in the kitchen

If I gave you an expenses-paid yoga retreat, where would you go?

Bali

—interview © Marshal Zeringue