How did you first come to yoga?
I came to find yoga at 15, so have practiced now for half of my life. A girlfriend brought me, reluctantly, to the only class in Squamish at the time. It was in a side room off to the side of the town’s gym. As I went through the simple flow of postures, I could hear people pumping iron, and the frantic gym music. To my surprise however, I soon tuned that out, and for the first time in many years, started to get inside of my body. I was surprised how calm I felt after, and my boyfriend at the time found me to be relaxed, and at peace after my practice. My asana has been with me through my teens, my early adult life, hectic schooling, pregnancy, relationships, and separation. It has come to be at the very center of my being and a practice that will be a part of my life forever.
What changes have you made in your life since practicing regularly?
It is more a coming back home to my true self. I find myself more in tune with my body physically,
emotionally, spiritually, and energetically.
How do you feel being a ‘raw foodie’ supplements your yoga?
Being a raw foodist has brought me to new levels of awareness in my body and my mind. Raw foods first
provides an intense cleansing and clearing out for the entire body. As my raw food journey deepened
and evolved, I found myself being so passionate about it, that I started sharing the knowledge with others around me. I have had the pleasure of seeing this lifestyle make deep changes in those around me.
Raw foods have transformed my yoga practice, with new levels of energy, and clarity of mind. During my
first 40 day challenge with Semperviva in 2010, I really saw the benefits of raw foods and yoga together. My muscles were not sore, and my flexibility seemed to come with less effort.
I see it as always being an important part of my life. I have been working on a Raw Food ‘Uncook’ Book
for the past 4 ½ years, and look forward to finding a publisher that shares my vision of sharing my lifestyle and recipes.
What else do you bring to teaching yoga?
I have a background in anatomy and physiology, subtle energies, and the energetic anatomy of the human body. I studied as a Registered Massage Therapist, a body worker, and a Reiki Master. I am interested in overlapping the physical, energetic, emotional, kinesthetic, and chakra anatomy together into my teaching. Being able to see and sense the human body on all of these levels helps me to bring a unique perspective to my classes.
You’re a busy mother – how do you find balance both on and off the mat?
Balance. It is a constant swinging back and forth of the pendulum called life. I support my body with
healthy, whole, raw foods. I take rest when I need, and immerse myself in work which I am truly
passionate about. I take time to connect each day with my daughter, and be present with her. My daughter, my conscious breath and my asana are my daily centering practices. Being a mama is not just
an addition to my life, it is at the very center of my being.