Heart Full

Michael was the first person I met at YogaVida, which isn’t surprising since he’s often behind the desk greeting each practitioner.  But what is surprising is his warmth and smile. It seems genuine, the kind that you can’t rehearse or “fake”, but an actual warmth that’s coming from somewhere good. I think it was that warmth that sold me on the studio, and ultimately what keeps bringing me back.

NYC: When did you start yoga?

Michael: About 4-5 years ago, closer to 4.

NYC: What brought you to yoga?

Michael: A friend. I was drawn by how it was presented, everything was suggestive…open.

NYC: Where was your first class?

Michael: (big smile) Costa Rica! But the first place I started doing yoga was at Yoga to the People, that’s where I met Hilaria.

NYC: What benefits do you feel yoga has brought to your life?

Michael: Balance. I feel like I have more to offer people now.

NYC: So .. do you miss your old job in finance, the stability and structure? I mean .. that would be one of my biggest fears if I ever left my job…?

Michael: Yes! (smile / laugh)  And I’m still getting over it. But I’m happier now that I ever was.

And it shows. Really.

I met Danielle at Yogalocal. She was one of the first instructors I took at the studio, and I’ve since been hooked. Her liquid flow, and inventive sequencing always surprises me with fresh new challenges. I recently got to catch up with after her recent penthouse class.

NYC Yogini: So how did you get started in yoga?

Danielle: I first started exploring yoga in college. I have a dance background so yoga seemed natural, I really connected to the alignment.

NYC Yogini: When did you decide to become a teacher?

Danielle: I actually really struggled with the decision to become a teacher. I thought that if I started teaching it would take away from my practice, and I enjoyed the practice *so* much! I was wrong of course (smile). It’s deepened my practice.

NYC Yogini: How would you describe your class?

Danielle: It depends. Alignment focussed, while still connected to the physical, mental, and emotional practice through the breath. Lately, I’m trying to incorporate the chakras into my class more.

NYC Yogini: Are you working on a particular pose?

Danielle: Eka Pada Galavasana.

(side comment from Ben) What is that exactly?

Danielle: It’s a kind of flying side crow. You know it’s funny, because I use to be able to do it, and then I somehow lost it (puzzled shake of her curls). I structure my classes with a pinnacle pose in mind — even if we don’t do in class, so lately I’ve been doing more hip openers for galavasana.

One doesn’t get to meet their secret celebrity crush often. In fact, I figured I never would.  But by sheer luck he just happened to have walked into the same venue I was at, and so I got to meet mine. After unsuccessfully trying to make it through the crowds to shake his hand, I finally gave up. I would be happy with my memory that he walked by me! But Josh (my husband) decided that this opportunity would never present itself again so he squirmed me through to the front of the crowd where I managed to squeeze out a conversation which I’ve immortalized in my mind:

Marie: (Shakes his hand in disbelief)

Marie: I heard you did yoga.

Liev: Well … I wish I still did. I should do more of it. Do you do yoga?

Marie: Yes I do!! (the crazy smile)  I heard you grew up on an ashram.

Liev: Yes, I did.

Marie: I’m going to one this summer.

Liev: Oh really, which one?

Marie: Ananda, it’s in Monroe NY.

Liev: I actually know that one.

Marie: So … (more craziness) can I take a picture with you?

Liev: Where’s your camera?

Josh: Right HERE!! (snap)

There are some people in this world who glow naturally, and then there’s Lisa. She’ll make any one have a better day, because she’s genuinely friendly, and actually DOES want to hear about your day. This is all before she took up yoga, so you can only imagine what she’s like now. Combine that image with a melodic British accent and their wit. Uniquely Lisa.

NYC Yogini: So how long have you done yoga?

Lisa: Less than one year over a period of many years! (there’s that wit)

NYC Yogini: What brought you to yoga?

Lisa: It was actually a friend of mine that introduced me. I do a lot of running so I kind of need it.

NYC Yogini: Do you have a favorite studio?

Lisa: Kripalau! it is the nicest place I’ve been to (far away look).

NYC Yogini: Are you working on any poses now?

Lisa: Well, I’m still a beginner so I don’t know all the poses very well. But (excited) for the first time in class the other day I managed to balance my elbows on my knees! I tell you what though, I aspire to do handstand, and really hold it.

NYC Yogini: me too. me too!