1. Tell me about yoga. Why do you do it? What got you started on it?
So I’ve been waiting to respond to this question because I haven’t “physically” practiced until today, October 3rd (see “Mean Girls”). I rolled out my mat on my hardwood floor today and realized I was in the right place. Discovering the, quite literally, new space around me, I practiced for an hour flowing through my own personal vinyasa.
I do it because I praise Nike. I also practice yoga because it is a practice: not a sport, art, or hobby, but completely unique on its own.
Coming from classical ballet training, it was beautiful to find a path that let my body move organically sin competition and strong self-criticism. It’s been just me, and my mat. And no, I did not roll my mat out the first day I practiced and say, “HEY. I HAVE NO EGO AND DO NOT GIVE A FUCC!!! WEE! DOWNWARD DOG!” My mentality was right around 100% the opposite of that remark. Yoga has helped me realize that I am okay: JUST right, here, and now.
2. Your outlook on life is pretty clear and sweet. What philosophy do you live your life by? Does yoga help with this?
Well, you are sweet (ugh, you know this). I THINK DEEPLY. Clarity is something I strive for in my thoughts, but alas, I am human and wade in muddy thoughts…So, the philosophy I live by? I hone into what I have only begun to accept as a gift, which is my sensitivity. I love on a large scale, as well as believe on a large scale. At times this vulnerability gets me in a yucky place. But I guess I’d rather live with a colorful idea of life than go on living like Kristen Stewart.
Yoga helps with the doubt. I can be witty all day. If you haven’t met me at a bar, or if you haven’t heard me say that I’ve won the “Witty Quips” award in 7th grade, than we don’t know each other that well. I can front well, but I also doubt myself just as well.
To doubt your personality in comparison to others I’ve found is toxic. I practice self-worth, and acceptance connecting me to the divine spirit that, many of times, just needs a strike of a match to get the pilot light to kick in.
3. How were able to do the Wanderlust event?
Simple! I volunteered online on the Wanderlust website. Such an amazing group of people. I mean, I can’t imagine a yoga festival being compiled of a buncha jerks. But! I seriously thought volunteer spots would be all taken care of. But, low and behold! It’s been amazing to have positive feedback regarding my writing. Self-expression is so personal: it means that much more when someone else is moved by what you have to say.
4. Are you looking to find a occupation wherein yoga is your primary field?
Funny you should ask. My major is accounting…**laughs**. I’m good at it though. I can’t wait to be financially stable. SO. I would love to teach the practice when the time is right. Teacher trainings are always available. I know I want to share my thoughts, and my choreographic vision coinciding with the yoga practice in the future. It is just a matter of time. I am eager as a young person to spread the idea of alignment throughout our spine and into our hearts.
5. Tell me about the best day of your life.
GEEZE. Best day? The day I spent at Fenway park with my father. I was 18, It was poignant. I had the whole day, just with my father in a hotter than hell day in July. Boston killed the Twins, like 18-3, and Manny was in the green monster eating skittles or something. I don’t know how to explain it. There is just something about $8 beers being sneaked to you and the energy of Yawkey Way with my Dad that I loved so much. It was amazing to look at my Dad, witness his eyes on the field, and feel the joy in my heart. I hope I have a lot of “best days” in my life though.
6. You’re a writer, what’s the best advice you can give to aspiring writers and overcoming writer’s block?
The advice I can give to aspiring writers is to believe you are one. Who the hell is telling you/making you believe you are not? I remember one of the best tools in high school was to free write. That just happens to be the style of writing I use formally. Obviously, I go through and edit to the best of my ability, but I feel that whatever comes through our minds organically is worth being unfiltered. But hey, if Bart Simpson is reading this, he may like to write about farts and nerds, but that’s fine, I know Bart well.
So, just like Bart, go with your heart. Fart if you want to! Have a brain fart. Don’t get too frustrated, or judgmental with yourself. Know that some will troll on your work. Trolls are ugly so don’t worry about trolls. Just imagine me, giving you a high five and a lollipop, and THAT, should be inspiration enough.
