What drew you to yoga?
I lived in Chicago and decided to join a local yoga studio as a reward for attaining a middle-class job. A practice which initially was about class arrival quickly turned into a life-hack about mental, emotional, and spiritual freedom. I quickly feel in love with the transformative nature of the practice. Becoming an enthusiast, I completely transformed my life and decided to spread the good news. 

Why do you practice?
I practice for freedom, for love of self, for my community, for my mental health and for radical shifts in paradigms. It also helps that I feel wonderful in my body. 

(Life+) How does yoga change you off the mat?
Yoga makes me more present, more self-aware, and happier. Yoga practices give me a set of self-soothing tools which helps me regulate my emotions. The practice keeps me fit and feeling good in my body. My relationships have change they’re more authentic and transparent. Yoga inspires me to be a more wholistic version of myself; as a consequence, I feel I am a better practitioner in this global experiment we call Earth. 

What is your style?
As an aspiring psychologist, I find I am bit more interested in the psycho-somatic therapeutic side of yoga. I get very nerdy about figuring out ways to slow down internal processes allowing the body and mind to fully embrace the actions being undertaken in the moment. What actions can we take to create more space and allow for more freedom? How can we connect the mind-body to join in one goal? These are all questions I often ask myself. I teach yin, yoganidrā, and meditation. I practice a bit of everything! 

Where are you when you’re not teaching?
When I’m not teaching I’m studying and spending time with family. I’m a foodie so I love discovering new restaurants. I, also, love to travel (although, I don’t do much of that because I’m a poor grad student). 

What illuminates you?
My niece and nephew. Meditation. Sunshine. Studying. A cup of tea. A great movie or TV show. A good book. A good hike. Travel. Relationships. Family. Love. And Connection.