1. Whats your yoga story? (how did you get involved, how long have you been practicing, etc.)

My yoga journey began in March 2012 after struggling with an eating disorder, anxiety, depression and prescription drug addiction. I was no longer able to suppress my issues and yoga provided me with a community and environment in which I could safely confront my demons. Through my yoga practice I was able to get off of prescription drugs, overcome my eating disorder that I had battled with for almost 10 years and learn how to deal with my anxiety & depression in a healthy way. Yoga is my medicine and is the reason I practice the physical as well as the mental every single day.

2. What’s your favorite song to practice to, or favorite playlist?

My favorite song to practice to depends on my mood. Every time I step onto my mat I need something different. When I need to flow hard and work through frustration and Anger I like to listen to rap, currently my song choice would be “Sneak’n” by Drake, when I’m feeling silly and creative I need something fun like “Burn Fast” by BKAYE or “Catch & Release” by Matt Simons, When I’m feeling emotional and just want to cry it out my go to is “Breathe (2 AM)” by Anna Nalick or “Blue Eyes” by Cary Brothers.

3. What is something you’ve learned from yoga that resonates with you the most?

Nothing happens to you, everything happens because of you. I used to feel sorry for myself and wonder why life just seemed to shit all over me. Then I realized that life never went my way because of my poor attitude and the belief that God was out to get me. Happiness is a choice, something to strive for and something that takes work and self dedication, its easy to suffer but we don’t have to unless thats what we want.

4. What is your most memorable yoga experience?

About 6 weeks into my 200 YTT we were learning headstand. I was egotistical and believed that I was strong. Not only was I not strong by I had zero body awareness. After trying and failing and letting the anger build within me I finally stood up in front of all 40 of my peers, turned to my teacher and said, “are you trying to make me look stupid!?” And then I left. I was so embarrassed. I came back 2 days later for our next session, walked up to my teacher and apologized and what she said was something that changed my life and I will never forget, “no need to apologize, that was your anger not mine and I chose not to take it on.” It was the first time in my life that I had yelled at someone who hadn’t yelled back or even got upset with me. From then on I learned to control my emotions through Yoga and Mindfulness and now check in when Im feeling something and identify the source, if its not mine and I’ve taken it on I quickly let it go. Ive learned not to take anything personally and to identify the human in all of us.

5. What destination is next on your travel list and why?

Right now Im enjoying being grounded in Phoenix, Arizona where I’m originally from. Ive been traveling the past 2 years and Im enjoying not being on the go. However, Im a wanderer and its only a matter of time before I’m on the move again. Where ill go I’m not sure but I’m open to wherever it is the universe needs me to be.

6. If you could interview anyone who would it be and why?

Joe rogan. I feel he’s the male version of myself and my current life goal role model. He’s successful at everything he does and is still grounded and a loving father. He’s somehow found balance in all that he does and I aspire to lead a life like his.

7. If you had to choose a theme song for your life, what would it be?

My theme song has changed several times throughout the many lives I have lived during my 28 years on this planet. Currently its, “Understand” by Julian Lamadrid

8. If you were on a deserted island, what 3 items would you bring and why?

I would only need to bring two things. My dog Sergio, he’s my spirit animal and my soul mate & a magic lamp with a magic Genie inside who could grant me any and all wishes =)

9. What’s one food you couldn’t live without?

Sushi. Need I say anymore?

10. What is one quote you try to live by?

“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” -Buddha
People wont remember what you did but rather how you made them feel. I don’t wish to be remember for being and egotistical emotional maniac but rather for being a calm loving person who was a great listener and truly cared about every human being she interacted with. The good comes with the bad, the good wouldn’t be good if there wasn’t bad. Through letting go gracefully and going with the ebb and flow of life I am able to lead by example. Everything happens for a reason and life becomes so much simpler when we release the need to control and manipulate outcomes and rather learn to appreciate all moments for what they are, an opportunity to learn, grow & love unconditionally.