I am a firm believer in Guruji's assertion, "No coffee, no prana." Before mysore practice, I almost always down plenty of coffee, black.
Read to learn more about Irene!
Staff Spotlight: Pia Economou
Pia Economou, E-RYT 200, is a D.C. area local whose teaching reflects over a decade of practice with some of the area's best instructors. It is her intention to create a safe space for anyone with the desire to practice; honoring each individual's journey with yoga. Inspired by both Iyengar and Vinyasa traditions, her students come to experience yoga's transformative power by flowing through postures which align the body energetically. Her classes incorporate a unique and revitalizing music selection inspired by the global community she embraces.
Teacher Spotlight: Chris Reber
Chris is our teacher spotlight of the month! We asked him to tell us a little bit about himself.....
My first yoga class was entirely life changing! I first came to yoga as a freshman in college and decided to go to a class through a referral of one of my friends. The class was hard and challenged me in ways I never even knew were possible. I remember the torrential rain of sweat as it fell down my face and the way my legs shook in warrior two like i'd been electrocuted. The teacher demo-ed Bakasana(crow) and I was fascinated with such gravity defying feats as the arm balance suggested. The next day I woke up really sore but also felt incredibly strong. However compared to the type of localized strength one builds in a gym by lifting weights to target certain muscle groups, this felt different. I felt radiant, renewed and ready to go back the next day. I haven't stopped since :)
#IAMNOTSOMESICKABOMINATION
When I was a little boy I wanted to play with the girls, not the boys. I preferred playing house to cars and kickball. In elementary school when we lined up to choose teams for basketball I was always picked last. My baseball coach screamed at me for closing my eyes when the ball came at me. I bit my fingernails so badly that when the other boys through me the ball, during passing drills at basketball practice, my fingers bled. Many days just the knowing that basketball practice was looming made me so anxious that I’d get sick and end up in the nurse’s office – and with any luck, sent home.
Stand as tall on the inside as you are on the outside…
This noble piece of advice or I call it my “mantra” was spiritually gifted
to me by my grandfather on my father’s side. Although he himself was
short in stature his wisdom rose high as did his progressive aims in
business and creating community. Standing at 5’8, I inherited my height
from my maternal grandmother who taught me to be diligent, hard
working and to always be kind. It was only until I found my true path
did these treasured bits of guidance begin to take shape and I was able
to recognize the strength, resilience, awareness and growth I was
cultivating.