Elyse

TEACHER FEATURE: ELYSE

How long have you been practicing Yoga?
 I have been practising yoga since I was 17 years old. I had an incredible teacher who introduced me to this practice and opened the doors 17 years ago!

What does Yoga mean to you?
Yoga is unity. The play of unifying and uniting all parts of myself and the external world. We are dualistic by knowledge not by nature and yoga bridges that gap allowing for the surrender and integration. The asana, the pranayama are a few gateways that allow us to arrive at the gates to bliss, which is essentially unity with life force.

What is one gift that Yoga has given you or brought to your life?
It's really challenging to choose one since yoga has woven itself into my whole existence. I guess I'd have to say finding myself and ReMembering that the Self lives in all sentient beings.

What inspires you?
Nature and love, although I believe they're the same.

What do you love about teaching and practicing at Yoga Grace?
My dharma, my life purpose is to be of service. I want to assist humanity in remembering we are one love, one consciousness, one beating heart. Yoga is the stage for this ReMembering.

What would you say to someone who is wanting to try Yoga for the very first time?
I would say just show up. Push up against your boundaries and the limiting beliefs that somehow you are different and yoga isn't for you. Yoga is for everyone and every body.