Sunday, December 1, 2013

Client of the Month: Alejandro Hernandez

I have chatted with Alejandro many times and wanted to get to know him a bit deeper. Like I have asked many other clients and teachers before, below are just a few details about Alejandro I thought ya'll would find interesting.


Hometown: Manzanillo, Cuba
Childhood Ambition: To have my own business
First job: Busboy 
First yoga class: 2002
Favorite yoga pose and why: Upward-Facing Dog for good upper body strength
Person who influenced me most: Aunt Clara
Perfect day: Yoga, meditation, nature and love ones it sure feels good.
Last book: "The Living Gita" by Sri Swami Satchidananda
How do you live your yoga? On a deeper level I am more aware of our human spiritual connection I am kinder to all living things and nature in general and feel more present so that I am able to experience the moment deeper. 
Retreat:  Kripalu RR
Proudest moment: Having a successful business 
Indulgence: Traveling abroad
Last purchase: Shoes by Dolce Vita
Biggest challenge: Keeping my mind clear to be able to experience the moment deeper
Next trip planned: Venice, Italy 

Inspiration: I am inspired by  nature, children at play, art and architecture 

Teacher of the Month: Laurie G

I have asked our dear teacher, Laurie, to fill out a few questions regarding her journey.

Childhood Ambition: 
Wanted to be a teacher, dancer or artist...

First job: 
Babysitter

First yoga class:
In summer camp, barefoot in the dry grass once or twice as a child... but it was a good fifteen years later, I dropped into a class to see if it could help me regain mobility and strength after a bad sprain-- the whole experience resonated so deeply & while I had no clear explanation for the tears that streamed down my face in savasana, I knew I stumbled upon something profound & essential for my well being. 

Favorite yoga pose and why: 
Ever-evolving... love so many for so many reasons... though there is something about the first down dog that grounds me in presence... the grace in the deliberate placement of head beneath heart and joy in the first taste of elongation, engagement and expansion.

Person who influenced me most: 
Both of my parents.

Perfect day:
Every day I'm blessed with the opportunity to wake up... 

Last book: 
Miracle of Mindfulness -Thich Nhat Hahn

How do you live your yoga? 
Recognizing that I play a role in creating the world I perceive, it is my intention to bring as much consciousness as I can to the choices I make in word and action. As such, I attempt to bring kindness, honesty, integrity and compassion into the space of every interaction... and compassion for myself when I fall short of doing so. Finding mama*hood offers countless opportunities to cultivate patience, selflessness and an open heart.

Explain your journey that led you to become a yoga teacher at Devotion: 
When I graduated from college with degrees in sociology and environmental studies, I wanted to change the world. I burned the candle at both ends working for non profit environmental organizations for a decade. Along the way, I discovered yoga and was blown away by the practice and how it nourished, informed, grounded, inspired and healed me. The more I deepened my studies and practice, the more inspired I felt to share in it's exploration with others. For two years, I taught yoga and continued working. Then on the last night of retreat in Costa Rica, I found myself staring into the impossibly wide and deep sea of stars in the sky and knew that this work of healing the world must begin in each of our hearts. I felt a stronger than strong tug to leave the non-profit world behind & dedicate myself to teaching. When I came home I took the leap. Shortly thereafter, Liza took a leap of her own in opening Devotion & I was fortunate to begin teaching in the studio when it's doors first opened. 

What's playing on my ipod? 
Podcasts of On Being with Krista Tippet * whatever Kai wants to hear which these days includes, Radiohead, Paul Simon's Graceland, Latin Jazz, Reggae & downtempo grooves.

Retreat: 
Grateful that I have had several opportunities to immerse- each one transformational. Now that I am mom to my 2 year old (teacher) I find stillness in the flow of the day... while doing dishes, taking a shower or pausing when Kai is napping or sleeping... 

Proudest moment: 
Holding Kai in my arms for the first time after giving birth in our home... 

Indulgence: 
Dark chocolate 

Last purchase:
A bounty of amazing organic fruit and veggies from Sobseys.

Biggest challenge: 
Recognizing and transcending the limiting habits, patterns & beliefs that prevent me from embodying my fullest potential.

Next trip planned: 
Miami to visit with family.

Inspiration: 

...is everywhere, when we walk through our lives with eyes, ears & heart wide open-- seeing and hearing teachings (and ourselves reflected back to us) in everything.