What We're Up To
Our mission is to empower as many people as possible to live their biggest lives possible!
We practice energetic, inspired, sweaty, and fun Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga! We love this practice because it empowers us to be strong, healthy, lit-up, purposeful, and playful. That is why we have created Big Yoga- to share the Baptiste practice with you. In our heated classes you will sweat it out, stretch it out, connect with a like-minded community, and be inspired to show up big in your life!
At Big Yoga, we are about being extraordinary, because life is more fun that way! We are about going within, so we can expand without. We are about living and giving without limits! We are about turning our potentiality into reality, and stepping into the excitement of our own possibility, right now! We are committed to creating healthy bodies, open hearts and minds, and an empowered community that can generate real and positive world-wide change! We are here to be of service to you, our Big Yoga Community, to our local Houston community, and beyond. At Big Yoga, we are up to something big and invite you to help us shine more brightly! So what are you waiting for? You are ready now!
Big Yoga's Rockstar of the Month!
Each month, we feature a Big Yogi who has shown up BIG and brightly in our community! Read on to get to know just a few of the people who light us up every day!
Meet Patrick - May's Rockstar of the Month!
What would the title of your autobiography be?
"What I Learned from operas, the yoga studio, and The Golden Girls"
If you were a food, what kind would you be and why!?
Gazpacho, a little spicy and best when the weather is warm.
What was your favorite game to play in the summer time growing up?
Any game that involved being in the pool or ocean.
What were your perceptions of yoga before you came to yoga? What has shifted in your perception now that you have a regular practice?
I thought, paradoxically, that I had to be "good at it" to even come to practice. Now I realize that there is no such thing as being "good at" yoga, but only going to your own edge and feeling empowered in the process.
Why is practicing yoga as part of a community powerful for you?
I feel loved, uplifted, and encouraged every time I walk in the door. Those feelings make for a much more powerful practice.
What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own practice?
That nothing matters as much as I obsessively think it does!
If you could devote your life to one cause, what would it be?
Feeding the hungry. An obvious choice, but always a need.
What is your favorite quote?
There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. -The Dalai Lama
"What I Learned from operas, the yoga studio, and The Golden Girls"
If you were a food, what kind would you be and why!?
Gazpacho, a little spicy and best when the weather is warm.
What was your favorite game to play in the summer time growing up?
Any game that involved being in the pool or ocean.
What were your perceptions of yoga before you came to yoga? What has shifted in your perception now that you have a regular practice?
I thought, paradoxically, that I had to be "good at it" to even come to practice. Now I realize that there is no such thing as being "good at" yoga, but only going to your own edge and feeling empowered in the process.
Why is practicing yoga as part of a community powerful for you?
I feel loved, uplifted, and encouraged every time I walk in the door. Those feelings make for a much more powerful practice.
What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own practice?
That nothing matters as much as I obsessively think it does!
If you could devote your life to one cause, what would it be?
Feeding the hungry. An obvious choice, but always a need.
What is your favorite quote?
There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. -The Dalai Lama
Meet January and Dean- April's Co-Rockstars of the Month!
January and Dean are a mother-son duo of dedicated yogis who bring warmth, playfulness, and love to our community. While January is flowing on her mat in the yoga room, Dean is rocking out his favorite pose, Down Dog, with his friends and the Big Kids teachers in the lobby! Read on to find out what January and Dean love about their practice, and check out our alumni Rockstars on the Website!
January-
1. What is your favorite inspiring quote?
"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it."
-William Arthur Ward
January-
1. What is your favorite inspiring quote?
"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it."
-William Arthur Ward
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
Yoga has given me an amazing awareness of my body and an awareness of the mind-body connection. Before yoga, I moved from work-out to work-out with no appreciation for how those work-outs affected my body. I also spent many work-outs planning my day and making my grocery lists. In yoga, I am (usually) totally focused on my practice and my body. It is therapeutic. When I leave, I feel strong, powerful and at peace.
3. What do you love about practicing yoga as a part of a community?
Practicing yoga in a community inspires me to work harder. There is such an incredible energy in the room, it gives you the motivation you need to get through the difficult poses. I find that when I practice at home, I struggle to stay focused and keep my mind "in the present." In a community practice, I stay more focused on my breath and my body. Because of that, I am able to reap maximum benefits from my practice.
4. What is your biggest passion?
Music.
5. What would you do if you could not fail?
Be a rockstar (or a country music star)...seriously.
6. What is the your favorite thing about you and Dean both practicing yoga?
While Dean and I love to read books and color together, sometimes when you have a boy, it is difficult to find physical activities that you can really do together. He and his dad play baseball or lacrosse together. I can do those things, but I do it because it is something he enjoys. With yoga, we are doing something that we both enjoy. It is so fun to come to yoga together, and to pick Dean up from school and the first thing he says is can we go to yoga today. But it is more fun to see his yoga practice grow as we practice together at home.
Dean-
1. If you were a super hero, what would your name be?
Dynamite Dean.
2. What is your favorite yoga pose?
Down Dog.
3. Why do you like kids yoga?
Reading the books, playing with Ms. Jenny and Ms. Becki.
4. What are your favorite things to do on a rainy day?
Play games and do puzzles.
5.What do you think adults do in their yoga class?
Down dog and Bow pose.
6. Why does your mom love yoga?
Because it's fun!
Meet Robert- March's Big Rockstar of the Month!
1. What is your favorite inspiring quote?
It’s not a quote, but a short poem.
It’s not a quote, but a short poem.
In 3rd grade we were forced to memorize a poem and present it to the class. I, in an act of rebellion, looked for the shortest one I could find (completely regardless of content). Although the teacher was not happy with my selection – the poem has stayed in my head and has become a lifelong companion. Quite by accident this poem - which explores the possibilities of transformation inherent in every moment - has resonated throughout my life.
The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.
Carl Sandburg
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
In addition to painting and teaching, I work with computers. I often wish people had a reboot button like computers. So when someone is in your face or acting stupid – you could just restart him or her. I view yoga as my reboot button. And fortunately for those around me – I like going often.
3. What do you love about practicing yoga as a part of a community?
I am a painter - so I spend a lot of time working in my studio. Painting is a fairly solitary practice. So having the chance to do something in a group is a nice change for me. And the practice of yoga and practice of painting are fundamentally similar - an activity that is repetitive in action, but yields different results and discoveries every time you do it.
4. What is your biggest passion?
Art is my biggest passion. I really was just drifting until I discovered it. Art provided me the lens through which to see and engage with the world.
5. What is something that most people don't know about you?
When I was 6 years old I spent the night at a neighbor’s house, and I discovered that they did not lock their grandmother up at night! My grandmother (who lived with us) thought she might get out and murder one of us kids (there were 5 of us). So every night we would give her a kiss, and then one of us would follow her upstairs and bolt shut her door from the outside. My mom would let her out in the mornings.
None of us were ever in any danger - my grandmother was really very loving. She just had some quirks. She also let my little brother and I (we were 5 and 6 years old at the time) bartend her ladies only card games – they loved our crazy strong Old Fashions.
6. What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
I first heard this idea from Brian Eno in an interview. “Instead of shooting arrows at someone else’s target, which I’ve never been very good at, I make my own target around wherever my arrow happens to have landed. You shoot your arrow and then you paint your bulls eye around it, and therefore you have hit the target dead center.”
So, like so many artists before me – I change the rules. Then it becomes a matter of defining and exploring a unique vision. And with persistence, you can show others how you hit the target dead center.
Meet Jessica- February's Big Rockstar of the Month!
1. What is your favorite inspiring quote?
"Love your neighbor as yourself." - Jesus Christ
This has so many levels of teaching for me;-)
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
How deeply the practice heals the body, mind, spirit, and soul...it has been transformative and a true spiritual path for my journey. The Intensity of this style of yoga has helped me clear many personal issues.
3. What do you love about practicing yoga as a part of a community?
I love being held by the collective breath and intention to better the individual self by being together. I find the group energy of powerful flow becomes graceful because I'm standing in a cause...a grand movement..to YOGA! And so it is a healing ritual!
4. What is your biggest passion?
Life purpose passion: I get juiced up about leading and supporting others into transformation. May we all grow and evolve!
Additionally, my biggest passion in day to day life is connecting to the Universe through nature. This brings me life sustaining energy! I find myself drawn to Sun bathing, cloud gazing, kayaking, forest walks, & spontaneous trips to the ocean. These moments feed my soul in communion with nature. I am passionate about inspiring others to connect to Life in this way. I must add I love My location here in Houston for offering me so many wonderful days to enjoy
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
How deeply the practice heals the body, mind, spirit, and soul...it has been transformative and a true spiritual path for my journey. The Intensity of this style of yoga has helped me clear many personal issues.
3. What do you love about practicing yoga as a part of a community?
I love being held by the collective breath and intention to better the individual self by being together. I find the group energy of powerful flow becomes graceful because I'm standing in a cause...a grand movement..to YOGA! And so it is a healing ritual!
4. What is your biggest passion?
Life purpose passion: I get juiced up about leading and supporting others into transformation. May we all grow and evolve!
Additionally, my biggest passion in day to day life is connecting to the Universe through nature. This brings me life sustaining energy! I find myself drawn to Sun bathing, cloud gazing, kayaking, forest walks, & spontaneous trips to the ocean. These moments feed my soul in communion with nature. I am passionate about inspiring others to connect to Life in this way. I must add I love My location here in Houston for offering me so many wonderful days to enjoy
5. What is something that most people don't know about you?
I am a state level competitive swimmer! I am proud that I held quite a high degree of fitness at such a young age (6-18). That offered me challenge and growth.
6. What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
I would be the President of the USA!!!
Meet Scott and Claire- January's Father and Daughter Big Rockstars of the Month!
.JPG)
1. What is your favorite inspiring quote?
Scott: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou.
Claire: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?"-Marianne Williamson
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your yoga practice?
Scott: The most powerful thing I have learned through my yoga practice has been optimism. Practicing yoga several times each week has added consistency and stability to my mental outlook and attitude.
Claire: Yoga is the most powerful and beautiful thing I've ever done in my life because it has taught me so much about myself physically and mentally.
3.What do you love about practicing yoga together, as father and daughter?
Scott:Yoga class with my daughter Claire affords us time during our busy week to share a meaningful activity together. Attending an early-morning yoga class is a terrific way to start a busy school or work day. As we drive home from class, our minds our refreshed to converse about the day or week that lies ahead.
Claire: I love sharing something that means so much to both of us. It's nice because we motivate each other to go to a class even if one of us is tired or just not feeling it. Sometimes my dad will know when I need to go to yoga even if I don't, and he pushes me to go.
4. What would you say to a someone who is nervous about trying yoga for the first time?
Soctt: Yoga is not a competitive sport and performance is not judged or measured. Yoga is a personal journey that anyone can (and should) take, regardless of age, strength, or flexibility. There is no failing in yoga!!
Claire: I've never met a more accepting group of people than those who practice yoga. There is nothing to worry about because there is no judgement once you walk into a class. Everyone wants you to succeed it's amazing.
5. What do you do outside of the studio for work/school/ fun?
Scott: I am a Pediatric Radiologist at Texas Children’s Hospital where I have spent my entire career. When not at work (or yoga), I enjoy playing tennis, running, hiking, and skiing and enjoy spending time with my wife, Laurie, and our children, Claire and Charles. This is really a trick question as “failure” is a subjective term. Loss can be a our greatest teacher and motivator and should never be seen as failure. So…within that context, I am not sure that I would try anything new or different!
Claire: My absolute favorite thing in the world is art and photography, so I do a lot of that outside of school. I am constantly inspired to create something new or offer a fresh perspective.
6.What would you do if you knew you could not fail? ;)
Scott: This is really a trick question as “failure” is a subjective term. Loss can be a our greatest teacher and motivator and should never be seen as failure. So…within that context, I am not sure that I would try anything new or different!
Claire: If I knew I couldn't fail, I would pursue my dream of being a photographer and travel the world doing what I love. Hopefully, I can do this anyway :) I think that accepting the possibility of failing is scary but it will make you a stronger person in the end.
Scott: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou.
Claire: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?"-Marianne Williamson
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your yoga practice?
Scott: The most powerful thing I have learned through my yoga practice has been optimism. Practicing yoga several times each week has added consistency and stability to my mental outlook and attitude.
Claire: Yoga is the most powerful and beautiful thing I've ever done in my life because it has taught me so much about myself physically and mentally.
3.What do you love about practicing yoga together, as father and daughter?
Scott:Yoga class with my daughter Claire affords us time during our busy week to share a meaningful activity together. Attending an early-morning yoga class is a terrific way to start a busy school or work day. As we drive home from class, our minds our refreshed to converse about the day or week that lies ahead.
Claire: I love sharing something that means so much to both of us. It's nice because we motivate each other to go to a class even if one of us is tired or just not feeling it. Sometimes my dad will know when I need to go to yoga even if I don't, and he pushes me to go.
4. What would you say to a someone who is nervous about trying yoga for the first time?
Soctt: Yoga is not a competitive sport and performance is not judged or measured. Yoga is a personal journey that anyone can (and should) take, regardless of age, strength, or flexibility. There is no failing in yoga!!
Claire: I've never met a more accepting group of people than those who practice yoga. There is nothing to worry about because there is no judgement once you walk into a class. Everyone wants you to succeed it's amazing.
5. What do you do outside of the studio for work/school/ fun?
Scott: I am a Pediatric Radiologist at Texas Children’s Hospital where I have spent my entire career. When not at work (or yoga), I enjoy playing tennis, running, hiking, and skiing and enjoy spending time with my wife, Laurie, and our children, Claire and Charles. This is really a trick question as “failure” is a subjective term. Loss can be a our greatest teacher and motivator and should never be seen as failure. So…within that context, I am not sure that I would try anything new or different!
Claire: My absolute favorite thing in the world is art and photography, so I do a lot of that outside of school. I am constantly inspired to create something new or offer a fresh perspective.
6.What would you do if you knew you could not fail? ;)
Scott: This is really a trick question as “failure” is a subjective term. Loss can be a our greatest teacher and motivator and should never be seen as failure. So…within that context, I am not sure that I would try anything new or different!
Claire: If I knew I couldn't fail, I would pursue my dream of being a photographer and travel the world doing what I love. Hopefully, I can do this anyway :) I think that accepting the possibility of failing is scary but it will make you a stronger person in the end.
Meet Terry- December's Big Rockstar of the Month!
1. Do you have a favorite quote that lights you up?
"Live a good life... and in the end it's not the years in a life, but the life in the years." -Abraham Lincoln
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
For the first time in eight years I sleep at night without Benadryl! This practice has been extremely healing for me. I know that I need to teach yoga so that others will gain all that it has to offer. But most of all, the time I practice is a powerful way to put my faith in practice. Let go, Let God. Relax. Know that you are enough, you have enough, you do enough.
3. What have you learned through practicing yoga in a community?
I feel like it is an empowering and safe place to explore. Acceptance of self and others.
4. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
CHOCOLATE!
5. If you could only do one yoga pose for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Half pigeon. Whenever we get to that pose, I just say ahhhhhh!
6. What are you passionate about off of the mat?
Faith, family, friends, dogs, reading, traveling, thrift shopping...
7. We know that your family is so important to you. How has your yoga practice shown up for you in your life with your family?
I hope that I bring more love, peace, acceptance, and support! I want my life to inspire...
When I shared this question with my family they joked that now I'm never home anymore- I'm always at yoga!!
Meet Ben- November's Big Rockstar of the Month!
1. Do you have a favorite quote that lights you up?
At the risk of appearing to be a former member of the AA, I have to admit I’ve always found the Serenity Prayer compelling.
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
To be patient and give yourself up to the practice all the while hoping you don’t injure something while doing it.
3. What have you learned through practicing yoga in a community?
That there is always someone better than you as well as someone less skilled in the yoga galaxy so it is probably in your best interest to focus instead on what you can do.
4. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is such a dreadful question! I’d rather starve than eat the same thing forever.
5. If you could only do one yoga pose for the rest of your life, what would it be?
See above. But, that being said, lately I've been finding something special about twists.
6. What are you passionate about off the mat?
Architecture and pretty much everything related to buildings, their design, construction, and history.
At the risk of appearing to be a former member of the AA, I have to admit I’ve always found the Serenity Prayer compelling.
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
To be patient and give yourself up to the practice all the while hoping you don’t injure something while doing it.
3. What have you learned through practicing yoga in a community?
That there is always someone better than you as well as someone less skilled in the yoga galaxy so it is probably in your best interest to focus instead on what you can do.
4. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is such a dreadful question! I’d rather starve than eat the same thing forever.
5. If you could only do one yoga pose for the rest of your life, what would it be?
See above. But, that being said, lately I've been finding something special about twists.
6. What are you passionate about off the mat?
Architecture and pretty much everything related to buildings, their design, construction, and history.
Meet Libby- October's Big Rockstar of the Month!
1. Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you or makes you laugh?
"Tap water builds character." Its actually a song lyric, but it has always resonated with me. It can be interpreted so many ways!
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
I've been practicing yoga for almost 3 years now, and the most powerful thing I have taken from it is a very real physical awareness of my body, no matter if I'm practicing yoga, doing crossfit, or going for a run. I am super conscious of my body, where I'm struggling, where I'm excelling, and can always direct some TLC to any areas that need it.
3. What have you learned through practicing yoga in a community?
I love love love the community that exists at Big; I've never experienced anything like it anywhere. I always walk into the studio with a smile because I am truly excited to be there and see the other awesome people that makes our community so great.
4. If you could only eat ONE food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is really tough. My initial response to this was simultaneously "cookies and peanut butter" but I feel like I'm leaving out something really delicious. I'm just gonna go with cookies.
5. If you could only do ONE yoga pose for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Crow cause I love arm balances! Half moon is number two.
6. What are you passionate about off the mat?
Off the mat, I am passionate about ALOT of things; healthy cooking and eating are extremely high on that list. I love to be in my kitchen and I love feeding people and just generally talking about food. I don't know if I'm necessarily passionate about fashion, but I certainly have a healthy interest in shoes and handbags! Lastly, I love to travel!
7.Who would play YOU in a movie about your (awesome!) life?
Cameron Diaz. She seems like the type who's not afraid to laugh at herself!
"Tap water builds character." Its actually a song lyric, but it has always resonated with me. It can be interpreted so many ways!
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
I've been practicing yoga for almost 3 years now, and the most powerful thing I have taken from it is a very real physical awareness of my body, no matter if I'm practicing yoga, doing crossfit, or going for a run. I am super conscious of my body, where I'm struggling, where I'm excelling, and can always direct some TLC to any areas that need it.
3. What have you learned through practicing yoga in a community?
I love love love the community that exists at Big; I've never experienced anything like it anywhere. I always walk into the studio with a smile because I am truly excited to be there and see the other awesome people that makes our community so great.
4. If you could only eat ONE food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is really tough. My initial response to this was simultaneously "cookies and peanut butter" but I feel like I'm leaving out something really delicious. I'm just gonna go with cookies.
5. If you could only do ONE yoga pose for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Crow cause I love arm balances! Half moon is number two.
6. What are you passionate about off the mat?
Off the mat, I am passionate about ALOT of things; healthy cooking and eating are extremely high on that list. I love to be in my kitchen and I love feeding people and just generally talking about food. I don't know if I'm necessarily passionate about fashion, but I certainly have a healthy interest in shoes and handbags! Lastly, I love to travel!
7.Who would play YOU in a movie about your (awesome!) life?
Cameron Diaz. She seems like the type who's not afraid to laugh at herself!
Meet Craig- September's Big Rockstar of the Month!
1. Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you or makes you smile?
"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to serve as a horrible warning' -Kinn Hamilton McIntosh
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
If while on the mat, i can't figure out the way to my next move OFF the mat, ask for help or advice.
3. What have you learned through practicing yoga in a community?
To accept the decisions of others, even if they are contrary to mine (those people's decisions are wrong, of course, but they are valid. somewhere. maybe.).
4. If you could only eat ONE food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sushi/sashimi. (nothing endangered, okay.. endangered only now and then.)
5. If you could only do ONE yoga pose for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Hanuman (who wouldn't want to be able to do this at ___ yrs old ??).
6. What are do you do for fun off the mat?
Snow ski in winter, bike ride and water ski in summer.
7. What would you say to a man who thinks yoga is just for chicks :)?
Guys like that probably think birth control is just for chick's too, so i doubt i'd waste my breath. or, i'd make pointy circular motions with my index finger and say 'that, THAT is ridiculous", then i'd whip my scarf and sip my tea. yeah.. i like that.
"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to serve as a horrible warning' -Kinn Hamilton McIntosh
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
If while on the mat, i can't figure out the way to my next move OFF the mat, ask for help or advice.
3. What have you learned through practicing yoga in a community?
To accept the decisions of others, even if they are contrary to mine (those people's decisions are wrong, of course, but they are valid. somewhere. maybe.).
4. If you could only eat ONE food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sushi/sashimi. (nothing endangered, okay.. endangered only now and then.)
5. If you could only do ONE yoga pose for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Hanuman (who wouldn't want to be able to do this at ___ yrs old ??).
6. What are do you do for fun off the mat?
Snow ski in winter, bike ride and water ski in summer.
7. What would you say to a man who thinks yoga is just for chicks :)?
Guys like that probably think birth control is just for chick's too, so i doubt i'd waste my breath. or, i'd make pointy circular motions with my index finger and say 'that, THAT is ridiculous", then i'd whip my scarf and sip my tea. yeah.. i like that.
Meet Katie- August's Big Rockstars of the Month!
1. Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you?
This is an excerpt from a quote in a book called Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut--a writer from my hometown, Indianapolis.
"I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center."
This is an excerpt from a quote in a book called Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut--a writer from my hometown, Indianapolis.
"I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can't see from the center."
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
I have learned not to pass judgement on myself as much. Still working on it! I can't always be 100% all of the time, but I can always give all that I have to give in each moment.
3. What have you learned through practicing yoga in a community setting?
Mostly, I have learned to not take my practice so seriously and to lighten up and have fun with it!
4. If you could only eat ONE food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza with pepperoni and jalapenos...or nachos! I just can't decide.
I have learned not to pass judgement on myself as much. Still working on it! I can't always be 100% all of the time, but I can always give all that I have to give in each moment.
3. What have you learned through practicing yoga in a community setting?
Mostly, I have learned to not take my practice so seriously and to lighten up and have fun with it!
4. If you could only eat ONE food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza with pepperoni and jalapenos...or nachos! I just can't decide.
5. If you could only do ONE yoga pose for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would do half moon. I love it!
6. What do you do outside of the studio for work/fun?
By day, I am an instrumentation and controls engineer, but more than anything, I love being outside. That means I enjoy most activities that involve being outside--especially hiking! I also enjoy running, reading, and cooking.
7. What would you do if you knew you could not fail? ;)
I would either start a winery in Napa Valley or I would quit my job (don't tell them that!) and buy an RV and travel around the country visiting all of the national parks to hike all of the trails and soak it all in! I guess it would be hard to transport an RV to Hawaii to hit the national parks there, but you said I couldn't fail sooo... I would still like to do this when I retire...in the very far future!
By day, I am an instrumentation and controls engineer, but more than anything, I love being outside. That means I enjoy most activities that involve being outside--especially hiking! I also enjoy running, reading, and cooking.
7. What would you do if you knew you could not fail? ;)
I would either start a winery in Napa Valley or I would quit my job (don't tell them that!) and buy an RV and travel around the country visiting all of the national parks to hike all of the trails and soak it all in! I guess it would be hard to transport an RV to Hawaii to hit the national parks there, but you said I couldn't fail sooo... I would still like to do this when I retire...in the very far future!
Meet Jeff and Jeff Jr.- July's Big Rockstars of the Month!
Jeff and Jeff are a father-son yogi duo who show up BIG together at Big Yoga, whether its on the mat or on the trail at Big Strides Run Club. Sometimes these guys even practice twice a day together! We love the love they bring to their practice and to life, so we wanted to share that love with you!
1. What is your favorite inspiring quote?
"Be a victor, not a victim."- Joel Osteen
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
"Practicing yoga in the morning is the best way to start the day."- Jeff Sr.
ts a great way to work out the soreness of football weight training."- Jeff Jr.
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
"Practicing yoga in the morning is the best way to start the day."- Jeff Sr.
ts a great way to work out the soreness of football weight training."- Jeff Jr.
3. What do you love about practicing yoga together?
We love sharing our progress with diffuclt poses like headstand and side crow.
4. What would you say to a guy that thinks yoga is for girls?!
Yoga is for everybody!
5. What do you do outside of the studio for work/school/ fun?
Financial Analyst/ Running- Jeff Sr.
Student/ Football- Jeff Jr.
6. What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
"Sell everything and invest in high risk investments with BIG payouts."- Jeff Sr.
"Study to be a Doctor."- Jeff Jr.
Meet Magda- June's Big Rockstar of the Month!
1. What is your favorite inspiring quote?
"There's nothing to worry about. You are whole, complete, perfect, beautiful, loving, and blissful, and you know everything there is to know." - Steve Ross
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
How we are on the mat is the same as how we are in the rest of our lifes...thus the mat give me a wonderful opportunity to "work out" and "work through" what is going on in my life. Remembering to breath through it all!
3. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through practicing yoga as part of a community?
We all need community to share support, energy and friendships. No matter where I am personally or emotionally when I walk into the yoga room and practice with my yoga community i feels supported and loved.
4. Why do you love assisting, and how did you get so darn good at it?
I have always been fascinated by how the human body moves and helping someone feel better in their body is so fun! I love assisting because it's wonderful to help a person find more freedom, a deeper stretch, or more support in a pose. Sometimes just sharing a little love is all we need. My training in occupational therapy, massage therapy, and yoga instruction have all helped my assisting skills, but more than anything I try to lead with my heart and intuition.
5. What do you do outside of the studio for work/ fun?
For work, I'm an Occupational Therapist and work with babies and children at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital and love what I do for a living. It is incredibly rewarding on so many levels. For fun, I enjoy hang out with my friends, reading, watching tv, exercising, and just being around water.
6. What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
Be an olympic gymnast! Flying through the air, flipping, being upside down!! So fun!! :)
How we are on the mat is the same as how we are in the rest of our lifes...thus the mat give me a wonderful opportunity to "work out" and "work through" what is going on in my life. Remembering to breath through it all!
3. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through practicing yoga as part of a community?
We all need community to share support, energy and friendships. No matter where I am personally or emotionally when I walk into the yoga room and practice with my yoga community i feels supported and loved.
4. Why do you love assisting, and how did you get so darn good at it?
I have always been fascinated by how the human body moves and helping someone feel better in their body is so fun! I love assisting because it's wonderful to help a person find more freedom, a deeper stretch, or more support in a pose. Sometimes just sharing a little love is all we need. My training in occupational therapy, massage therapy, and yoga instruction have all helped my assisting skills, but more than anything I try to lead with my heart and intuition.
5. What do you do outside of the studio for work/ fun?
For work, I'm an Occupational Therapist and work with babies and children at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital and love what I do for a living. It is incredibly rewarding on so many levels. For fun, I enjoy hang out with my friends, reading, watching tv, exercising, and just being around water.
6. What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
Be an olympic gymnast! Flying through the air, flipping, being upside down!! So fun!! :)
Meet Zach- May's Big Rockstar of the Month!
1. What is your favorite inspiring quote?
I don't have a favorite inspiring quote, however, here is a quote that I enjoy: "If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it." -Thich Nhat Hanh
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
To always try, even if you think you KNOW you can't do something, you might surprise yourself. This idea also carries over to life off the mat.
3. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through practicing yoga as part of a community?
[For some reason the Cheers theme song keeps going through my head when answering this question] The awesome energy that comes about from practicing yoga in a community is powerful! There is also a sense of comfort every time I walk into the studio door knowing that I will be practicing along side with friends and familiar faces.
W. What is your favorite meal?
I just finished the three day fruit cleanse as part of the 40 day challenge, so this is something I that has been on my mind the last couple of days... anything Mediterranean: dolma, hummus, felafel, olives, pita...
5. What do you do outside of the studio for work/ fun?
I work as Scheduler and Student Affairs Liaison in the Academy at Houston Ballet. I also play cello with the Symphony of Southeast Texas and the occasional gig. Outside of work I enjoy adventures with my beagle, Bagel, cooking, running, practicing the cello, and hanging out with friends and family.
I don't have a favorite inspiring quote, however, here is a quote that I enjoy: "If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it." -Thich Nhat Hanh
2. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through your own yoga practice?
To always try, even if you think you KNOW you can't do something, you might surprise yourself. This idea also carries over to life off the mat.
3. What is the most powerful thing you have learned through practicing yoga as part of a community?
[For some reason the Cheers theme song keeps going through my head when answering this question] The awesome energy that comes about from practicing yoga in a community is powerful! There is also a sense of comfort every time I walk into the studio door knowing that I will be practicing along side with friends and familiar faces.
W. What is your favorite meal?
I just finished the three day fruit cleanse as part of the 40 day challenge, so this is something I that has been on my mind the last couple of days... anything Mediterranean: dolma, hummus, felafel, olives, pita...
5. What do you do outside of the studio for work/ fun?
I work as Scheduler and Student Affairs Liaison in the Academy at Houston Ballet. I also play cello with the Symphony of Southeast Texas and the occasional gig. Outside of work I enjoy adventures with my beagle, Bagel, cooking, running, practicing the cello, and hanging out with friends and family.
