Yoga_Journal_-_February_2016_USA_

10

february

2016

yogajournal.com

editor’s letter

The heart knows

When we photographed Grace Flowers for this issue, she was 20 weeks pregnant (not that

anyone could tell!). And, it turns out, I was pregnant too, though I didn’t yet know. So later,

I took the opportunity to gather some pregnancy, practice, and life wisdom from Grace.

CARIN GORRELL Before teaching yoga, you worked in the corporate world and had built a

successful visual merchandising business by age 25. What spurred the transition to teaching?

GRACE FLOWERS My 20s were spent jet-setting, climbing ladders, making money. None

of what I was doing truly resonated in my heart, so I set about changing that in 2008.

I had been practicing yoga for nearly eight

years, and thought that it would be nice to teach.

I believe that whatever you are destined to do in

this lifetime chooses you. I believe yoga chose

me. And here I am.

CG What advice would you give someone

considering a career in yoga instruction?

GF If you really want longevity as a teacher,

I believe you have to 1) love, wholeheartedly, and

2) live, wholeheartedly, yoga. Yoga is a lifelong

study, and you become a lifelong student.

CG Did yoga play a role in your fertility journey?

GF Yes, a massive role. My husband and I wanted

to start a family, but I needed to create space for

it in my life both physically, given my packed

schedule, and energetically, to make sure my

marriage was rock solid before we brought a child

into this world. My physical practice softened to

prepare my body for conception. Meditation

helped me to connect with peace, serenity, and

trust in Source. A few years later, here we are. We

wouldn’t have arrived here without this practice.

CG How has pregnancy changed your practice?

GF Restorative postures that invite Ms. Bolster

and Mr. Blocks to the party make this pregnant

mama-to-be a very happy yogini!

CG What’s your favorite pose, and why?

GF Right now, it’s Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose). It’s a delicious stretch

for my pregnant body and helps to relieve some of my sacral tension.

CG Do you have a mantra or words of wisdom that you live by?

SC Live Love Now. It’s a mantra that my husband, Jayson, and I have engraved on our

wedding bands. Stay tuned—we are going to start a Live Love Now revolution!

Carin Gorrell

Editor in Chief

Stuff we love

Check out some of the fun items we

discovered while making this issue

that are now our everyday go-tos.

Hydro Flask 12 oz Standard Mouth bottle

It’s the perfect size for a midday green-tea

boost, holding just enough for a pick-me-up but

not so much that it chases away sleep at night

($22, hydroflask.com).

Affirmats Yoga Mat

These eco-friendly mats, made from a

biodegradable jute blend, deliver spot-on affirma-

tions like “breathe in love” and “i am enough” to

a receptive audience ($66–86, affirmats.com).

Sanuk Bianca shoes in Charcoal

These shoes have it all—comfort, support, and

style—with inserts made from yoga-mat material

for extra cushioning all day long ($80, sanuk.com).

Rodney Yee’s Yoga for Beginners Gaiam DVD

Start the year on the right foot with one of our fave

master teachers. Yee’s expertly sequenced DVD

can help new (and new-again) beginners establish

a consistent practice ($15, gaiam.com).

Indie Lee Vanilla Citrus Moisturizing Oil

A handful of simple, plant-based ingredients

packs a powerful one-two punch: aromatherapy

bliss (think vanilla and sweet orange for a restor-

ative reboot) plus deep hydration for thirsty

winter skin ($36, indielee.com).

PHOTO: JEFF NELSON; MODEL: GRACE FLOWERS; STYLIST: EMILY CHOI; HAIR/MAKEUP: BETH WALKER; PRODUCT PHOTOS: BROOKS FREEHILL; STYLIST: EMILY CHOI

Yes, Grace’s name does her justice—

she is indeed friendly and kind.