Yoga_Journal_-_June_2016_

12

june

2016

yogajournal.com

editor’s letter

A bright light

Carin Gorrell

Editor in Chief

After spending a day with this month’s cover model, vinyasa teacher Mary Beth LaRue,

I learned she’s one of those instructors who emanate positivity and inspiration, someone

you just want to practice with in the hopes that some of her vibrant energy will rub off.

See what I mean here, and by trying her creativity-enhancing sequence on page 70.

CARIN GORRELL How did you first discover yoga, and what kept you coming back?

MARY BETH LARUE I’d always been curious about it, but had a few less-than-stellar

experiences. After moving to DC to work at a travel magazine, I found that sitting at

a desk was taking its toll on me physically and mentally. I wandered into a little studio

on U Street, where we moved organically and listened to Bob Marley, and I felt

at home in myself again. After that, I knew I’d never stop practicing.

CG How would your students describe your

teaching style?

MBL I hope they’d say it’s a breath-centered, soulful

yoga class. With great music.

CG You’re also a life coach. What’s your mission

and approach?

MBL I founded Rock Your Bliss, a yoga-inspired

coaching company, with my best friend Jacki Carr.

We lead yoga retreats, workshops, and online pro-

grams, and our mission is to “make shift happen.”

We empower women to lead lives of their design

through our chakra-based methodology, which

involves rooting in your values, designing from

your center, and trusting in the outcome.

CG What advice do you give that you wish you

were better at following yourself?

MBL Keep your word, to yourself and to others.

But most importantly to yourself. We create

our reality through our language, inwardly

and outwardly.

CG You’re launching an online course with Yoga

Journal on yoga for creativity this June. How is

yoga especially helpful in sparking creativity?

MBL Part of the reason I fell in love with teaching yoga was its creative aspect. What

you design on your mat is impermanent, almost like a sand castle. Yogis can infuse

intention into all aspects of our practice so it becomes a source of artistic expression,

from the postures we pick to the music we play to the philosophy we weave in.

CG What’s your favorite pose?

MBL In the past year, it’s been Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-Wall Pose), with two blocks

stacked under my tailbone. I just feel so good after holding this pose for a few minutes.

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

MBL “Happiness equals reality minus expectations.” It reminds me to broaden my

perspective and to take in all there is to be grateful for and happy about.

Stuff we love

Check out these fun items that

put a spring in our step this season.

CARIN AND MARY BETH PHOTO: LAURA AUSTIN; STYLIST: ASHLEY TURNER/HAZEL & PINE; HAIR/MAKEUP: MICHELLE HODNETT; ON MARY BETH: TOP:

LUCY;

BOTTOMS: LULULEMON; MALAS: GRACE FLOWERS MALA; ON CARIN: TOP: FREE PEOPLE; SCARF: LULU DK; PRODUCT PHOTOS: BROOKS FREEHILL; STY

LIST: EMILY CHOI

Mary Beth and I were treated

to a spectacular Malibu beach

sunset at the end of her fun

photo shoot—you couldn’t ask

for a better backdrop!

Simply Gum

Chewing something over just got healthier with

this handcrafted gum made from six natural ingre-

dients—no synthetic chemicals or artificial flavors

to be found ($15 for a 6-pack , simplygum.com).

Corkcicle 25oz Canteen

Elegance meets function in these triple-insulated

water bottles that keep beverages cold for 25 hours

or hot for 12. We love the heft of the 25-ounce

Vinnebago for hydrating during longer or hot

classes; you can go up or down in size from there

With eight pockets for gear, including a secure

and simple yoga-mat holder, this duffle transports

yoga props and post-class necessities in sleek

yet sensible style ($40, kohls.com).

Dr. Hauschka Lemon Lemongrass

Vitalizing Body Wash

Bring the scents of summer into your shower

with this invigorating lemon and lemongrass

soap-free cleanser, guaranteed both to awaken and

soothe the senses ($20, dr.hauschka.com).