[note — this is part 1 of 2; here we focus on Foxen the yoga professional; part 2 (coming soon) is about her journey as a student of the practice]

As a yoga professional, what aspects — mind, body, spirit — do you pitch to someone who has never done yoga but is open to the possibility?

the connection between body and mind

Do you have a particularly strong relationship tie to any teachings or text?

a very tangled connection to Paramahansa Yogananda’s lineage — but it’s not what I practice

How long did you practice yoga before becoming a teacher?

3 years

How long have you taught yoga?

consistently for 3 years, very occasionally for the last 12

When you’re teaching regularly, can you lead classes too often? How many times a week, and a day, might be too much?

I’ve always struggled with this — more than a couple of times a week starts to be too much

Do you have a preferred yoga style? Do you teach others?

Hot Vinyasa

From your experience as a teacher, can you generalize about what comes easiest for beginners and what is more challenging?

this is so person-specific

What are the more difficult poses for beginners to execute?

headstands and arm balances? no, actually, people really struggle with getting forward bends right

Apart from yoga, do you recommend other techniques of mindfulness or meditation?

I like body-scan meditation — it’s a good way to build basic awareness

Say you have a beginning student who has come to yoga for help with a bad back. They are already pretty chill, and you intuit they are only looking for the physical benefits from yoga. Do you leave it at that, or do you look for opportunities to promote the non-physical benefits?

I leave it at that — the other stuff will come if and when it makes sense

Do you have a favorite sutra or mantra or koan that you like to share with those in your classes?

be okay with it feeling good

You have a choice: lead a yoga class (1) outdoors on a beautiful day, overlooking the ocean, or (2) in a well-designed, very comfortable minimalist indoor space. Which do you pick?

the indoor space, for sure — it can be helpful to minimize distraction if that’s the kind of practice we’re going for but, as a teacher, I just really like being able to control my environment

—interview © Marshal Zeringue

Yoga is a holistic experience for many — mind, body, spirit — but did one element or another first draw you to the practice? That is, were you seeking to settle your mind? Have greater physical flexibility? Explore your true, spiritual nature? 

I was intrigued by the possibility of enhancing my personal discipline and focus while also becoming more physically flexible

How about now: does yoga feed your mind or your body or your spirit more, or are those elements more in balance than when you started?

all of these elements have become more aligned 

How long have you been practicing yoga?

thirty years

How frequently do you practice yoga?

most days

Are you more likely to attend classes at a studio or practice yoga at home?

at home, where I can control the environment

Do you have a preferred yoga style?

I incorporate elements from multiple styles

When you were starting out, what came easiest and what was more challenging?

blocking out distractions and disruptive thoughts was difficult — because I also practice dance and am generally athletic, the physical part was easier

What have been the greatest benefits of yoga for you?

better flexibility and deeper, more restorative sleep — and my self-discipline has definitely increased

Apart from yoga, do you practice other techniques of mindfulness or meditation?

yes — breathing exercises, seated and walking meditation, and sound-focused meditation with singing (crystal) bowls and drums

Do you regularly do other forms of exercise?

hiking, dance and weight training — horseback riding when the opportunity presents itself

Outside of a yoga session, do you ever just strike a pose and stretch?

regular breaks throughout the day to get up from my desk and do gentle yoga stretching that focuses on my back, shoulders and hamstrings

If I gave you an expenses-paid yoga retreat, where would you go?

Iceland

—interview © Marshal Zeringue

Yoga is a holistic experience for many — mind, body, spirit — but did one element or another first draw you to the practice? 

I turn towards yoga to calm my mind and body — each goes through a lot during my daily life and yoga provides a sense of calmness and peace

How about now: does yoga feed your mind or your body or your spirit more, or are those elements more in balance than when you started?

each is more balanced

How long have you been practicing yoga?

on and off for about 10 years

How frequently do you practice yoga?

every time my body or mind feels cluttered I turn towards yoga

Are you more likely to attend classes at a studio or practice yoga at home?

at home, particularly with an assist from YouTube

Do you have a preferred yoga style?

I do not follow a specific practice, but just what feels right to my body

When you were starting out, what came easiest and what was more challenging?

the movements were fairly easy — blocking out distractions, especially when practicing at home, was more difficult

What have been the greatest benefits of yoga for you?

a clear head and the sense of accomplishment while moving my body

Apart from yoga, do you practice other techniques of mindfulness or meditation?

I practice sleep meditation each night before bed

Do you regularly do other forms of exercise?

I have recently started switching it up, and I enjoy a good Pilates session

Outside of a yoga session, do you ever just strike a pose and stretch?

tree pose is my go-to while cooking in the kitchen

If I gave you an expenses-paid yoga retreat, where would you go?

Bali

—interview © Marshal Zeringue