Meet Ashley!
Where are you from/How long have you lived in Knoxville? I’m originally from Northeastern Ohio, born and raised for most of my life. My husband and I moved to Knoxville in August of 2015.
When and why did you begin practicing yoga? My journey to begin practicing yoga was a very personal and emotional decision. My husband and I moved here in August of 2015, just the two of us, leaving behind friends and family. My husband travels a lot so I spent many nights by myself, well I guess not completely alone, I did have my cat. I was very lonely, I missed everything about home, and I had yet to find what I like to call, “my people.” To think about this time in my life still makes me emotional. I got stuck in a rut, and decided that I needed to find something that I enjoyed. That’s when I found yoga, actually I found Blue Ridge Yoga. It was love at first “Namaste”. BRY gave me a sense of home, it brought my mind and body peace, and for that I am eternally grateful. So to answer this question, I began practicing in October 2015 to bring myself peace.
What is your favorite thing about yoga? I am a speech-language pathologist at a very busy elementary school. Anyone who works in the schools or knows someone who works in the schools knows it’s hectic 24/7. Therefore, I am constantly on the go, and I go at one speed--Fast. What I LOVE about yoga is that it helps me to slow down and take time for myself. I get 60 minutes of “Me” time where I don’t think about IEPs, meetings, paperwork, dinner, or the fact that I haven’t cleaned my house in a week! It’s all about my practice... just a girl and her mat.
What is your advice to those coming back to yoga after having a baby? My son Roman was born in April, he is so precious! I am a first-time mommy, and let me just tell you that there is no way you can possibly prepare for taking care of a child. My advice to those returning to yoga post-baby would be two things: be patient and take time for yourself. Keep in mind that pregnancy has taken a toll on your body-- you grew a human being!! You will not be able to do the things your pre-pregnancy body was able to do, not immediately at least. Be patient and listen to your body. Take time for yourself, regardless of how many things you have on your “to-do” list or how difficult it might be to arrange. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you for it!