This month, we're pleased to feature our music-grooving and chakra studying instructor Anna Cononge! We caught up with her to learn how she discovered yoga, why her practice reaches far beyond the physical, and where you'll find her when she's not exploring the outdoors! Tell me a little bit about your yoga journey from the beginning. I’ve always had an interest in yoga, and it was more for the physical benefit when I first started. When I started my training in 2014, I didn’t know what to expect. I began reading about the chakras, and I knew that this is where I was supposed to be in life. The chakras really opened my mind, guiding me through a spiritual journey that helped me understand myself on a whole new level. The training not only educated me how to be a teacher, it taught me how to be a better friend, daughter, student, partner, and a human being. What's it like to be a part of the RYL community? I LOVE the RYL community! My fellow teachers are so unique and welcoming. I enjoy taking their classes because I learn so much from them. I love seeing teachers that are so passionate about practicing. The students are amazing! When I come to teach a class, I’m overjoyed to see my class growing along with my students. They are strong and inspiring! Did you ever see yourself teaching yoga when you started practicing? When did you know that you were called to teach? I honestly did not see myself teaching at all, dabbling in a yoga practice here and there. It wasn’t until my boyfriend heard of a local teacher training. He went to the meet and greet so I figured “why not tag along?” I met the teachers and fellow trainees and I was sold. Going in to it, I was on the fence to whether teach or not, but when I started studying more I wanted to pass along what I have gained. From learning about yoga, there is so much more beyond stepping on your mat. |
Yoga is more than movement-- it’s a spiritual awakening, a connection through the mind, body, and soul. It’s a point in time where you can really be in touch with your body and feel the energy, strength and support it gives you.
What is the most magical thing about yoga?
The honesty that you have to have with yourself and your teacher! When you’re back bending and opening the heart, sometimes it’s normal to have emotions run deep. You may cry or laugh, and the most important thing is letting yourself feel that emotion and to not hold it in. You may be amazing at twisting or balancing, but sometimes you're unbalanced or you can’t go as deep in to a twist. You have to let it go-- no one is judging you. Be honest with yourself and your body; there is always room for improvement.
Why do people especially need yoga in their lives?
I would have to say that the main reason people need yoga is to be more aware of the body. We go day to day, working, going to class, taking care of kids, and I’ve noticed because I am guilty of it too! We don’t make time for ourselves [to allow] our mind and body to recover from hectic schedules. Yoga has helped me with unwinding and tuning in to my body.
What is your favorite music to practice to, and why?
I love everything! In my own practice I normally have Spotify on shuffle, close my eyes and let my body guide me through my practice. I have everything from Electronic Dance Music to acoustic.
What 3 words would describe your life outside of your yoga practice?
Active, outgoing, and goofy
What is your greatest guilty pleasure?
Chocolate, especially dark.
Anything your students ought to know about you?
I also teach kickboxing, practice the art of Brazilian jiu jitsu, and am currently a student at Georgia State University studying Economics and Psychology. I love a challenge! I’m always trying something new: rock climbing, sailing, hiking, or taking a class to educate myself on what else the world has to offer.