Name: Anela Pasovic

Certifications/Title: 200 hour YTT-YogaWorks

Tell us about yourself, where you are from, currently reside, practice, etc.?

I grew up in former Yogoslavia.  Half of my life I’ve dedicated to music; studying classical piano.  Moving to NY was drastic change, and while living very fast lifestyle in Big Apple, I had found my quiet time on yoga mat. 

Where I grew up there was no yoga, but I was already in the way introduced to it through my  breathing exercises right before solo performances.

How long have you been practicing yoga?

First yoga practice in class setting happened for me in 2007.

How did you get started? 

I felt overwhelmed with very fast lifestyle in NY, and I was going through some life changing situations at the same time. Yoga was recommended to me by several friends, so wanted to try and see if it truly works as everyone was saying.

What type of yoga do you teach? 

I teach and practice Vinyasa (flow yoga).

What do you prefer/enjoy about this particular form of yoga? 

Vinyasa is style of yoga where you move from asana to asana, linking each pose with your breath. Each movement feels continuous and with addition of breath it keeps you present to the practice.  I feel one of the most difficult practices throughout everyday is being present, and this is a great way of doing it so.

Do you feel anyone can enjoy and gain from yoga?

Yes, absolutely.  Very first yoga practice was all about sitting for hours and meditating.  It was all about mind practice!  Asanas were added into the practice way later. Today we practice both.  If someone prefers physical practice they can benefit from it.  On the other hand, if someone simply finds joy to meditate/spiritual practice, they can tremendously benefit from it as well.  Many of us find pleasure and benefits in practicing both.

What has yoga done for you as person?  

Meditation is my daily go to practice. It has been very important practice for me that allows me to constantly reflect internally. Self reflection is far from being an easy process, but the reward is very high.

Do you feel yoga is more mental or physical? 

I truly think it’s both. 

Do you believe it is an alternative form of healing and medicine? 

I consider yoga being part of wellness program.  It is preventative solution to our overall health.

Do you associate yoga with Hinduism? If yes, in what ways? 

Yes, because it is very important to know the roots of this beautiful practice and Sanskrit language.  Today many cultures around the globe had adopted yoga practice and learning the Sanskrit names of asanas is at least what we can do in return.

Is yoga a way of life or a way to exercise or meditate? 

Yoga is the way of life. At some point we all face some challenging moments in our life. Centuries ago Patanjali suggested in his Sutras that it's not about asanas or just meditation.  There are also other areas we should be practicing in order to live fulfilled and meaningful life. The following 8 limbs are the path to meaningful life:

Yamas-Restrains

Niyamas - Lifestyle observances

Asanas -Postures

Pranayama -Breath control

Pratyahara -Withdrawal od senses

Dharana - Concentration

Dhyana -Meditation

Samadhi - Divine

What is your dharma, your life mission? My dharma is the path of being.  “  It is better to live your own Dharma imperfectly, than to live an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection.” Bhagavad Gita