Meet Justina Brewer
When
did you first get interested in yoga?
The curious bug hit me about 6 years ago. I started to
read yoga publications, and I did a couple of yoga videos.
My first yoga class at a studio was at Sun & Moon. Since
that "free" class, I've been hooked! It was the best freebee
I ever got.
Who or what has been the major influence of your yoga teaching?
I have to say my teacher, JJ, gave me enormous encouragement
to follow through with the Sun & Moon Teacher Certification
program. I kind of fell into the program - I'm not sure why
I decided to do it, maybe because I wanted to become more
intimate with my personal practice and know more about yoga.
Halfway through the program when I realized I was going to
have to teach soon I got petrified and tried to back out.
But JJ encouraged me to stick with it and shortly I was teaching
in the fall of 1997. I wouldn't take away any class I've
taught or any moment of my yoga practice - each one has been
a learning experience. My students have been a major influence
of my teaching. I've probably learned just as much from them
about yoga and teaching as they have from me. Each class
is such a blissful experience of observing and discovering
me and them.
What are your hobbies/activities?
I love to read. I'm notorious for reading several books
at once and not finishing. I try to get outside as often
as I can, for a walk or hike. And beading is my latest passion.
You would have been voted "Most Likely to What" in high
school?
Actually, I was voted Most Gullible. I have to admit,
I regretted it back then, but now I think it's pretty funny
and find it to be a fine characteristic. I just think of
it as being open to anything, and anything is possible.
What is the importance of yoga in your everyday life?
When I began yoga, I did it for the physical benefits.
I think most come to the yoga mat because of this, at least
in the western world we want more flexibility, or we want
our backs to get stronger. For me, I have learned to live
with yoga not just during my asana (yoga postures) practice,
but also once I leave my mat. I think this is my biggest
challenge - in a store, with family and friends, in business
settings, or on the phone. I'm encountering this journey
all the time. Being aware of my actions everyday, everywhere
to me is practicing true yoga - it's become my being. In
a since, it's become my religion. I never want the journey
to stop.
What is your favorite asana practice?
I love flow yoga (vinyasa) and backbends. But if I were
to pick just one pose - on the flipside, I would have to
say supta baddha konasana (supported bound angle pose). I
could go to sleep in that pose. It's also a big breakthrough
for me to love a quiet, supported pose. I've always been
more active, and it's nice to become intimate with my quiet
side. This pose does it.