Joe Early is our Student of the Month. We are beyond inspired by the way that Joe shows up for himself and others. He lives with an open and compassionate heart putting others first. He is so dedicated to his family and his practice. Joe participated in our immersion program a couple of years back and has decided to dive even deeper into his practice by signing up for our next teacher training in July 2019. It has been incredible to watch him grow in his yogic path and we are excited to see him continue to blossom. Joe heals people by taking them into nature, greeting them with a loving smile, listening with his eyes and answering with his heart. Thank you for all of the warm hugs and for choosing ACY to be your yoga home!
What was the experience with yoga that got you hooked?
I think I’ve gotten hooked on yoga several times. I can remember the first time I really practiced yoga…early morning as the sun was rising at a music festival in the mountains. I remember deeply connecting with this movement and connecting with the experience in a way I’d connected with water-skiing (feeling free) or connected with a new, really old best friend. I was hooked and I’ve gotten re-hooked many, many times : )
What inspires you to continue yoga?
My external and internal lives are better when I’m practicing yoga. I’m better to myself and better to those around me when I’m regularly practicing yoga. The relationships I have at ACY also inspire me to continue practicing. My growing connection to my spiritual center inspires me to continue yoga and to continue expanding my experience of yoga off the mat and past asana.
What is your most challenging pose?
Half-moon is really challenging for me…and I love it when it comes up! Side plank is also really challenging.
What is your favorite time/place to practice?
ACY is definitely my favorite place to practice. I feel so at home – in a peaceful, spiritual way. I believe in the style of many, many teachers at ACY and believe my practice is enhanced in so many ways. I deeply appreciate teachers integrating teachings that transcend our asana practice into the other limbs of yoga. So Grateful. As a dad, my favorite time is when I have time : )
How has yoga changed your life?
Yoga has brought more peacefulness and calm to my life. My ability to be patient and flexible as a first-time father was expanded so much – practices directly from the mat. Yoga is bringing richness to my spiritual connection that I am so grateful for. I am so excited to continue to expand my practice and continue to experience changes in the way I experience life on a daily basis.
What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself?
Adventurous, Loving,
If you could just share one practice that has helped you the most, what would it be?
Consistency.
What is your current or all-time favorite song or artist for a yoga playlist?
I really like listening to Mayawaska, Calm Whale and Mose on youtube. I really like practicing to Luna’s music – at home and in class. I can remember the first time I heard Climb in one of Hanna’s gentle flow classes, then Luna, Joshua and friends played it live during Savasana in my immersion program and now some how I am able to practice and soak in Luna’s love and wisdom almost every week. Again, So Grateful.
What is your mantra?
“Connect and Let Go”
How did you find Asheville Community Yoga?
My wife, Alisa, told me I had to check it out. And that was that!
