What does a US bronze medalist and ice skating Olympian do in her time off? Well, when it comes to Jamie Silverstein, this question comes with a long answer. Jamie is not only a passionate yogi but also an E-RYT 500 yoga instructor and hug-loving yoga studio owner of The Grinning Yogi in Seattle, WA. On top of that, she writes her wonderful column Confessions of a Yogi here at DOYOU. If you need a boost of motivation for your yoga practice, sunshine yogi Jamie is your go-to girl. Her articles are an excursion into the every day odds and ends of yoga that will really inspire you to look at things from a different perspective. We asked Jamie a few personal questions within the context of our new interview series "How I Yoga". Here are her answers!
Name: Jamie Silverstein
Occupation: Yoga Teacher, Studio Owner, Work-in-Progress, Friend
Location: Seattle, WA
Favorite yoga style: Vinyasa Flow
Favorite yoga pose: Pigeon (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) because it reminds me of the transformative powers of feeling. And staying.
Yoga is: My way to come home.
Jamie striking poses at her studioWhat Do You Love Most About Yoga?
What I love about yoga is that the practice can nail you and embrace you at the EXACT same time. I learned to rediscover the value of my body on the mat by watching my own attachment patterns. The practice became a huge tool for me in my recovery from an eating disorder and helped me redefine what it means to take care. What I especially love about yoga is how it is a mirror. And, as we get more clear, we start to see not only our best reflection but the shine in those all around us.
How Has Yoga Changed Your Life, Personality and Physique?
I like to think that yoga has not changed my life or personality but, rather, has helped me discover it.
What Everyday Thing Did You Get Better At Because Of Yoga?
Listening. I am a better listener because of yoga… both to myself and to others. I know this because I am aware of how I connect less when I don't practice as much!
How Do You Keep Your Yoga Practice Interesting and Challenging?
I try new teachers and studios. I LOVE my teachers but I often find I learn MORE about myself when I am confronted with a class or teacher that 'frustrates' my expectations. We like what we 'know'. I've come to learn that we learn more when we can observe our reactivity rather than enjoy our likes. This is also the "edge."
Jamie on the iceWhat Book, Website or Person Inspires You?
What Do You Listen To While You Do Yoga?
Usually the silly stories in my mind. But it gets better!
What's The Best Advice You've Ever Received?
It's okay to not be okay.
Is There Anything Else You'd Like To Share With Our Readers?
The few minutes you of care you offer yourself affect more than just you. Thank you for caring for me!
Website: thegrinningyogi.com
Facebook: facebook.com/thegrinningyogi
Twitter: twitter.com/bejamie
