Photo: ©Caroline Vella

The Real Life is Real Yoga Interview

For me, music is a big part of the experience. I’m probably as well known for my playlists as I am my flowing sequences.

CAROLINE VELLA

I’m a yoga instructor and I try to bring yoga into everything I do, but it’s not all that I do. I discovered the practice 15 years ago, about the same time I started exploring the internet and I’ve been dividing my time between both worlds ever since.

I recently found a way to merge the two and created tweetasana – yoga, short and tweet - to expand my reach and share my own brand of yoga wisdom through twitter.

The irony of combining the two seems to suit my slightly twisted view and unique way with words. I take big and juicy yoga principles and squeeze them into small but tasty 140 character morsels that also happen to be highly nutritious. 

I believe yoga is about getting out of your own head and I’ll take whatever steps necessary to help you break free. For me, music is a big part of that experience. I’m probably as well known for my playlists as I am my flowing sequences and yoga and music hold equal places in my heart.

This is where I change hats.

After years of working behind the digital scenes, I created and write a music blog. I’m of the generation that was raised on records and radio and boomitude taps into that shared ‘attitude on music.’ It’s a little nod to the past but still very much about what’s going on here and now. Though it’s a collaboration with my music industry husband, if you detect any tone, that would be mine.
 
It’s the putting it all into words that is my connecting thread. They say to write what you know. I’m not a yoga or music insider. I’m a regular person who knows some things about some things and probably that’s the hat I wear best. 

Website tweetasana.com
Website boomitude.com

Twitter @tweetasana

The Magazine of Yoga 3×5 Interview

What?

What is the task you like to do best in your work?
Turning people on to stuff that I love. If I believe in it wholeheartedly … yoga, music, a movie or whatever, I feel compelled to share it … but always with my own spin on it. Wrapping it up in just the right words is what thrills me.

What housework or domestic detail is most satisfying to do?
Anything that involves organizing or clearing out.

What in light of your experience in life, should we not waste time on or worry about?
I could find plenty of things to worry about but being perfect is not one of them. I learned long ago there’s no such person.

How?

How do you celebrate?
With cupcakes and champagne!

How do you learn?
I pay attention. I observe and I listen. Then I learn as I go…and as I practice!  As I recently tweeted: Name one thing in your life that isn’t practice…………..Exactly!

How do you prepare to do something?
I do my homework. I like to know what I’m in for but at some point, you have to start somewhere… at the top of the page or the top of the mat and then watch the creative process unfold … that’s the magic.

Do?

Do you have a nemesis?
Procrastination is the beast I tame daily.

Do you have a vocation?
To spread the word(s).

Do you have a plan?
My plan is to keep showing up and giving it my best shot.

Faves

Favorite magazine?
Real Simple. It’s pretty much the mantra behind everything I do. As soon as it becomes artificial or overly complicated, you’ve lost me.

Favorite work beverage?
Fiji water

Favorite relax thing?
Yoga and/or music is a given. Beyond that … it’s a a good movie or book or family and friends, food and wine … all the good stuff.

Fives

5 things about your workspace that make it good
1. It is a room of my own.
2. I don’t have to commute.
3. It isn’t a cubicle.
4. There’s a bright window.
5. There’s no boss peering over my shoulder.

5 people you want to collaborate with
1. Mira Nair – A favorite filmmaker who could do beautiful things with a screenplay I’ve written.
2. Julia Cameron – One of my early writing teachers and although we’ve never met, I credit her daily ‘Morning Pages’ for helping me find my creative wings.
3. Deepak Chopra -  I’m amazed at how such a deep thinker can also exude such a peaceful  presence.
4. Ralph Lauren – He’s my favorite example of building a brand out of something you love and I think he could use some help with a yoga line.
5. Oprah – No explanation needed.

5 songs from your current playlist
1. Bon Iver- Perth
2. Little Dragon – Soul Reunion
3. Fink – Warm Shadow
4. Black Dub – I Believe in You
5. Garland Jeffreys – Rock On

© 2011, The Magazine of Yoga, LLC.