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1. Tell me about your personal journey with yoga. Why is it important to you?

I started practicing yoga in 1998. As someone that played competitive sports since I was 5, it was something that words cannot describe what caught my attention, but I stuck with it for the last 20 years. My first teacher, Dawn Perhacs, describes it best that “I became smitten.” Through the ups and downs of life, I always came back to yoga. I began to practice when I was around 23 or 24 years old (now being 43). I have come to realize how much more important just showing up to work with this awareness and understanding in this human form is. We don’t have to jump on to the storyline of these thoughts — whether they come from my own mind or reacting to how I “think” when someone says something. Chit (short of Chitta) happens! Right?! Yoga has helped me to see the science behind the reactionary mind. Around 2010, I was honored to take over the reigns of The Yoga Room which my teacher founded in 1997.

2. When did you first begin teaching yoga? What made you transition into a leadership position?

I first started teaching in 2003. I did this because at the time there was hardly anyone else teaching and this stuff was just too good to keep to myself. Over the years I have come to realize that my true intention of living this life is to help create a world of more peace and compassion.

3. What makes your classes unique?

Classes are as unique as the person that teaches them. I bring my life of finding balance, peace, and equanimity. When I was young my home was a bit of chaos. I have a sister that has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoia, OCD, etc… So you never knew when there would be peace or chaos. I cherished those moments when there was peace and tried to create it as best I could.

At a young age, I realized that this was not normal and I felt so much anger that we weren’t a “normal” family. But as I aged I started to have so many deeper realizations in life including the understanding that we do not have control over other people or situations, but we do have control over our thoughts and actions. I try to pass those gifts off to others because it was my saving grace.

I’ve recently stepped away from teaching weekly classes for the first time since 2003 and have created Purposeful Living where I help women that are feeling stressed and overwhelmed by inner and outer expectations live a life of authenticity and wholeness. I do this by offering one-on-one mentoring as well as guided retreats that incorporate yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and essential oils.

4. How does music benefit your guidance in a yoga class?

So, as a music lover, especially live music can take you on a journey in and of itself. Just this past month my husband and I went to 9 concerts and one music festival. Music speaks to you on such a different level. The vibrations that occur physically and mentally are unique in and of themselves.

As a teacher, there are many classes where I do not use any music and just let life be the music. Sometimes music overstimulates, but other times, music just deepens the journey that much more.

5. Tell me about your next event and where we can follow you online.

There are a number of events coming up:

A Day of Mindfulness: August 11th, 2018

In A Day of Mindfulness, we will explore and apply such practices as sitting quietly, following our breath, walking meditation, relaxing our body and mind, eating mindful, and practicing easy yoga. Each time you uncover the peace within you’ it becomes more natural to access. The tools and practices you learn in our precious time together will easily integrate into your daily life.

Yoga Teacher Training: September 6th, 2018

Since 2003, I have been leading individuals to “Be the change they wish to see in the world.” ~ Gandhi by offering yoga teacher training.

Mindful Leadership for Women: September 29th, 2018

This is an all-day retreat that will allow women to dive in and create their own life of purpose. This intentional day will offer opportunities to develop confidence, support, guidance, goal setting and leadership skills that are unique to each woman.

Healing Women’s Retreat: October 5-7, 2018

When you take time to quiet the chaos of the world around you, you not only get clear on your own message/direction/voice, you also become an inspiration to those around you. The Women’s Retreat is a space for you to show up as you are. During our time together healing begins as soon as you set foot on the land. The Villa Maria is a Spiritual Retreat Center that offers a beautiful and tranquil space for spiritual growth. You will have the opportunity to create your own retreat that includes time set aside for movement, creating, healing and nourishing from the inside out.

You can find me at www.MaureenLauerGatta.com and www.TrumbullYogaRoom.com

Instagram: @MaureenLauerGatta and @the.yoga.room

Facebook: Maureen Lauer Gatta and The Yoga Room

Attention Yogis and Yoginis: Are you interested in doing a 5Q Interview?  Fill out your unique responses here.