International Women’s Day
For International Women’s Day we’re taking some time to celebrate the badass women of IDM TV! Learn more about your favorite yoga instructors and community members
LAUREN
Your favorite yoga pose and why.
Right now my favorite yoga pose is a combination of the movements that make up Sun Salutation A. Nothing brings me “home” to myself more than the repetition of these 8 movements. Stephen Cope once wrote, “If we dedicate ourselves to practice, it is only a matter of time until the mat becomes an altar” and Surya Namaskara A always feels like a ritual in motion to me. I never regret starting my day, in the hour before the sun rises, with these simple movements linking breath to body to mind to heart.
An interesting fact about you.
People are often surprised to discover that I love watching American football. I grew up watching football with my dad and it was a big space of bonding and connection for us. As a result, watching football brings me a lot of joy and is also a major shift from my usual day-to-day focus giving me a mental break that feels freeing since almost everything else I do is somehow connected to yoga, meditation, and IDM TV relevant topics (because that’s what I love!). My dad was born in Wisconsin so I have always been a Green Bay Packers fan.
When you feel most badass as a woman.
I feel most “badass” when I stay committed to my intentions by holding my boundaries. What this means is that my day ends up feeling the most “balanced.” I struggle with the idea of balance in our lives because I don’t actually believe “balance” as we understand it is possible, but I do believe we can prioritize what is most essential and when I stay in alignment with that vision for myself and my life AND I follow through, I feel pretty badass.
CHRISTINE
Your favorite yoga pose and why.
It is so hard to choose one favorite yoga pose! Camel comes across as a top contender – because it’s a deep heart opener and invites me to be with my body and my emotions. When I feel tension or anxiety in my body it often feels like it’s in the space of my upper chest and throat – a constrution around my throat and my voice. Camel allows me to open this space and reflect on what I might need to be let go of in order for me to express my voice. When practicing Camel I usually follow this pose with quiet sitting in Thunderbolt with some deep breaths and notice what is present with curiosity and compassion.
An interesting fact about you.
I hold 3 passports and I love to travel – although, in times of stress, I find I like to become a homebody!! Growing up I watched the TV show “The Mysterious Cities of Gold” (in French) and feel like from a young age I was inspired to explore…I grew up in Canada, moved to the US as an adult, and have averaged a BIG move every 10-15 years or so.
When you feel most badass as a woman.
Being connected with others in community through friendships and having deep conversations connects me to my badass parts. Other times I feel badass doing challenging solo activities like a long hike in nature. I also feel badass when I’m moving my body – this could be listening to my favorite songs (currently The Last Goodbye, Odesza) and dancing. I love showing up as a leader – whether that is being in the seat of the teacher instructiong a yoga class – or guiding my patients and clients to discover and befriend deeper parts of themselves. Whenever I am in my authenticity I feel badass.
JENNY
Your favorite yoga pose and why.
I have two… 1) Pavritta Trikonasana – In the beginning years of my yoga practice, my back and core were very weak, so it was challenging for me to hold a revolved balance pose like Pavritta Trikonasana. Now, with 25 years of practice, I love the simplicity and challenge of this pose. Each time I’m in it, I’m reminded of how far my body has evolved. And 2) Handstand – I’m 53, so when I nail a handstand, I have to give myself some props!
An interesting fact about you.
I have two, again, haha….1) I was on Survivor 13: Cook Islands in 2006. I lasted 25 of 39 days. The experience changed the trajectory of my life, and I quit real estate to become a yoga instructor. No regrets! And 2) I just published my first book called “The Yoga Within You: Living Beyond the Mat.” The book is a compilation of the dharma talks I’ve shared in my classes over the years. The book also features pranayama techniques and how to do them. You can purchase it on Amazon
When you feel most badass as a woman.
I feel badass as a woman when I can effortlessly balance the demands of my various roles and responsibilities as a wife, mother, business owner, and yoga instructor. Whether it’s leading a challenging yoga class, supporting my husband and son, or taking care of my own physical and mental well-being, I work to exude strength and grace. I believe my ability to navigate through life’s challenges with confidence and determination showcases my resilience and hopefully inspires those around me.
BRITTANY
Your favorite yoga pose and why.
Sukasana is my overall favorite posture for yoga asana but I also love crow! I’ve always loved how playful crow is and it always makes me smile to practice 🙂
An interesting fact about you.
I am currently editing the fourth draft of a manuscript for my debut fiction novel!
When you feel most badass as a woman.
When I feel badass as a woman: I feel most badass as a woman when I prioritize my own self-care. Many women prioritize everyone and everything else before them (myself included for so long!) So I feel extra badass when I slow down and really take care of myself 🙂 I definitely feel at my best when I do so.
GIORGIA (from Italy)
Favorite yoga pose and reason?
It is so hard to choose one favorite yoga pose! Camel comes across as a top contender – because it’s a deep heart opener and invites me to be with my body and my emotions. When I feel tension or anxiety in my body it often feels like it’s in the space of my upper chest and throat – a constrution around my throat and my voice. Camel allows me to open this space and reflect on what I might need to be let go of in order for me to express my voice. When practicing Camel I usually follow this pose with quiet sitting in Thunderbolt with some deep breaths and notice what is present with curiosity and compassion.
Passions besides yoga?
I have always been very versatile and curious, a bit perfectionist and stubborn. That makes me a woman who loves to try out and cultivate all kinds of hobbies, from sports to cooking, from graphic arts to photography. But amongst all, music is most certainly my greatest gift and refuge. I think that the depth of this calling is the reason why three years ago IDM TV trusted me to work for them as an audio editor, music curator, and most recently as a composer too. Through music, we are capable of turning each and every class into an opportunity to weave a strong connection between inspiration and purpose, which is one of the core reasons why the Holistic Yoga Flow method is so deeply effective in creating such a powerful and awakening experience for the heart and soul. I have two Instagram accounts @giorgiavannimusic and @_giorgia_vanni_.
When do you feel the most badass as a woman?
As women, we are somewhat used to experiencing our lives as incredibly complex, multi-faceted, body-chemicals-driven beings who fulfill different roles throughout their existence by playing through the spectrum of feelings – and not always the good ones. I think that I am the most badass when all these little parts and variables within me, which in yogic terms we could refer to as koshas or six dimensions, finally come together, allowing me to feel aligned in my thoughts, my emotions, my potential, and my actions. The best way to achieve this kind of inner harmony is by often checking in with myself to recognize my priorities, ignite my purpose, and respect my limits. Feeling confident and inspired is a day-to-day practice, and I find yoga to be a great tool to reach the clarity of mind and bodily energy that is required to adjust the trajectory of my intentions.
REBECA (from Mexico City)
Favorite yoga pose and reason?
My favorite yoga pose has to be Tree Pose. Tree Pose holds a special place in my heart as my preferred yoga asana. Beyond the confines of regular practice, I often find myself naturally assuming this pose whenever I’m standing for extended periods—it’s not only enjoyable but also serves as an excellent stretch for the hips.
This pose is a meaningful reminder to stay grounded, keeping one foot firmly on the earth, while also emphasizing the importance of balance and focus. It beautifully symbolizes the approach we should take toward life: staying rooted while maintaining equilibrium in all our endeavors.
Passions besides yoga?
I love to travel as it opens doors to new cultures, landscapes, fashion, cuisines, and historical insights. I feel fortunate I get to travel for work, which I would say is my second passion. I have always worked in technology, and I love to be part of an industry that helps bring the latest technologies, helping make people’s lives better. Above all, my greatest passion lies in spending quality time with my children, who are now adults aged 22, 26, and 29. Be it going to concerts, dining at new restaurants, or embarking on travels together, I treasure every moment spent with them. These experiences are invaluable, strengthening our bond and creating lasting memories.
When do you feel the most badass as a woman?
Whenever someone from my company or industry shares that I’ve inspired them through a presentation, panel, or keynote I’ve participated in, it fills me with a profound sense of gratitude and accomplishment. My journey, marked by dedication and a steadfast commitment to my values, has been particularly rewarding as a Hispanic woman navigating a male-dominated field. Now, at this juncture in my career, my aspiration shifts towards contributing positively back to the community. I aim to inspire the next generation to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, or to follow whatever path ignites their passion.
MEIKO (from California)
Favorite yoga pose and reason?
One of my favorite yoga poses is Eka Pada Rajakapotasana – King Pigeon Pose. It’s a Unicorn pose for me since the first time I saw this pose. Back then, this pose was nowhere near my practice, but I was infatuated by its beauty. Currently, it takes everything out of me to get into it, a lot of warm-up and stretching, also, I have to be able to release fear and anxiety that arise when I’m in a backbend. It’s a lot of work for me physically, mentally, and emotionally, so I don’t practice it very often, but I know if I put in the work, it is within my reach, and I just love the feeling of release through this pose, almost euphoric. When I’m fully open, I can explore deeper and I love to be in that space where I can feel the expansion and total connection to breath and body.
Passions besides yoga?
I am a crafter. I love creating with my hands. I am at peace and in a meditative state when I’m making things through origami, crochet, macrame, cooking, and baking. I’m also a crazy plant lady, I love gardening.
When do you feel the most badass as a woman?
I know so many badass women, and I don’t see myself in that category – however, I feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment when I look back at my journey as a mother. Just to be able to experience the pregnancy, giving birth (both c-section and VBAC,) nursing them for years, and devoting myself to raising them has been my greatest blessing as a woman. I may feel “badass” once my “parenting teenagers” stage has passed in a few more years!