Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris Magee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chris, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Self-care is the cornerstone of longevity when it comes to every aspect of our lives. It keeps us optimised in how we show up at work, home, and in our relationships.
For my personal self care it all stems from my yoga practice. I looked to the practice initially for physical relief from injuries, using it as a way to stretch my body and return to good physical function. It still holds this benefit today, and so much more. Not only does it improve my flexibility, but it has greatly increase my body’s strength and resilience, has taught me many new skills, fortified my mind and created greater focus on the mat through overcoming challenges and cultivating present moment awareness.
Beyond the physical movements the regulation and control of your breath has translated into everything else that I do. Having the anchor of your breath creates a sense of clarity and clam in what could be moments of high tension or stress. Not to mention the usefulness of pranayama as a way into a meditation practice – the other side of our yoga practice beyond the asanas, which allows us to create some space amongst our busy days and busy minds.
From the epicentre of yoga as a practice I find this mindful approach ripples out into everything else that I do – exercising, eating well, and getting good quality sleep are other things I also prioritise as part of my personal self-care routines – and all of them are infused with the same intention and care that my yoga practice is. It truly changed how I live my life for the better.
This level of impact was so profound it was why I needed to share the gift of yoga with others, and was a primary factor in creating the Empowered Yoga Studio to bring people together for this cause.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My mission is to share the benefits of yoga with everyone – and that comes in the form of Empowered Yoga Studio!
We currently have two locations in Los Angeles, one in Venice and one in West Adams, and are incredibly proud to have created a space where we can cultivate such a strong and diverse community of yogis. We have practitioners from all different backgrounds and walks of life, as we truly believe that yoga is for everyone – and the beauty of this practice is that it is adaptable to meet you where you are, and give you exactly what you need!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that lend themselves to becoming a good yogi and good yoga teacher – curiosity, playfulness, and consistency.
Often when we start something new we want to be amazing at it straight away, rather than giving ourselves a chance to play around and figure things out. This expectation of perfection can sometimes be so overwhelming that we don’t even give ourselves a chance to try in the first place! Being able to step away from that expectation and pressure, and instead show up to the practice as a student (or teacher) with a sense of curiosity gives us permission to be present and to learn as we go. Playfulness keeps the experience light as there will be wobbles and stumbles along the way – this attitude gives us a chance to embrace these moments with joy rather than critique. To be consistent with our practice, is to show our commitment and to truly build the habits of change. To be able to embody the attributes and and benefits of the practice long term – have these things become your normal place of operating rather than fleeting moments every now and then.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Create space. Allow your self to stop and breathe – 10 deep slow breaths. Find a time to reconnect, could be a walk in nature – or roll out your yoga mat and give yourself an hour to be present. Carving out that time and space for yourself will always help you find clarity and put things in perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.empoweredyogastudio.com
- Instagram: @empoweredyoga @mageesy
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