Photo: JaimieArnold.com
I have two great passions: women’s issues and mind body wellness. I hold a B.A.from Lesley University, which I self-designed to fuse these passions. Like many people, I lived mostly ‘in my head’ for years, and it wasn’t until I started living ‘in my body’ that I found out what I’d been missing. This re-connection with my body happened when I began practicing at the ballet barre in 2006, while pregnant with my second child. Less than a year after giving birth I was in the best shape of my life, physically, mentally and spiritually. Despite sorting through some of the most challenging personal circumstances I had ever faced, I felt more alive, more authentic, and more connected to the universe than ever before.
This transformation was due in part to having recognized the power of my thoughts and intentions. We can create anything when we focus our attention on the things that make us feel our unique bliss. The other crucial ingredient in my newfound vitality was having adopted a mindful, challenging practice that centered and strengthened both body and mind. Culturally, there are so many things that cause us, especially women, to feel separate from our bodies. Living an embodied lifestyle brings us into balance, and this is the work I feel called to do.
After completing a formal teacher training program I began teaching barre classes in 2007. I am now the Mind Body Manager and Core Fusion Teacher Trainer for exhale spa Battery Wharf in Boston’s North End/Waterfront. I am a certified PranaVayu Yoga teacher, and an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor. In 2011, I was honored to be named a lululemon ambassador by Boston’s Prudential Center store, and even got to travel to Vancouver, B.C. for the Summer 2011 lululemon Ambassador Summit. I’ve completed trainings in Circus Yoga, Rasamaya Aerial Yoga, and for fun, I study circus arts like hooping and trapeze. My ukulele and I have even performed with a small circus company. In my free time, I love spending time with my family in my hometown of Ogunquit Beach, Maine.
My mission is to empower other women to live fit, fun and successful lifestyles. I’d particularly love to work with women recovering from domestic violence. I am a survivor myself and wish to pay my healing forward and be an inspiration to others. Sometimes I dream of pursuing a Ph.D. in Women’s Studies. Time will tell. I am so thankful to have two great kids, and to be in a wonderful relationship since 2007 with truly the most loving and generous person I know. It’s the kind of relationship I used to believe only existed in movies. Seriously, it’s like “The Notebook,” only real. :)
xoxo,
Andrea
Photo: Kadri Kurgun for lululemon athletica