DAY 6 OF 30 : Modo Yoga - I Have Pink Hair

DAY 6 OF 30

Name of Studio: Modo Yoga
Style of Class: Modo Flow
Instructor: Lena Coleman

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I have to start with the coolest part of visiting this studio which was Lena playing the guitar and singing to us while we were in Savasana. SO AMAZING! The class itself was killer; 60 minutes of sweaty vinyasa style flow in a huge open “green” studio with lots of natural light and plenty of room to practice. I left feeling splendid.

“All Modo Yoga studios follows the 7 philosophical pillars. The purpose of the pillars are to “help us keep it real – both on and off the mat”. Modo Yoga is a unique yoga series that combines the precision of therapeutic yoga and the foundations of traditional yoga in a specially heated room. The series is a cardiovascular workout that strengthens the muscles while calming the mind and reducing stress”.

READ ON YOGIS, READ ON

LESSON LEARNED:

“Let the breath be the most important part of your practice” — Lena

ABOUT THE STUDIO:

Vision: “Modo Yoga is a green, clean, hot yoga series that stretches, strengthens and tones the muscles while helping to detoxify the body and calm the mind. While all classes are rooted in the Modo Yoga series, teachers are encouraged to bring their own unique knowledge and experience every time they enter the room to teach. If you’re interested in how this sweaty community works, check out our 7 Pillars page to get a sense of what we stand for”
Location: 7010 Easy Wind Drive, Suite #130 78752
Number of Studios: 2
Natural Light: Yes
Showers: Yes
Mirrors: Yes
Floors: Cork (sustainably harvested, naturally antimicrobial, and friendly to bare feet)

Interview with Lena Coleman

Yogini, Community Builder, Bright Shiny Light, Orca Spirit

Lena first attended Modo Yoga in 2011 and quickly fell in love. She attended the Modo Training in Montreal 2013, and continues to fall more and more in love with this strong and sweaty practice every day.

“Yoga helps me appreciate what really matters, despite sometimes uncooperative thoughts and life’s many distractions. A practice of rooting down through my feet, breathing, moving, and sweating helps me to stay present, experience each moment, and feel fully alive. I hope to bring to my students the same warmth, grounded awareness, and incredible joy that yoga has given me”.

Zuzu: When did you start practicing/teaching and how did you get to where you are today?

Lena: I’ve been practicing yoga on and off for pretty much as long as I can remember- I think my practice started when I was about 10 years old with my mom doing Rodney Yee videos in the basement. I started practicing seriously 5 years ago when I found Modo (in Canada, where we are called Moksha). I’ve been teaching for almost 2 years now- I did my training with Modo Yoga in Montreal in 2013, and then taught for a while in Waterloo, Ontario.

Eight months ago, I packed my life into my car and drove across the country to Austin to be a teacher and studio manager at the brand new Modo Yoga Austin! It’s been a pretty wild journey so far.

Zuzu: Tell me about Modo being a “green” studio and the 7 pillars?

Lena: The Modo community has 7 philosophical pillars- our core values which bring us together and inspire us in the ways we can bring the practice into the rest of our lives. Live Green speaks to our impact on the world around us. As a studio, we try to have the lightest footprint possible- by using reclaimed wood, sustainably harvested cork floors, navy showers, using radiant heat in the hot room- and much more. The 7 pillars are really close to my heart- they inspire me to teach, practice, and live in a way that I am proud of.

Zuzu: Describe Modo in 3 words

Lena: Warm, breath, home

Zuzu: Describe yourself in 4 words

Lena: Friendly, curious, grounded, sweaty. hehe

Zuzu: What do you love most about Modo?

Lena: I think something that makes Modo really special is the incredibly welcoming community.

It is so inspiring to be a part of a group of people who really care about the way they live their lives, and the impact they have on the world around them.

The Modo Community is so committed to welcoming every student who walks in the door, encouraging each other to always keep growing and learning, and to spreading peace worldwide, one savasana at a time! Being a part of this community has influenced pretty much every part of my life- and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Zuzu: If you were an animal, what would it be and why?

Lena: If I were an animal, I would be an Orca. I have always been drawn to whales- they are majestic, intelligent, and committed to their families- plus they basically just live off of sushi, which is delicious, and living in the ocean would be pretty sweet.

Zuzu: What are some of the lessons you’ve learned from your practice?

Lena: Oooph haha where to begin. I’ve learned about acceptance- for who I am, and where I am in my life. I have always had some perfectionist tendencies, but I’m learning that when I use up all of my time and energy battling myself in my own head, I miss out on being able to connect to those around me, and on letting myself be moved by something greater. My practice has taught me how freeing it is to get out of my own head, even just for a second, and to feel my body move. I’ve learned that showers are important. I’ve learned lots of things 🙂

Zuzu: Favorite yoga pose?

Lena: Today I’m into tree pose!