when and where did you first do yoga?

I took my first yoga class 20 years ago in Argentina and I have to admit that it wasn't love at first sight. At the time I was 18 years old and the pacing of that Hatha class was simply too slow for my wondering mind and eager body. I think I fell asleep several times throughout the class and when it was over, I confused the quiet state of being with an uneventful experience. It wasn't until 8 years later, when I took my second class, that yoga really caught my attention. This time the deep sense of peace that I felt after class made me realize that I had fallen upon something really special.

where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in anything that is authentic, from people to nature to art. In a world where science and technology can reproduce anything and make it look the same, only what's original has real value to me.

who are your teachers and influences?

Life has given me great teachers to learn from. It would be impossible to name them all because I don't even know some of them, but here I go in random order: children, yoga, birds flying, piano music, devoted students, The Ramayana, ferns unfolding, books, summer nights, my literature teacher in high school, the sound of the ocean, Eckhart Tolle, dark chocolate, theatre, The Bhagavhad Gita, waterfalls, old things, Japanese Maples, sunshine, Lao Tzu, photography, lemons and spontaneous laughter. I may be forgetting a few...

your favourite and least favourite yoga pose (and why)?

My favourite pose is handstand scorpion because it encourages me to be alert yet quiet, active yet yielding and strong yet light.

My least favorite pose is any that triggers my ego to push through and makes me forget how to soften, regardless of how far I go.

what do you focus on in your classes?

In my classes I focus on my students that graced me with their presence. Teaching is usually my favourite thing in the day because I get to take a break from my needs in order to serve others. To me, yoga is a journey of undoing and I'm happy to assist my students in freeing themselves from the phantoms of yesterday and tomorrow, from should's and must's, from attachments and resistances, and stepping into the present moment.

Nico is teaching this summer at Wanderlust Whistler, Aug. 23-26, or you can practice with him at various studios around Vancouver BC.

you asked

How does one know if they are ready to take on yoga teacher training? Is there a specific level of expertise that one should have? Does one need to have a dedicated daily yoga practice? - Kelly

three yogis answer

Kinndli's answer:

The thing is, you will NEVER feel ready! But you have to be up to something big in your life, and you will know when you get that feeling like you want to be at cause in your life and at cause in the world and really want make change. Logistically it doesn’t matter how long you have been practicing yoga, but a year is a good marker. What is more important is that you are beginning to understand your body and have an inquisitive nature. My biggest passion is facilitating teacher trainings and one of the biggest breakthroughs I see in my students is that awakening into what we call “The Inner Yes”! It comes from learning to trust your intuition and by doubting your doubts. Find a teacher that inspires you, doubt your doubts and just DO IT!! The time is now!

- Kinndli, lululemon Oakville ambassador

Grace's answer:

Dear Kelly,
If you feel you are being called to pursue a teacher training, you should certainly explore that opportunity. If you are feeling any resistance, you may just be experiencing a ‘fear’ related to a perception you may have about not being ‘able’ to do it.
Committing to a teacher-training program is certainly a significant investment of both time and money, and there many things one should consider before embarking on such a journey.

• Do you have the time? If not, your Yoga might become a source of stress and your training won't be enjoyable
• Do you actually plan to teach? If so, training is a must. If you just want to deepen your practice, workshops or retreats might be a better option
• Are you ready to take your own practice to a new level? Most trainings are physically intensive. If you're sick or injured, it's probably not the best time to embark on this journey.
• Are you ready to deal with some of your own personal demons? Yoga trainings have a way of bringing you face-to-face with your own fears and insecurities, which is wonderful and illuminating if you're ready and have the time to process everything that comes up.

In the end there is no easy formula for choosing the right training, and the best advice is to spend lots of time reflecting on what you need and asking questions of your own teachers. And if you can, take classes with many teachers to see what really moves you.
Ultimately, the decision to become a Yoga teacher is a highly personal one and different for everyone.
It is said that when the student is ready, the teacher will come. It is also said that the ideal teacher will come for each student, depending on the aspirations the seeker holds in his/her heart.

- Grace, lululemon Queen St. ambassador

Ted's answer:

One knows if they are ready to take on a teacher training if they are first ready to deepen their practice. I found that the journey of practicing and teaching yoga is an organic evolution. Your first teaching training is only the beginning of your education. Yoga is a lifelong journey and while a daily asana practice is incredibly beneficial it's not always possible. Yoga begins to permeate other areas in your life. You will find that you're doing yoga while you're running, biking or hanging around with your least favorite people!

- Ted, lululemon Malibu ambassador

what is ask a yogi?

Ask a Yogi is a yoga advice column that is published on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. If you have a yoga question for future yoga panels, please email askanexpert@lululemon.com.

In July of 1915 during a full moon, Pattabhi Jois was born into what would become a truly inspiring life. Under the teachings of Sri T. Krishnamacharya (the grandfather of Ashtanga Yoga), Sri Pattabhi studied the Yoga Korunta - the most ancient form of Ashtanga. 

"Yoga is 99% practice, 1% knowledge." - Sri Pattabhi Jois

Today, 93 years after that fated full moon, we morn the loss of a father, a healer, a teacher, and a scholar. Sri Pattabhi's life was lived through his every breath. His teachings and his practice married this breath with movement to boil the blood and cleanse the system. Ashtanga's popularity is something he never expected, but could never deny. 

Sometimes we take our own practice for granted, forgetting that yoga is something sacred, and its practice is something we should always respect and never take lightly. Take that energy on the mat and remember that its benefits are endless and its possibilities limitless. Breath and take note of the person you are on and off the mat and the person you are working to become. 

And next time you are on your mat, take a moment and thank Sri Pattabhi Jois - those that came before him, and those that will come after him - for giving us a gift that has changed our world, our lives and ourselves. 

"Yoga is possible for anybody who really wants it. Yoga is universal. 
Yoga is not mine. But don't approach yoga with a business mind - 
looking for worldly gain. If you want to be near God, turn your mind 
toward God, and practice yoga."- Sri Pattabhi Jois

Read more about Sri Pattabhi Jois here or donate to his charitable trust here.