We Speak To... Lorena Kastner

1) Tell us your back-story in a nutshell?

Originally from Vienna but raised in Dallas,TX, after working for several years with children with special needs, I stumbled upon yoga when a colleague recommended a course on special needs yoga to broaden my practice as a therapist. Going from not knowing what a sun salutation was to training as a special needs yoga teacher, I quickly experienced the powerful impact yoga has. I soon after fell in love with this practice both from a physical and spiritual point of view, leading me to complete a 200 hour vinyasa flow training in Bali. As stereotypical as it sounds, my life turned around immediately after, leading me to quit my senior therapy job to work in the private sector instead. This allowed me to pursue my passion in both yoga and therapy. I have since continued to complete various trainings in yin yoga, kids and family yoga. Now whether showing up as an Occupational Therapist or a Yoga teacher, my main aim is to make those around me smile.

2) Have you always wanted to be a yoga instructor?

To be completely honest, if someone would have told me the future five years ago, I would have laughed and reminded them that I can't even touch my toes. Boy, I couldn't even touch my knees. I had always been athletic and grew up playing basketball, volleyball and track in the States. However, I was probably the most inflexible girl on the team. I would have never guessed that I would be a yoga teacher someday but I absolutely love it. Although I love a good challenge during the physical practice, what brought me to yoga was much deeper than that. It was the powerful change I saw working with special needs that brought me to the mat and I couldn't be more grateful to have pursued this into a career.

3) In your experience what do you think the biggest benefits of practicing yoga are?

In my opinion the biggest benefit is the sense of calmness it draws into your life. The yoga practice provides the space to reflect inwards and check in as you move and breath through the postures. Yet the practice is so much more as you begin to project your practice into your daily life. To me that is when yoga turns into a truly beautiful practice, as you approach life from a different angle and become the best version of yourself in aim to inspire others to become the best version of themselves.

4) What are your favourite pre and post workout snacks?

Pre: I love a healthy green smoothie or protein shake prior to my pratice, to make sure I have something in my tummy without being too full up. Post: I tend to wait an hour and then have a lovely cup of hot water with lemon and a meal to gain fuel and fill my body with vitamins.

5) And finally, tell us your life philosophy in one sentence?

Do everything with so much love in your heart that you wouldn't want to do it any other way!!

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