and 
CARRIE REILLY
Carrie has been a part of the Evolution Yoga community since its inception in 2003. She is a graduate of the OM yoga Teacher Training and holds a Master’s of Education from John Carroll University and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Standing in School Psychology. She credits her ever deepening love of yoga to the many wonderful teachers who have inspired her.
Carrie believes that practicing yoga cultivates the strength and compassion to live each day to its fullest potential. Her classes are designed show her students that they already posses the courage, patience, and a sense of humor needed to balance their lives off the mat.
Carrie's class schedule ~ reserve a spot now: Tuesdays 5:30pm, Thursdays 6:15pm.
Years practicing yoga: 10
Years teaching yoga: 3(ish)
Member of Evolution Yoga Community: 6 years
Personal Yoga Journey
When did you start practicing yoga?
I started dabbling with the asana practice at home & in my community center when I was 19 years old but my practice really began to grow when I was in graduate school & planning a wedding…I needed something to help me balance the craziness.
What made you want to become a teacher and how did you know that you were ready to be a teacher?
I was the ‘demo’ person for the Yoga 101 workshop at Evolution Yoga & I loved talking to the students about yoga and it felt great when I could explain or show them something that helped them become more comfortable with the asanas. I asked Sandy Gross if I could keep assisting & about 3 or 4 workshops later she finally convinced me to take the plunge.
What are your personal inspirations/sources behind your teachings?
(Besides family/life) Depends on the day…anything from a bad joke to an incredible teacher, every moment is a possible inspiration if you are awake for it.
Who are you currently studying? What are focusing on in your current practice?
I am currently studying with Cyndi Lee, Joe Miller, & the rest of the amazing OM Yoga teachers and teachers at Evolution Yoga; also works by Chogyam Trungpa Rimpoche; Sakyong Mipham; Pema Chodron; the Dalai Lama; and Judith Lasater. In my personal asana practice I am focusing on opening my shoulders & releasing my chronically tight psoas muscles.
How do you take your yoga practice off the mat?
That’s a hard one…I really try to find moments in my day where I can pause, create some space, and recognize what I truly need at that moment…yoga for me is about recognizing the mismatch between my intentions and the impact of my actions both physically, mentally, and emotionally. I can see this most in my relationships with my husband, family, & friends
What are some of your favorite yoga poses and why?
Any arm balance and any restorative pose…what a combo!!!
Books & Music
What are you reading now?
Becoming Enlightened (Dalai Lama), Start Where You Are (Pema Chodron)
What are your top 5 Yoga books (classic & modern)?
Yoga Body, Buddha Mind (Cyndi Lee); Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic (Darren Main); The Sacred Path of the Warrior (Chogyam Trungpa Rimpoche); Light of Life & Light on Yoga (BKS Iyengar); The Wisdom of Yoga (Stephen Cope)
What songs are on your current playlist?
Mahamrtyunjaya Mantra (Reema Datta); Bolo Rama (Jai Uttal); Satisfy My Soul (Bob Marley); Slip Slidin’ Away (Paul Simon); Tara Om (Groovanda); Shambhala Moon (David Nichtern); & Hard Times Come Again No More (Mary J. Blige)
What are some songs/artists that you consistently play in your classes? What are your music staples?
Krishna Das; Soulfood; Jai Uttal; Bob Marley; Michael Franti & Spear Head; Ben Harper; The Beatles; David Nichtern/Drala; Girish; Phish; The Allman Brothers; Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young; Benji & Heather Wertheimer
Why (or why not) do you play music in your classes?
I play music that supports the theme of what I am teaching; I try to incorporate different styles of music that speak to the teachings of yoga so that people can begin to understand that yoga is not just what happens on the mat.
Advice to Students
What advice would you give your students just beginning yoga?
Have fun, don’t look around too much, & breathe!
What advice would you give the more seasoned person practicing yoga?
Try to let go of expectations during your practice, find a sense of humor and honor the process…
What are you yoga must haves? (from items to moments—what do you need to have in your yogic life?)
Props…I never know what kind of day it’s going to be; a good meditation cushion; & a patient teacher.
Little Known Facts About Me: I am in a bowling league...our team, "Yoda Strikes Back", is named after my nine-pound bowling ball with a picture of Yoda on it. Oh, and my engagement ring is actually my bull dog named Chubbs.
Words That Describe My Class: Energetic and accessible, light-hearted and compassionate
I Knew I Loved Yoga When: The number of yoga classes per week was more than work-outs at the gym and I didn't even care
Where Yoga Helps Me The Most: In my relationships...I am able to observe my impact on those around me & can recognize when my intention is not having the impact I desire. I can recognize how my own agenda can drive my actions and sometimes I recognize it in enough time to let it go. Also, since this is a practice...when I am not using my helpful yoga skills, I am able to laugh at myself and be compassionate instead of beating myself up for being a 'bad yogi'.
Why I Love This Studio: Because it is more than a room in which to take classes...the studio is a community and every person that enters the door is a student and a teacher.
Favorite Comment/Quote that inspires you: “Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.” Gilda Radner
...take a class with a teacher you have NEVER tried before for $9 (It's our 9th anniversary!). Take 3 classes for $9 and earn free classes: buy a 24 pass this month and get 9 bonus classes or a 12 pass and get 3 bonus classes...
Check out what's happening around the studio.
Join us to begin or refine your practice. Register early, this event always fills up.
