A Five Minute Savasana with…Eugene Feis

We recently spent some time with one of our new teachers, Eugene to get his perspective on all things yoga-related. Check out what he had to say:

How long have you been practicing for and what got you interested in yoga?

I have been practicing asana for 25 years, but I have been practicing yoga for the past 12 years. The connection between the body, mind, and spirit is what got me interested in yoga.

What is your favorite style and why?

All yoga styles have their benefits, but my favorite style is Dharma Yoga, with Sri Dharma Mittra. I also enjoy hot yoga, vinyasa yoga, and acro yoga.

What made you decide to become a teacher?

My becoming a yoga teacher was more an organic process than an intentional decision. It grew out of the admiration I have for all of my teachers.

What is your favorite posture and why? Which is most challenging for you?

All postures have their benefits, and I enjoy whenever I have the opportunity to be in any one. I enjoy any inversion, and the headstand is my favorite posture. The most challenging for me now is the scorpion pose.

Tell us things about yourself that have nothing to do with yoga.

A perfect day is watching the summer sun set over any beach. Absent that, I can get lost in my garden for hours, connecting with the Earth and all she provides. Of course, my family and friends keep me focused on all that is truly important.

Anything else to add?

Spirituality, consistency, and dedication are the hallmarks of practice.

If you haven’t taken one of Eugene’s classes yet (or even if you have!) we encourage you to come spend some time with him. His schedule is as follows:

Yoga Long Beach:
Wednesdays at 6:30pm
Saturdays at 10:00am
Sundays at 12:00pm

Plus, he’ll be leading a special partner workshop at our Long Beach location on January 12th at 1:30pm.

See you on the mat!

A Soup Fit For A Yogi

We love this sweet potato-ginger soup recipe (courtesy of Yoga Journal) and just had to share! Sure, soups can be a dime a dozen, but this one is especially great for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s light on the belly, yet filling…perfect for a post-yoga meal. Plus the sweet potato will help satisfy your sweet tooth. And who doesn’t love a good soup when it’s cold outside?!! Whip up a batch and tell us what you think!

You’ll need:

3 large sweet potatoes or yams (about 4 pounds)
1 2-inch piece fresh ginger
2 onions, roughly chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.

2. Juice 1 to 3 tablespoons of fresh ginger (you can use a juicer, a grater, or a garlic press). Set aside.

3. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add sweet potatoes and cook, stirring frequently, for another 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Add broth and water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are soft.

5. Purée with an immersion blender, or transfer in small batches to a blender and purée until smooth.

6. Add salt and pepper. Stir in 1 tablespoon ginger juice and taste. Add more as desired.

7. Enjoy!