Mind, body, spirit — did one element or another first draw you to yoga? That is, were you seeking to settle your mind? Have greater physical flexibility? Explore your true, spiritual nature?

body and spirit

How about now: does yoga feed your mind or your body or your spirit more, or are those elements more in balance than when you started?

I feel more vulnerable and raw, it feeds my spirit more

How long have you been practicing yoga, and how frequently do you practice yoga now?

23 years on and off, and just a little now — mainly stretches and static poses

For you, what are the benefits of classes at a studio vs practicing yoga at home?

studio = adjustments, both physical and vocal

Do you have a preferred yoga style?

hatha, restorative, yin yoga, yoga nidra….

When you were starting out, what came easiest and what was more challenging?

easiest was just how natural it felt, hardest was comparing myself to other practitioners

What have been the greatest benefits of yoga for you?

flexibility, wisdom, awareness of body and breath

A character in When the Stars Lead to You, your debut novel, says “morning yoga [is] the very best yoga.” Is that also a strong-held conviction for you in real life?

not at all, I’m not a morning person!

Apart from yoga, do you practice other techniques of mindfulness or meditation?

breathing, short body scans, journaling

Do you regularly do other forms of exercise?

dancing!

Outside of a yoga session, do you ever just strike a pose and stretch? If so, which pose(s) and where?

all the time, in bed, on the couch, especially in a nice warm bath

You have a choice: take a yoga class (1) outdoors on a beautiful day, overlooking the ocean, or (2) in a well-designed, very comfortable minimalist indoor space. Which do you pick?

outdoors on a beautiful day!

—interview © Marshal Zeringue