My husband Wade is a fantastic writer and blogger, his blog Intrepid Daily nominated me for a Liebster Award. Since I haven’t had a chance to write a new post the last few weeks, this is a great reason to answer some questions and write! 
The Liebster is an award that exists in the blogging word, created by bloggers, for bloggers. But it encourages community involvement and encouragement!
The rules for the Liebster, according to what I have found are:
- Mention the person in your post who nominated you for a Liebster Award
- Answer the questions they asked
- Nominate other awesome bloggers to get a Liebster
- Ask your nominees some questions!
So thanks hun for the nomination, here are my answers!
What inspires you?
Now this is a loaded question, I have a lot of inspiration in my life. But for the sake of readers and this blog I’ll stick to yoga-related inspiration. There have been several people in my life who have helped me shape my yoga journey. My first teacher Nancy was an English professor at Augustana College where I attended undergrad. She taught a free class once-a-week in the wrestling room. My friend Mandy invited me to go one time, and that’s where it all began.
My second most influential person was Melissa, a yoga teacher in Sioux Falls, SD. She was my first real mentor, she inspired and encouraged me to make waves, step up, take a chance, be the best me I could be, I haven’t looked back since and it was her gentle and sometimes persistent encouragement that helped me blossom.
What’s one piece of gear, clothing, or equipment you’d recommend to everyone?
#snowga in my Werkshop butterfly leggings and remix bra
Since I’m a yogi you might guess mat, but honestly I will strike a yoga pose just about anywhere, at anytime, no matter the conditions, mat or no mat. I think I would have to say my yoga leggings. I have become so used to being able to strike a pose or stretch when I need too that comfortable stretchy yoga leggings are a necessity in my life, even at work, I wear comfy and warm Prana leggings with about every dress, or Prana pants when I have to wear pants! When I’m practicing I often choose between my Werkshop & my Yoga Democracy leggings before hitting my mat. And when we are just out hiking or hanging out I’m rocking them all the time!
Who are some of your role models and heroes, and why do you admire them?
My teachers Evan and Kelly have made such an impact on my life I can hardly explain it. They were my teachers for my 200 hr certification and are my daily mentors. I have learned so much from them, about yoga, life, injury, the philosophy of yoga. Not only do Evan and Kelly inspire me in their teaching, the community they have created for us here in the Quad Cities to practice yoga is invaluable. Being a part of the Tapas family is like having a whole new family to love. Every person that practices at Tapas Yoga Shala has made an impact on my life and I admire them for coming to practice.
What upcoming events, journeys, or adventures do you have planned?
This is easy, tomorrow I start my journey to India. I am flying to Mysore to study at the Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute. I am BEYOND excited, and nervous, but mostly so ready for this experience. In October I cut my hair in preparation for this adventure, I decided that was something I didn’t want to deal with. I’ve been prepping and packing for the last month. I received my VISA in Nov. and can’t wait to start my adventure. I am so thankful I have the support of my husband who when I told him I needed to do this, said “we will send you to India.” I will be in India for the month of December soaking up as much information and knowledge as I possibly can! So watch for blogs and posts about my trip! I have lots of friends waiting to hear about what it’s like, don’t worry, I’ll be honest!
What are you looking forward to when winter closes in?
Well I guess there are some good things about winter.
Since I’ll be in India for the first part of it, I’m excited for that. While I was born and raised in South Dakota, winter has never been my favorite time of year. Although I do really enjoy the beauty of a snowfall. Honestly I have a lot of things I would like to focus on more and when it’s cold outside it’s easier to find the time to dedicate to those. Be looking for new content, more frequently. You can always check out my Instagram, I post there daily @clarissa_mae_
What are a few of your favorite experiences?
My latest post was about my trip to California “IG Meetups and travels to Cali“, while the trip was for work I had a chance to meet a few people from the yoga Instagram community. These experiences I find so awesome, getting to meet in-person people who I have connected with via Instagram. The other experience that is fresh in my mind as I prepare for my trip to India was when Tim Feldmann came to our Shala in March last year, the blog I wrote about it details why this experience had such an impact on me.
And then not to be cheesy, but I did just get married, and let me just say, that was pretty AWESOME. I blogged about that too, mostly so I could share pictures!
If time and money were no problem, where would you go and what would you do?
I would hope that Wade and I would travel – everywhere. We would go hiking, camping, do yoga in every corner of the globe, just spend time exploring and learning together. India has been on my wishlist for a long time, and now that my trip starts tomorrow I can barely believe it’s real. I would love to travel to Bali someday, explore Europe and South America. Spend time experiencing all the amazing cultures, food, and sights in this world!
What is the most memorable bit of advice you’ve ever received?
My first yoga teacher used to end class by saying “Live like the lotus, at home in the muddy water.” This phrase has stayed with me now a decade later. I even got my first lotus tattoo to remember this daily. The lotus is one of the most beautiful flowers, but they grow in muddy, murky, dirty water. This phrase resonated with me and still does at moments when I am struggling to remember how to shine amidst the murky chaos that is life.
What got you started blogging?
Wade actually encouraged me to start a blog because I was finding I had more to say than I had room, or that people would want to read on Instagram. My blog has been a way for me to share my personal story with whoever wants to read it. It has given me another outlet to create content and express how my yoga practice continues to change and evolve and what impact that has on my daily life.
Now for my nominations!
Yoga and Joyful Living – Andrea Leber writes about almost everything from yoga to healthy living advice, controversial issues, and global celebrations!
Anninna Vivian – Love your Body Love your Soul, this gorgeous lady has been blogging about her Ashtanga journey for a while, but it’s especially interesting now as she is pregnant. She is just returning home from her first trip to Mysore and I can’t wait to read about her experience!
Yogiblog – So I just found this blog, literally as I was looking up information for my trip to India, and I just love the matter-of-fact attitude that Mark and Clive have. They will be heading to Mysore too for January! It’s possible our paths will cross as I don’t fly out until the 5th. They also have some helpful tips about traveling to Mysore for the first time, maps, places to get food, day trips, so I’m very grateful for their insight!
Here are your questions!
- What inspires you?
- What’s your favorite yoga pose?
- What upcoming events, journeys, or adventures do you have planned?
- What are you looking forward to when winter closes in?
- What are a few of your favorite experiences?
- Is there a teacher that stands out to you and why?
- What is the most memorable bit of advice you’ve ever received?
- What style of yoga do you prefer, if any and why?
- What got you started blogging?
