Elena Brower, superstar yogini and author of cult classic Art of Attention , shares the elements that make up her mystical life…
DO YOU HAVE ANY RECURRING DREAMS AND WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY MEAN?
“I have had flying dreams since I was a little girl. And carnival dreams. I think both mean that I’m destined for fun, fear and beautiful chaos.”
WHAT’S YOUR MORNING AWAKENING RITUAL?
“I take about 11 minutes of big, deep, full-body breaths upon waking. It helps to settle the barrage of thoughts.”
WHAT MANTRA DO YOU TRY TO LEAVE THE HOUSE WITH?
“Slow it down, Sister.”
WHAT’S YOUR LUCKY CHARM?
“I always travel with my little traveling Ganesh that was gifted to me by my friend, MC Yogi.”
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU MOST EMBODY THE TRAITS OF YOUR SUN SIGN?
“As a Libra, I know I need balance. Most days I find I favor work over caring for myself, which is why I can speak so clearly about this need.”
WHO IS YOUR GO-TO GURU, AND WHY DOES THEIR WORK RESONATE WITH YOU?
“Hari Kaur Khalsa. She is in her early 50s, she is no-nonsense, fully dialed-in to her teacher and her teachings, and she makes herself completely available.”
AND THE HEALER YOU HAVE ON SPEED-DIAL?
“Louise Amar in NYC, who connects me to my own innate capacity to heal.”
HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH NEGATIVE THOUGHTS?
“I pay $1 for each one. Handel Group Coaching taught me that trick, and when something negative has a particular hold on me, I define it, tell my coach and pay $1 each time it comes up. I can usually cease those thoughts within 6 weeks.”
AT WHAT MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE DID YOU FEEL MOST IN TOUCH WITH YOU?
“The first moment I held my son, and whenever I finish a meditation.”
RETAIL THERAPY IS…?
“Food shopping. A huge food shop and a few hours to cook a meal is my medicine.”
WHAT’S YOUR POWER OUTFIT AND WHY?
“I love Lole and 51inc – both make super elegant clothes that are great for transitioning from/to practice or teaching. I should also add Wellicious and Prismsport. Prismsport makes a Missoni-esque pattern that is such fun.”
AND WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL BEAUTIFUL?
“When my boyfriend tells me I’m gorgeous, even with spots. A steam bath. A massage. 20 minutes in the sunshine. Green juice.”
YOUR LAST CONVERSATION WITH THE UNIVERSE WENT SOMETHING LIKE…?
“Thank you for putting me in the path of such stellar humans. I thank the Universe for that at least once a day.”
WHEN DID YOU LAST WITNESS MAGIC IN ACTION?
“When I read about my book being used to help teenaged girls love themselves!”
WHAT’S ON YOUR VISION BOARD RIGHT NOW?
“My son’s smiling face, a love note from him, my PANGEA ORGANICS catalog, a tarot card that says “MATURITY,” a page from my book, ART OF ATTENTION, a postcard from my film, ON MEDITATION, two malas – one from Blooming Lotus Jewelry and the other from Karuna Malas – and the schedule from my studio, VIRAYOGA.”
AND YOUR MISSION IN YOUR CURRENT EARTHLING INCARNATION IS…?
“In this order: To be the calmest, most calming mama to my kid; to love my family so they feel it; to make lots of teachers and Independent Pangea Organics Beauty Ecologists super wealthy through my own outreach; and to teach yoga that heals and uplifts.”
Thank you Elena, and namaste, Numi x
www.elenabrower.com
www.artofattention.com
www.pangeaorganics.com/elenabrower
@ElenaBrower
Images by Michael Chichi and Chloe Crespi, from the book Art of Attention.
