Leila Cranford

MBA, RYT200, Sivananda Certified

Tell us, when did mind-body first bend you to its will? Never been a gym bunny (ed. thought that was "gym rat"), aerobics addict, dance diva, martial artist or gymnast; nor was I ever particularly spiritual (though always seeking) or involved in anything else seemingly complementary to yoga. In 2006, my personal promise to try something new for the New Year led to a garden-variety yoga class at the gym and … that was that. My experience since then has been life-changing. Yoga is accessible to anyone at any age or stage of life, and you never know when your calling will find you.
Besides your obvious coolness, what makes you qualified to teach? My coolness is not obvious; in fact, its existence is debatable (ed. I second that). What qualifies me to teach are those things that I would look for in any teacher: passion, curiosity and a desire to inspire others. Um, and a pretty sweet headstand (see #5). I have a particular interest in Yogic philosophy and history and continue to study in these areas.
What other things are you qualified to do (besides train dolphins ... we're all qualified to do that)? Actually, much of my adult professional life has been spent in market research analysis for large corporations. It’s essentially a social science, and it’s taught me much about human desires and tendencies…and I can run a pretty mean regression analysis. Also, I am a Jedi Master.
What can we expect to see, hear and do in your classes? Yoga. Oh, you mean specifically? I love a well-rounded practice, so don’t be surprised to explore pranayama (breathing techiques), mudras (hand gestures), dhyana (meditation) and japa (chanting) along with asana (postures). You’ll be comfy whether it’s your first class or your thousandth. All the suspicions and rumors regarding my dorkiness will be confirmed.
What pose/move do you dig the most and why? Any full inversion. There’s something exquisite and a little scary about being upside-down….
If you could push a button and remove a pose/move from history, which one and why? I’ll cheat and choose two. Salabhasana (locust) or the Kundalini stretch pose, for reasons obvious to all who have any experience with them.
Like, what's your sign man? Sagittarius, bro.
What are 3 things that make you smile real big and cheesy? Friends will attest that I smile big and cheesy A LOT; it doesn’t take much. But if I had to narrow it down? My kids, Shaun the Sheep and, these days, a good Pincha Mayurasana (forearm stand).
What is your favorite quote when you're in need of a little inspiration? Even if you never reach enlightenment, you are a better person for having tried.
If you could do anything to change the world, what would it be? I’m doing it: Raising children and doing what I love for a living.
Any other interesting information you would like to share with the nice people reading this here Bio? To all you curious, searching, wondrous and wise folk out there: It would be my privilege to meet you and share in your yoga practice and your life. Om Namah Shivaya, may our paths cross soon!