Leila Cranford

RYT500, Sivananda & Reiki I Certified 

• Tell us, when did your mind-body first bend or move you to it's will?  Never been a 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 different 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 so qualified to teach? My coolness is not obvious; in fact, its existence is debatable (ed. I second that). I try to embody the traits that I would look for in any teacher: passion, curiosity and a desire to inspire others...perhaps even take them a little outside of their comfort zone, because that's where we learn, where we fly.  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? Actually, much of my professional life was 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).  I lovelovelove to invert, and I lovelovelove to chant.  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? Ah, I know this is taking liberties because it's way more than "one"...downward facing dog, and 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? 
• Like, what's your sign man? Response
• What are 3 things that make you smile real big and cheesy?
  
  • Shaun the Sheep
  • My kids
  • A well-executed 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." Unknown
• 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, skeptical, wounded 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, sat Sri Akal, la ilaha illallah, om mani padme hum .... may our paths cross soon!