Yogalife Teacher Feature | Ashlynn Udholm
We caught up with Yogalife instructor Ashlynn Udholm to learn a little bit more about this mainly south studio yogi. Ashlynn joined the teaching crew at Yogalife back in July of 2015 and snuggled right into the family! Her practice and training includes an awesome variety - the softer side of yoga, nidra and yin, and the fire that accompanies rocket yoga or hot flow.
"To me, yoga is all encompassing. It is the way you think, act and breath; with that, yoga is ever evolving. Every time I step on my mat is a new journey, a totally different experience."
- Ashlynn
Share a favourite quote, lesson, or teaching that inspires you.
The quote that is inspiring me the most right now is by Tyler Knott Gregson:
"Promise me you will not spend so much time treading water and trying to keep your head above the waves that you forget, truly forget, how much you have always loved to swim."
I think it is so relevant to anyone who maybe feels a bit lost in the wake of the world. And a wonderful reminder to live in the now.
What's your favourite music to practice to (or do you prefer silence!?)
I have been loving practicing to anything sweet and lyrical like Ben Howard and Jack Johnson. London Grammar and Purity Ring are always go to bands for playlists. But lately Garth Stevenson and Ólafur Arnalds have been my go to's for yin practices.
Your favourite books: yogi-inspired, fiction, whatever!
Oh my gosh. 'Furiously Happy' by Jenny Lawson is a must read. If you have known, loved, or maybe you even are someone who has dealt with mental illness, this is the most honest, funny, and down to earth books I have ever read. It shines a light on mental illness in the coolest way.
Where's your favourite vacation spot?
I love, and always have loved Sayulita in Mexico. But Josh and I recently traveled to El Tunco, in El Salvador and it has the same magic feel. And Dublin, Ireland - if you haven't gone yet, I entirely urge you to go.
What is your favourite meal to make and share with friends?
Tacos.
What's your favourite pose/sequence/area of the body to work on?
It always seems to shift. For a while it was arm balances as a whole, then it was back bending, right now it's handstands. But I am so loving hip-focused yin practices right now.
What is your favourite festival to attend?
I'm a really big fan of Folk Fest. I love the atmosphere and the cute little folk-loving families. But T in the Park in Scotland is a riot and Osheaga is also a must see.
Who inspires you?
My parents. And my sisters. They are the strongest, most encouraging people you'll ever meet.
What is the best concert you've ever been to?
Florence and the Machine will forever and always be my favourite but July talk puts on the best kind of party vibe. Dan Mangan is so super sweet also!
Share your favourite self-healing practice.
I love reading, hot baths and restorative yoga practices. Mmmm so good.
Where's the next place you want to travel?
There is always a cool quote that comes to me saying, "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." But the top of that list definitely includes India, Greece and Brazil.
Share one of your life goals.
To live for at least a year in a new country. I would love to immerse myself so fully somewhere that it becomes like home.
Strike up a conversation with Ashlynn the next time you see her before or after class - she's a real gem!
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