Alena Wertalik is a yoga teacher based in New York City.
1. What style of yoga do you teach? And, where are you located?
Vinyasa and Traditional Hot (26+2) styles. I teach at all Yoga to the People and Hot On Yoga locations, but currently I am teaching virtually everywhere!
2. What is your intention behind teaching?
I want people to feel empowered to take responsibility for and even create their own experiences. I think if we work to cultivate this in our yoga practices, it can become a way of being off of our yoga mats.
3. Who are your mentors in yoga?
First and foremost would be the founder of YttP, Greg Gumucio. I've worked for him for over 10 years now. I also learned a lot about teaching yoga and running a yoga business from Nikki Carter. And in recent years I've been working very closely with Rose Erin Vaughan, who I respect immensely.
4. What have they taught you?
Greg taught me everything I know about being a leader. He taught me the difference between being strong and being tough, what it means to show up and hold space, the power of forgiveness, and a lot about love. For the most part, he taught me these things in who he has been for me as a mentor, teacher and friend.
Nikki took me under her wing when I really wanted to teach yoga. She let me follow her around NYC to all different teachers' classes of all different styles of yoga, and let me run her studio when I was like, 22 years old. She's definitely had an influence on how I teach.
Rose Erin and I have been running teacher trainings together for the last four years. She is brilliant and humble. Working and creating with her has woken up parts of me I didn't even realize were dormant. I am grateful that she has invited me along on her journey.
5. Please mention a book that you have read about yoga that has had a positive impact on you?
There are so many I've read through the years, it's hard to remember what things I've learned from which ones! But there is one timeless, simple book called The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran that I will always keep close to my heart.
6. What lesson are you currently learning in your Asana practice?
My Asana practice is an opportunity to practice ways of being I'm trying to cultivate. Right now I'm in quarantine during the Covid pandemic. It's easier to get to my yoga mat, but harder to hold myself accountable to be in my practice. So I'd say right now, I'm working on integrity in my practice.
7. How often do you practice?
It depends. When TT is not happening, sometimes I practice every day. When TT is going on, it's much less. But I also notice that when I practice less, I practice more fully, and cherish every moment and sensation.
8. How do you implement the other 7 limbs of yoga into your life other than Asana?
This is a big question! I do notice a difference when I regularly practice mantra and pranayama, but I still have not managed to make it part of my daily routine. When I'm being hurtful or untruthful, I am aware of it and when I see it I will take responsibility for it and do my best to make things right. I think if you study and practice the limbs from a place of understanding why they are there, they can make a difference in how you live your life.
9. Why is being present so important to you?
Our lives are ruled by time. We live so much in the past and in the future, forwards and backwards. We become linear. However, when we are truly present, we don't go forwards and backwards... we go deeper. We get quiet. We get to tap into a way of being that is important to be able to tap into.
10. How can we keep up with you on social media? What is your IG handle and/ FB name?
@onebreath_onemovement