Ilene
Friedman

Hometown: Cleveland (ShakerHts) Ohio

How many years have you practiced yoga: 22

Favorite yoga pose: Half moon. (Artha Chandrasana)

Words to live by: “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change!”

Why did you start practicing yoga: Years of running, impinging my flexibility

Mantra or daily affirmation: Thankful for my good health and that I’m alive!

Favorite book: The Four Agreements, The Garden of Emunah

What informs your practice: Often my students!

Your advice for beginner yogis: Take this as a "process", that changes and grows. Lose the self judgement! We all behold different powers! We are here to discover our own inner strength!

3 words to describe you: Patient, a great friend/friendly, a good listener!

The pose that challenges you the most: Wheel

The best advice you've ever received: Laughter is the best medicine! Everything happens for a reason!

What's your teaching style: Creative, slow, powerful and compassionate

What do you do for fun: Spend lots of quality time and long walks with my puppy "Banks". Travel when possible! Dine out, Practice yoga, Work out

What are you most grateful for: My family: my husband Doug, 2 children Jared and Sammy, son-in-law Steve, our dog “Banks”, our cat Theodore Roosevelt, and all of my incredible friendships that are the fabric of my life! Of course….Good Health and the ability to spread the passion and love of what I love to do-yoga practice! “CLEVELAND YOGA”

What brings you peace: Being ok with "what is"! We are at peace or happy as our least happiest child!

Where is your happy place: A mountain or a beach! I’m easy! I can get into vacation mode easily!

Who/what inspires you the most: My children inspire me the most! My son Jared is a Commander/Captain in the 75th Army ranger battalion, having had many tours in Afghanistan. My Daughter Sammy has created her own Branding, illustrating, social media business. My students are forever inspiring to me, as they devote their time to show up no matter what’s going on in their life!

Instagram handle: @Ilene_af