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Adell Bridges / Q&A

1st March 2017

Community Life

1st March 2017

By Shivraj Bassi

Adell completed her Yoga Teacher Training in India at the Trimurti School of Yoga. Despite a gymnastics background, she strongly believes that everyone regardless of age, body shape, physical ability, or lifestyle, can benefit from yoga and she's passionate about sharing her love of it with everyone! Currently teaching in Cardiff, we sat down with Adell and managed to get some real pearls of wisdom.

“I have always been active since I was a very small child, from playing in mud puddles in Mississippi to competing as a gymnast, and then taking part in various sports and activities until I finally found yoga. It’s always just been a natural part of the way I live my life, but I started to become more aware of the importance of fitness and nutrition around my early twenties. The desire to understand what makes a human body healthy and efficient has not only made me able to enjoy life more (because we of course enjoy every moment more when we are free of ailments) but it has also led me onto the path of travelling yoga teacher that I’m on now. My philosophy towards health and fitness is not to force it, or make it some strict regimen, but rather just enjoy little things every day that are good for the body and mind. You only get one body, and it’s the vessel that carries us through life, so why wouldn’t you want to treat it like a rare and precious object?” 

Favourite Innermost products, and why?

The Health Protein. I'm vegan so this superfood protein blend would be the best option for me. The Detox Booster. Another vegan product. This one contains 10 health-focused ingredients.        

What's your hustle?

I teach yoga. Which means I get people moving around on a mat, but more importantly looking inwards and understanding themselves better.  Their bodies, their breath, and ultimately their true selves.

What does #liveinnermost mean to you?

When we start to pay attention to ourselves, beyond what social norms say about who or what we are or should be, but examine our bodies and minds without judgement or expectation, we start to learn how our thoughts aren’t reflections of who we really are.  We can begin to understand what is truth and what is just a distraction. We learn to listen to our bodies and turn unfounded fear into motivation to reach goals. When we examine something deeply, we understand it better.  When we understand something, we can change it.

What was your last workout?

A 10 minute handstand, done with a stopwatch, so it’s not 10 straight minutes! When I fall out of it, I stop the stopwatch, and start it again until I get to 10 minutes of being on my hands.  It usually takes about 20 minutes to complete! Then 10 tick-tocks - going from urdvha mukha svanasana (downward facing dog) to urdvha dhanurasana (wheel) and back again. Then 10 one armed handstands on each hand - for me this involves falling every time as I have not mastered the one armed handstand! Finally 10 ekapadabakasana on each side

Best travelling tip you've picked up?

Do NOT wait for the perfect time.  Don’t wait for “when I have enough money” or “when my friends will join me” or “when I’m not so busy”.  If you want to travel, do it. The best thing about travelling is how it takes you out of the familiar, out of your comfort zone. If you don’t have much cash, great - it means you’ll be forced to speak to people, make contacts, find work. If you don’t know the area, it means you’ll have to explore on your own and figure it out. Travel is about experience, not staying in nice hotels and taking nice photos. So don’t wait for it to be a perfect time.

Best advice you've ever received?

My dad always used to say to me and my sisters: “This too shall pass” when we were complaining about things not going our way. I learned over time that he was right - nothing lasts. Nothing is permanent.  Sometimes things are awesome, sometimes life sucks. Either way, it’s not going to stay that way. So wherever you are, remember circumstances will change. Enjoy the good times, and learn from the bad times.

A book currently on your bedside table?

I’m nomadic and live out of a suitcase so I don’t carry books, but my Kindle currently opens up to Diet, Shatkarmas and Amaroli - Yogic Nutrition and Cleansing for Health and Spirit by Yogani.

What is body confidence to you?

Health. When I feel healthy, I feel confident. Being active and eating nutritious foods, having good digestion, being hydrated, and feeling stress-free. When I’m able to keep all this up, I feel confident in my body because I know it’s the best it can be.

Message to the world?

Get rid of fear your life. Fear is the opposite of love and love is the greatest force in the universe. So many of the world’s problems are caused by fear - fearing the unknown, fearing change, fearing things that are different. If we embrace these things with love instead of fear, we grow a culture of compassion, tolerance, and understanding. We can elect good leaders, support businesses that are more about positive change than the bottom line, we can help each other instead of competing. And then the world will be little better.

Number one reason for taking care of your body? 

You only get one! Why wouldn’t you?

Get another dose of Adell on her on Instagram (@adellbridges).

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