10 Questions to...Lara Baumann, founder of the Quantum Method

1. How did you get into Yoga?

Growing up in India age 4, my mum was bored with the private home teacher, but I enjoyed it!

2. Who inspires you & why? 

Clive Sheridan, because he's lovingly compassionate & fiercely passionate

Edward Clarke, for he is uncompromisingly dedicated (to his own practice) and yet gentle & patient with me

My fiancé Rob, because no matter what drama happens, he always comes back to love.

3. You are the founder of the Quantum Yoga method. Can you tell us in laymen terms what it's about & why we should try it? 

It's about creating your optimal, personalized vinyasa yoga practice (dynamic flowing) using Ayurvedic assessment methods.

4. How did the Quantum Method originate?

When I was practicing Ashtanga every day, my system would get all hyped up & then I'd crash. 

When I allowed myself to practice more freely, I noticed the effects were much deeper & powerful. 

I then realized I needed to devise a more systematic approach to stimulate and inspire intelligent creativity even in the morning practice and other times when my mind is sluggish. 

Because I am a writer I am intimately familiar with “the fear of the blank page”, so I know when one has an outline, a theme, perhaps a peak, and a system that informs one’s choices, this stimulates creativity. So in for yoga, I devised such a systematic outline & practice optimization assessment methods that would let everyone’s individual creativity flow & awaken their inner healer.

5. What is your biggest fear? 

To lose my independence with age. This fuels my practice.

.... your biggest accomplishment?

My book “Quantum Yoga, creating your ideal practice from an ocean of possibilities” 

(Sold out but the new release will be available through quantumyoga.com in the course of 2012)

... your motto?

Spread love whilst embracing life fully & fearlessly.

6. If you were granted one wish, what would it be?

 (without hesitation!) Now that I'm getting married, I want a baby! 

7. Which book lies next to your bed?

Jack Cornfield: After the ecstasy the laundry

8. What's in your favorites in your I-pod at the moment?

Florence & the Machine

9. What's the most stupid pre-conception you've heard about yoga? 

I can't do yoga because I am not flexible enough

10. Where can we find you next...?

After 3 months in Asia, I am finally returning to the UK. I’ll be teaching regular classes at Yotopia (http://yotopia.co.uk/) in Covent Garden and giving private tuition. 

All of July I run a one-month intensive Yoga Alliance certified 200- and 500-hour teacher training out of OmStation3, my studio in Notting Hill. 

In August and September I am taking two retreats at the beautiful Shunya on the magic island of Ibiza. In autumn, my then husband and I are moving permanently to Galle in Sri Lanka to create the most exquisite retreat center ever! 

So, stay tuned on www.quantumyoga.com

Welcome to Core!

Core Yoga Community (CYC) is a new blog that focuses on Yoga under all its forms (workshops, events, visiting teachers etc...) as it is happening in China and the rest of Asia.

Here you will find:

- Interviews with great teachers

- News from studio's all over China, Asia

- Updates about yoga related festivals & events in Asia

- Regular features about health, lifestyle & nutrition

CYC aims to become a link between studio's and visiting teachers by gathering & sharing information in this context between studio's in order to increase the opportunities to welcome international teachers in China. 

We warmly welcome your input regarding subjects you would like CYC to focus on and will post regular polls for you to give us your opinion.

If you have any news you'd like to see featured in the blog, please email us:  coreyogaasia@gmail.com

As spring is finally kicking in around Asia, we figured that an easy to make - on the go recipe for a healthy smoothie would be the perfect way to start this blog, so here's a lovely refreshing smoothie from our featured nutritionist, Karin Graubard - Reiter, (http://nutritiousndelicious.com)

See you on a mat around Asia, 

Rotem & Marlies

Anti Aging Coconut, Banana & Raw Chocolate Shake

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1 cup of fresh coconut water (use the Thai coconuts if possible) or 1 cup of almond milk, or a mix of the two
• 1 tablespoon of either coconut oil/ flax-seed oil/ omega 3 oil
• 1 scoop of protein powder (brown rice protein if possible) (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder 1 tablespoon un-toasted wheat germ (for gluten free substitute for flax-seed meal or LSA)
• 1 teaspoon probiotic powder
• Dash of Cinnamon
• Flesh of a coconut
• 1 Banana

* 1 Teaspoon of raw honey or stevia to taste (optional)

* Pinch of Himalayan or sea salt (optional)

Blend all ingredients well, adding ice or additional water to produce desired consistency.

This shake makes a great breakfast, I also like it as a pre/post-workout snack, and I sometimes make a version of this for my 3pm afternoon sweet craving.