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