We interviewed Life Yoga instructor and Thai Yoga Massage Therapist Abigail Brown about her love of travel and how it influences her yoga practice…we found it absolutely inspiring and hope you do too!

1. Of all the places you’ve traveled, where were you most inspired?

“I have been inspired by culture everywhere I’ve traveled.  I absolutely love Asia, and Thailand in particular.  I traveled to Thailand to teach English as a second language.  While living there, I became part of the culture; studying the language, the religion, the Thai way of life.  It’s a colorful country with many smiles and positive energy.”

2. What inspired you about Thailand?
”Thai culture centers it’s energy around healing and maintaining well-being. Traditional Thai Yoga Massage is a daily practice in Thai culture. I was inspired by the practice of Thai Yoga Massage as a way of life, not as a treatment or luxury.  I began receiving Thai Yoga Massage on a regular basis because it made me feel so good.  It was as if I were having an assisted yoga practice and massage all in one.  In Thailand, Thai Yoga Massage is also known as, ‘Lazy Man’s Yoga.’ After each session, I felt centered and at peace. It slowly began to become a way of life for me as well. After a year of teaching English, I decided to focus my attention on this healing aspect of life I had been living. I decided to study Thai Yoga Massage and deepen my understanding of healing the mind and body. I studied traditional Nuad Bo-Rarn (northern style) Thai Massage at ITM (international training massage) school in Chiang Mai.”

3. How did Thailand inspire your yoga practice?
“As a traveler, I had a sparatic yoga practice. After moving to Thailand, my yoga practice grew as I was introduced to various styles of yoga, practicing with teachers traveling from all over the world.  I was living in Chaing Mai, where there were workshops in abundance and classes all day, everyday.  Having the opportunity to take a yoga class then walk next door for a Thai Yoga Massage or to meditate at the temple near by, opened me to my spiritual side.”

4. When you travel do you still practice your yoga and massage?
“Absolutely. I will always maintain a devoted yoga practice. I love to find a local class as I enjoy learning from other teachers. Also, I seek out massage everywhere I go; learning different forms of healing. I often barter Thai Massage with other massage therapists while I’m traveling.” 

“My yoga practice in Thailand took me to India to further my practice and deepen my knowledge of Yoga. I continued my education in Baja where I completed my RYT-200 teacher training in Hatha Flow Yoga. I brought my knowledge and training of Thai Yoga Massage back to the states where I furthered my education in massage. I have been practicing since!”