YIV: How were you first introduced to yoga? Why have you continued to practice?
MP: 1998, Portland Oregon in a little gym uptown. I love yoga for its exfoliant property, in that it scrubs my soul so that healing can enter.
YIV: When did you go vegan? Why did you make the decision to do so?
MP: 2011. I read a book called Skinny Bitch and it made me realize the horrors of factory farming and animal agricultural practices. I couldn’t go back
YIV: Why is do you think yoga is vegan?
MP: Ahimsa ( no harm) and also I believe you can’t be one with the Source if you are involved in torture and violence. Turning a blind eye creates a deep hole in the soul.
YIV: Do you ever introduce the concept of ahimsa or veganism to your students? If so, how has it been received?
MP: Always and every class I end with Lokah samasta sukhino bavantu, and then I interpret what it means. If they ask about it I give my perspective. I don’t discuss my veganism during class, as that’s inappropriate, but I do offer myself to any questions about veganism.
YIV: What advice would you give to a yoga student who wants to become vegan?
MP: Vegan junk food is the gateway drug to becoming vegan! I urge people to just get grubby food first, then gradually start adding healthy plants to the diet. I can’t start with kale!
YIV: Where do you love to go for vegan food?
MP: Caribbean Style Authentic Vegan Cuisine, New Haven Mamouns, New Haven. Arles and Boggs, Walkingford. The Grange, and Garden Grill, Providence RI
Connect with Michelle
Website: thelaughingyogict.com
Instagram: @the_laughingyogi
Facebook: @thelaughingyogict