ODDlight Teacher Feature: Hannah Elder

Voted "Best Personality" in high school and the daughter of hippie parents in Central Texas, you'd never expect that Hannah leads one of our more somber workshops, Death Awareness. Somber in subject matter, perhaps, but Hannah's best-personality-ness shines through in the way she holds a non-judgmental, gratitude-focused space for students to contemplate mortality. When she's not leading this poignant and popular workshop, you can find Hannah walking dogs, hiking, sailing, and searching for the world's most perfect breakfast tacos or teaching SLOW FLOW, FLOW, and PRENATAL every week!

What are your "Big 3?" 

Cancer sun  Aquarius moon  Aries rising

Five words to describe yourself?

Grounded, playful, thoughtful, curious, honest

What's an ODD fact about you?

I once flipped an SUV 7 times in a car accident (my record’s been impeccable since then)

One thing you're working on in your practice right now?

Compassion

Where are you when you're not on the mat?

Walking dogs (mine but mostly other peoples’), hiking or sailing with my husband and friends, or FaceTiming with my Mom in San Antonio

What's your fave food or restaurant?

Breakfast tacos always & forever

Something or someone that inspires you?

People who share their grief in public

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

Aside from having an audience for my playlists, teaching combines a lot of other aspects of my life like volunteering, acting, sobriety, and being the youngest of five kids so craving attention. I’ve always been drawn to service and giving back, whether that’s providing a verbal adjustment in trikonasana or holding space for an hour for folks to step away from the rest of their day.

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

Laughing at myself in my practice and day to day being present with my two pups! Endless play when your dogs have an insatiable desire for fetch.

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

To be present with where you are — welcome the feelings and acknowledge their impermanence and let that guide you to a more thoughtful practice on an off the mat.

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

Lately playlist

One affirmation you always come back to?

"Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?" - Rumi

How are you feeling good these days?

Rest, nourishing meals, and gratitude

How are you staying cozy this month, whether on or off the mat??

Growing a human being is exhausting so everything is cozy these days - elastic waistbands, extra pillows while sleeping and using all of the props (especially in savasana) during asana practice.

Get to know Hannah more by finding her on the class schedule!