Meet Our Newest Yoga Instructor: Lauren Bailey!

We're thrilled to introduce our new instructor, Lauren Bailey, who will be leading our

Flow & Restore yoga class starting April 3rd! This class will take place every Thursday at 6 PM and is designed to bring you a perfect balance of gentle flow and restorative poses, ideal for unwinding after a long day and finding some deep relaxation.

We sat down with Lauren to get to know her better and find out what inspired her to teach this class, what students can expect, and a bit about her personal yoga journey. Let's dive in!

Question 1: What is your name and where are you from?

Lauren: My name is Lauren, nickname Lo. I am from Boston MA. Born & raised in Dorchester.

Question 2: What do you do for a living?

Lauren: I am an entrepreneur, Yoga Teacher, Meditation guide, workshop and event facilitator, (third space) mindfulness specialist, self-love & inner peace guide and Holistic Healing Program Director. I dove into my passion and entrepreneurial journey full time last summer!

Question 3: What made you decide to become a Yoga Practitioner?

Lauren: I went through my teacher training in 2021. My intention for taking the training was to support my healing journey and deepen my connection to self. I left the training with a full body, heart, soul and mind to become a teacher and create spaces for healing in the way this training did for me during the sessions. During my training, a question kept tugging at me, "how do we get these spaces outside these studio walls onto the community?" A fire was lit underneath me when I realized I could create this, along with finding ways to bring these practices into spaces for those who can’t afford these trainings and studio classes. I knew since I was a kid that I was meant to be on this earth to help others feel good/better. I had no clue what that looked like besides everyone saying to become a doctor. I started going down that road and quickly learned that’s not where my heart was. During Covid I discovered this training and went to take my 300 hr right after. I just knew this is where I'm meant to be, and I would find my way through making it my own.

Question 4: Tell us about the type of Yoga you like instruct?

Lauren: I enjoy teaching slower, fluid paced classes. Vinyasa mixed with restorative. Through my trauma informed training, my classes are also choice based. Allowing students to flow intuitively. Using the present moment as the anchor through class.

Question 5: What makes your Yoga classes stand out?

Lauren: I have been told, and I truly feel that what makes my classes stand out is me. I teach what I do authentically. My energy and personality show up in class and how I make it choice based, mindful, and creatively expressive brings inner value to my students. Giving options to incorporate what you need to make this time together beneficial to your well-being. If you want to journal, draw, reflect, meditate, rest in my classes it’s more than welcomed. Yoga is a form of home in self. To give yourself a moment in the present to breathe, let go, unwind, move ect. Yoga is the umbrella term to many different pathways on this journey and everyone's path is unique! Come as you are and breathe.

Question 6: How do you see yourself contributing to 4UrLife Movement’s

wonderful community?

Lauren: I see myself contributing by showing up in my most authentic form and spreading love, kindness and peace to all. I believe my practices and guidance will bring people home to themselves. The energy I received just from my first experience in the community felt right. The community here feels like family. I only wish to be an addition. To uplift, encourage, inspire, grow, and create in unity.

Question 7: What are your hobbies outside of Yoga?

Lauren: Outside of yoga I love to create in many different forms, painting, crafts, writing, water coloring ect. I enjoy going for walks especially in nature. I enjoy attending events for arts and crafts, live music, poetry, shows at the theatre (Plays & Musicals), going to museums, and different markets. I have always been a writer and it's one of my favorite forms of expression. I recently began popping up at poetry events and sharing

pieces when I feel called to. I also enjoy thrifting, reading, traveling, dancing, and spending quality time with friends.

Question 8: What’s one phrase you live by and why?

Lauren: One phrase I live by is: "Everything happens in divine timing." In other words, keep showing up, be you and let go of the perfectionist habits of having things go exactly as planned. If I’ve learned anything, most of the time nothing goes exactly as planned and written down. Instead, things unfold how they were meant to in every aspect. You may also receive things in a way that was different than how you thought you would get it or get there. Having compassion and grace walk with you through life is a great support. Allow things to unfold and reveal themselves to you how they are meant to and step out of your own way.

This doesn't mean don’t have a plan or goals, just give those plans some wiggle room. Not so ridged. I like to call them intentions. “I intend to ....” To me this leaves room for what's meant to happen while also honoring what I believe, value and working towards.

Question 9: What are your favorite foods?

Lauren: This is a hard one! I have never really resonated with the “favorite” questions. I can’t think of a favorite food right now. I can tell you one of my favorite ice cream orders! JP Licks Oreo ice cream on a warm brownie with mini chocolate chips :) I want that right now honestly.

Question 10: What's one piece of advice you would give to someone who

may be starting their wellness journey for the first time?

Lauren: Be kind to yourself throughout this journey. Be open to trying out different ideas. Be consistent with how you wish to show up. My aunt told me to remember “who ever showed up is who was meant to be there” if you’re hosting an event and 1 or 3 people show up those 3 beings are meant to be shown on your unique offering. Lastly, never give up on yourself, there will be many no’s and obstacles throughout the journey but you are capable of climbing them. When you do, just know that those are there to help you get to a different vantage point, offering you something you couldn’t see before until you got to higher ground. It takes one yes to bring you through doors full of opportunities and expansion. It will happen. Be patient.

We’re so excited to have Lauren leading this class and can’t wait to see you all there for Flow & Restore starting this April on Thursdays at 6 PM. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, we know you’ll leave feeling refreshed and renewed!