Downtown Betty connects with Brian Kroeker ~Yogi | Designer | Musician
Q. What were you doing prior to practicing yoga for a physical fitness & connection?
Q. We love your style of yoga ~ Who has been your biggest influence in your practice and why?
A. My biggest influence is a teacher named Mark Whitwell, a New Zealander who went to India in the 70s and started learning yoga from Krishnamacharya’s son TKV Desikachar, and also became a student of UG Krishnamurti. Mark does an incredible job of translating authentic, ancient yoga teachings into a modern, relatable context. He continues to teach me how to teach others.
Q. What is your favourite Bicycle by Downtown Betty piece & why?
Q. What do you love most about Downtown Betty?
Q. Would you please share with us more about your website called updogs.org?
A. Updogs.org was inspired by my love of dogs, fundraising, and t-shirts. Every shirt sold provides one night of food and shelter for a homeless dog in a BCSPCA shelter. I figure at this point I’ve been able to purchase a few month’s worth of lodging. I’m hoping to get some new designs printed up this winter, so please sign up for my mailing list at burningheartyoga.com and stay tuned.
Q. What inspired you to create your yoga videos?
A. I wanted people to practice every day at home, and I know from my early experiences with yoga that it was useful to have a video to follow and motivate me. I came up in the whole 90s indie DIY scene, so I had no hesitation about using whatever limited resources were available to me to start making my own videos, sometimes with just a smartphone and iMovie. Yoga with me is rooted in tradition, but applied in a modern context. Class usually starts with an open forum discussion, often led by something that I’ve been contemplating (one of my students affectionately calls my class “rants and chants”). I hope that my deep love of yoga, affection for people and sense of humor comes through in my classes.
Q. When it starts to get a little hectic, do have quick calming or centering technique you use to get grounded again?
A. I usually step away from whatever I’m doing and do some simple moving and breathing...usually starting with inhaling arms overhead and exhaling them back down. Sometimes that leads into a few sun salutations, or maybe some balancing pranayama...whatever feels right. I find that just getting out for a walk does wonders as well.
Q. We would also love to hear about life with dogs & Toronto vs the West Coast.
Q. We heard that you have recently launch a new online store and new class this month?
Yes! I’m constantly looking for new ways to connect with people online and provide them with authentic, accessible yoga practices. I’ve started an online shop where people can download practices to their desktop, smartphone or tablets and take them anywhere. I hope to have a new practice up every couple of weeks. If you’re in Victoria, I’m currently teaching 3 classes a week at Templed Mind Studio in Fernwood and teaching privates and small groups in our heritage home studio. Please visit http://www.
