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Featured Yogi: Amber Barry of Westside Yoga

Here at My Yoga Scene, you may notice that we’ve made some big changes around the website, especially with the addition of a Festivals & Events page and our Shop (if you haven’t checked it out, take a look and keep checking back since we’ll be regularly adding new products). We’ve freshened up the overall design of the website (thanks to our fantastic web team!), and we’re excited to keep changing things up and building the yoga community here in Atlanta (and soon to be expanding out West!).

With this in mind, we decided we wanted to start featuring yogis in and around the Atlanta area. This is our first Featured Yogi post, and we’re so excited to introduce Amber Barry, Founder of Westside Yoga. We did a short interview with her to get to know her a little better, and hope you’ll reach out to her and maybe take a class or workshop at her studio.

733785_10201841297937086_258689002_nAmber Barry is the Founder of Westside Yoga, found at 1891 Howell Mill Road, Suite D, Atlanta, GA 30318. She’s been practicing yoga for 17 years and teaching for 14 years. Her studio offers power yoga for yogis of all levels, and she says, “We specialize in building community and making yoga accessible to people of all levels, backgrounds and experiences.”

photo copy 49When asked about her favorite yoga pose, she said, “Handstands because they challenge me in every possible way, but also remind me that everything is possible.”
To counter that question, we also asked her what her least favorite yoga pose is, and she said, “Navasana because I know I should love it and I just don’t.”

When asked about her favorite food or recipe (see below), she exclaimed, “Kitchari!” and offered, “My friend Meredith Klein at Pranaful leads these amazing kitchari cleanses twice each year, and she taught me how to use this Indian comfort food to restore balance to the body.” She also said her favorite travel destination is Maui because, “I’m obsessed with the Road to Hana.”IMG_7259

Amber says her personal mission is “to make yoga accessible to people of all levels, backgrounds and experiences. Our classes are for all levels, and we are a drop-in studio because we believe in the power of diversity. We teach our students that every single practice is uniquely theirs, and they get to choose how it unfolds. Our teachers are guides, but ultimately the practice belongs to the student.” Coupled with this personal mission, Amber’s most inspiring quote is: “There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way.

Try out Amber’s recipe for her favorite Kitchari, and make sure to drop by Westside Yoga on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta!

 

Favorite Kitcharikitchari from amber barry

Ingredients

4 T. coconut oil or ghee
2 t. cumin seeds
2 t. mustard seeds
2 in. piece of ginger, grated
2 c. drained mung beans (rinse & soak overnight before cooking)
1 1/2 c. organic rice
1 1/2 t. turmeric powder
2 t. sea salt
8 c. water
Juice of 4-6 limes
sliced avocado
roasted vegetables (optional–broccoli, carrots, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower all work well)
chopped parsley for finishing (optional)

Method

  1. Sautée oil, mustard, cumin and ginger over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until seeds begin to pop (1-2 minutes). Add rice and beans, and sautée another 2 minutes.
  2. Add water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and add turmeric and salt. Cover and cook 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice and mung beans are soft.
  3. Add lime juice to taste, and serve with roasted vegetables, sliced avocado and parsley.

Serves 6-8.

One Response to “Featured Yogi: Amber Barry of Westside Yoga”

  1. Amber, it’s so nice to see you as the featured yogi. I can’t wait to visit Westside Yoga soon. I’d love to play upside down in some handstands! Practicing and teaching beginner handstand workshops are one of my favorite things to do. Mainly, just like you, I love the challenge and I am continuously reminded that anything is possible and you can overcome fear. Lots of love to you!

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