I've Got Your Back feat. Heather Roussos
Heather and I first met years ago through Gamma Phi Beta. I know, the two of us in sorority is a bit contrary to who we each are today. But years ago, as we both struggled to find ourselves, we were introduced through greek life.
Although we met there, our friendship didn't form until we connected through yoga years later. I had dropped sorority within my first year, and as I came to find out, she dropped shortly there after as well. But we both found a community and connection to yoga. And that's one thing I love about this practice.
Heather is a badass bitch who works tirelessly to learn more about yoga, and then in turn share that knowledge and passion with others. Read on the hear more from Heather on yoga, feminism, and passion.
What is a recent book
or article that you’ve read that has challenged your thinking, inspired you, or
changed you?
A couple months ago I read The Ramayana. I had
heard the stories of it here and there from my teacher, but I had never read it
cover to cover. But about six months ago I dived into it. It’s teachings of
dharma and love and purpose are inspiring. It’s impacted my living and my
teaching. It’s rich in passion and adventure and chivalry, these things that I
love. It’s super romantic as well, with this deep undercurrent of “you’re here
to live out your purpose.” It was a beautiful reminder that I’m just meant to
put one foot in front of the other and trust that whatever is in front of me is
meant to be there, and I’m meant to do the work and let my path unfold.
Who is an influencer
in your life?
My teacher Stephanie Snyder is the epitome of grace and
devotion. In my career there are a lot of examples of different teachers, and
I’m always so proud when I send people to her Instagram or class or website. She
is everything I want to embody: grace, devotion, honor, compassion, and empathy.
She’s so humble and such a beacon of togetherness and community, without the competition.
That’s something I hadn’t experienced before. Her concern is in the dharma, and
love, and showing up and doing the practice of yoga.
How do you balance
that grace and humility you spoke of with the business side as a self-employed
teacher and businesswoman?
Not everyone does what I do full time, because it’s hard. I
just had to get to the point of not feeling bad for charging money for the
services I’m giving. I want to be sustainable. And I know that if my students
could see all of the work behind the curtain, they’d want me to be comfortable
and happy and content, so that I can show up and serve them. I really
acknowledged all the work I do as a teacher, and all of the money I’ve put in
to my own education and trainings, and from there I set my prices.
Equal exchange is big for me. And not just monetarily, it’s
energetically and emotionally as well. I’ve learned to leave a situation if I
don’t feel there’s an equal exchange. I used to stay out of the fear of not
having enough money or the thought of losing exposure to then later fill up
workshops or trainings. I got to the point where it was sucking the life out of
me.
What does feminism
mean to you?
Feminism is being fiercely equal to our male counterparts.
It feels like a common sense thing to me. Since I was a little girl I was a
tomboy. I think part of that came from growing up with my dad, who is Greek and
very traditional and incredibly sexist. I grew up feeling like I needed to
prove that I was just as good as my brother. I never understood why he saw boys
and girls as being more or lesser than the other. Equality is something I just
felt innately. I think I was born with a soul that had to overcome obstacles of
separateness, because it’s been easy for me to see the sameness in everyone. So
feminism to me is standing up for equality with fierceness. It means standing
up for my fellow women when I feel like they’re being oppressed. And it also
means living my life in a way that when others see it they see a strong,
independent human being.
Do you have a
favorite quote or mantra that you try to live your life by?
“I’m doing the best I can with what I have.” The way my
spiritual teacher Monica taught it to me is that even when we think we’re not
doing our best, in the moment we are. And if we knew better, we’d do better. So
when I mess up, I just remind myself I’m doing my best with what I have and
what I know.
My second favorite mantra is twofold: “I’m sorry,” and
“Thank you.”
What are you most
passionate about?
I am most passionate about freedom. And I don’t necessarily
just mean freedom from oppression, but more freedom from the things that keep
you separate from your self. I teach that passionately through yoga. I want to
remind people that there’s more to life than work and monetary success. Freedom
comes in small moments of joy between friends, or taking a walk without your
phone. Freedom comes from turning off all the outer voices and listening to the
inner voice. I want to help people learn to be happy and content.
How will you spread
this lifestyle of freedom and contentment?
Teaching it, living it, sharing it…that’s why I’m so open
when I teach. I talk about my own experiences a lot, even things most people
don’t usually share in that context. Because I know we’ve all done things we’re
not proud of. No one really talks about it outright though.
Finish this sentence:
I am _____________ .
I am strong.
Heather's got your back.
xxo
