Jivamukti Yoga is known for its dynamic classes including chanting, lessons from yoga philosophy, and challenging poses set to music. Jivamukti Yoga Charleston founders Andrea Boyd and Jeffrey Cohen have a close relationship with Jivamukti Yoga founders Sharon Gannon and David Life. And one of the things that makes this studio so special is that Jivamukti Yoga Charleston is the ONLY Jivamukti Yoga School outside of New York City. You won’t find anything quite like it anywhere else!

I caught up with Andrea to learn more about her, the studio, and the yoga scene at Jivamukti Yoga Charleston. Here’s what she had to say:

I wouldn’t change a thing. I guess if I had to say something it would be knowing about a compassionate diet sooner.

What’s your favorite pose at the moment? What are you learning from it?

At the moment, I am lying down on my teacher’s daybed, which is indeed a favorite pose. I like being with my teachers. What am I learning from it? The details.

A vegan diet/lifestyle is an important part of Jivamukti Yoga,
correct? Can you briefly explain why? 

Yes, that is correct. Vegetarianism is an important part of yoga, period. Not just the method that we teach. The yoga scriptures state very clearly to avoid eating animals. Eating clean and gentle food is wise if interested in having health of the mind and body—skin, organs, etc., a healthy earth, and earthlings. 

It is a feeling decision. Yogis strive to live harmoniously with all other beings to the highest capacity. Limiting the amount of suffering we cause to all—humans included. Kindness and compassion for animals can lead one to feel their own essence, which is the same as that of the animals. It brings great joy and peace to oneself and the atmosphere to not kill gentle, innocent animals. Love has no limits or boundaries, unless we create them. 

Can people who don’t follow this diet practice Jivamukti?

Of course, but progress will be very slow and limited. Our direct relationship with the external world is through food. It is what makes up our body, the cells and tissues of our being. If we stop to consider about the violence created to sustain ourselves on non-vegetarian food, and as we open up through our practices, and go deeper into why we exist, most likely we will feel that there is not even a choice or decision to be made.

Great music is something else people can expect from your studio. What’s your favorite song to practice with now?

Well, right now, in this moment, my favorite song is my breath—a good song to hear indeed.

What inspires you? Tell us so we can be inspired, too! 

Gosh, so much inspires me. Where to begin? The students inspire me. Music inspires me. Awareness inspires me. John stewart inspires me. The sun, moon and stars, my friend Rima, my teachers, my husband, Ingrid Newkirk, Ram Dass, laughing, people who open vegan restaurants, anyone speaking out for animal rights, people who adopt children, people who work 3 jobs, save trees, lobby against poor practices in the government, animals, the beach, dancing, the present moment inspires me.

Tell me about the new book you’re working on.