Meet the Finalists

Congratulations to the 5 finalists who received the most votes! On August 21 we will announce the Yoga Journal editor-selected winner.

We appreciate each entry and were again touched by the beautiful outpouring of interest we received. Please check back periodically as this year we are planning to add a new feature and highlight entries as honorable mentions between now and October 2012.

Mark
Gonzales

Style of Yoga Practicing
Power Yoga
 6yrs

Inspiration

Yoga inspires me because I get to participate exactly as I am. Imperfect, at my worst or best it doesn't matter, all I have to do is show up! My practice is a playground where I can explore & embrace all parts of myself. It always provides a safe journey back to my own inner peace & stillness.

nicole
katz

Style of Yoga Practicing
yoga therapy
 13yrs

Inspiration

Through yoga I met my Self! I have learned as an artist, a teacher and a woman how to draw power and confidence from a place that has nothing to do with what I look like- it will never change, never cease, never age. When I practice yoga I am truly free, flying in my own weightless meditation.

Lizzie
Watson

Style of Yoga Practicing
Vinyasa
 5yrs

Inspiration

Yoga inspires me to face challenges in my life the way I would face a challenging posture on my mat - with grace and a steady breath. Yoga inspires me to appreciate my body for its strength. Yoga inspires me to find stillness in a fast paced world. Yoga inspires me to inspire others.

Michael
Collins

Style of Yoga Practicing
Vinyasa
 14yrs

Inspiration

Asking how Yoga inspires is a bit like asking how a sunset makes you feel; it is often transformative in a deeply personal way. For me, Yoga has become a metaphor for my life, freeing me from limitations on and off the mat, better connecting me to others via deeper connections within myself.

Carrie
Brostek

Style of Yoga Practicing
Yin
 9yrs

Inspiration

I come to my mat to connect, cultivate awareness and find clarity. Yoga opened the doorway to a path of self-discovery that continues to awaken my senses, ground me in gratitude and encounter life's experiences with mindfulness and authenticity.

Full Name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Email (req):

If I like Yoga Journal and decide to continue, I'll pay just $16.95, and receive a full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 62% savings off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.