Los Angeles-based yoga teacher and life design coach Mary Beth LaRue loves riding her bike, scribbling ideas over coffee and taking long road trips with her family (including her English bulldog Rosy!). Inspired by her teachers Schuyler Grant, Elena Brower and Kia Miller, Mary Beth has been teaching yoga for over eight years in an effort to help people to connect to their inner bliss. She co-founded Rock Your Bliss, a yoga-inspired coaching company, which helps clients “make shift happen.”
What were some of your more memorable milestones on your own personal journey?
There are a couple that stand out most for me – one was quitting my job as an online editor at National Geographic to teach yoga and write. Most people told me I was absolutely bananas but I followed my gut and I’m oh-so-glad I did. Moving to California is the next one. California is my soul mate. I fell more in love with yoga here, met my husband and expanded my tribe. It’s been over 7 years now and I love California (and my husband and my career) even more than I did in the beginning.
BUMPS IN THE ROAD: What have you found most challenging and what has helped overcome those challenges?
I have a huge fear of public speaking and have now spoken in front of thousands of people. I’m so proud of myself for overcoming my fears and really going for it. My yoga practice and meditation have helped me get over my fear as well as just getting up there and doing it over and over again despite my fears.
What has been instrumental in navigating your own journey and what advice can you share with our community when it comes to maintaining a ‘healthy’ balance?
Knowing what lights me up (and what DOESN’T) and obeying that.
What’s on YOUR HTW mixtape?
Erykah Badu, Bonobo, Made in Heights, the Weeknd, Tribe Called Quest, Beyonce
What does your bumper sticker say?
Happiness Equals Reality Minus Expectations
Gas Station guilty pleasure…
Cheetos and Diet Coke. Oh man, so bad but so good!