Meet RESTOKER Elaine O'Rourke September 24, 2015 21:27
We at RESTOKE are always excited to introduce to you those individuals that share the RESTOKE mantra, to relive the stoke and NEVER STOP! Sometimes they’re people we don’t know with whom we had the good fortune of connecting with and other times they’re those who we do, like Elaine O’Rouke. Elaine is a 500 hour Yoga Teacher, Sound Healer & Musician, whom we first met a few years at the beach after a surf session. Elaine believes in the power of stoke, a genuine RESTOKER. We asked Elaine to answer the RESTOKE questionnaire to give you an opportunity to get to know her and discover why she is continually inspired by the transformations that occur through yoga and music.
Tell us about your background, where are you from?
I'm Irish, born and bred. I grew up in a small picturesque town by the ocean called Greystones (Co Wicklow). A great family place where everyone knows everyone. I lived in London for a year when I was 18 and I moved to Boston when I was 20 (1990). The scene was so vibrant compared to Ireland. Many of my friends were in band Josephs, which eventually included me. I also did some stage acting. I've traveled a fair bit of the globe and spent the best part of a year in Australia. 2003 was a big year for me. I decided to move to beautiful Gloucester, Massachusetts. I began writing my own music, performing around town and recorded 2 CD's. I'm also a yoga teacher and over the years have found a way of combining yoga and music together and most lately offering Sound Healing Journeys.
When did you experience your first stoke?
A life-changing one was when I took my very first yoga class in 2002. I knew instantly that it was something I wanted to pursue. It was the first time I really and truly felt passionate about doing something. Within a year I was a certified teacher and I haven't looked back. I LOVE everything about it.
What do you do to RESTOKE?
Being on the beach is one of my favorite things, looking at the ocean, being in it, absorbing that energy, walking on the sand; doing yoga (again on the beach preferably) and teaching yoga; playing music - although over the last couple of years that has morphed more into offering Sound Healing Journeys which are amazing. It’s hard to describe what they are, it has to be experienced! And last but not least - traveling. I love exploring new places, new countries, basically stepping out of the comfort zone of daily life and being open to a new perspective.
Are there any other artists, individuals or organizations that inspire you or your work?
Mainly I draw inspiration from life experiences and nature. Naturally I've learned so much from all my yoga teachers and still do. Also being around people who are passionate about what they do, who are authentic and those who challenge me to be better.
What is your goal for your next big RESTOKE?
To do a yoga retreat in Ireland in 2016 and to go somewhere warm this winter!
Best stoke to date?
Two wild and crazy experiences through meditation where movement of energy (kundalini) has brought me to what I can only call bliss states (no drugs involved!). These were insanely out of body experiences yet very much embodied, if that makes any sense. Esoteric - yes! Life changing - yes!
RESTOKE, a lifestyle apparel line created to inspire the pursuit of stoke, is always on the lookout to find true RESTOKERS.
Are you a RESTOKER? If so, take and post photos both on Instagram and the RESTOKE Facebook page with #restoker and show us how you stoke and NEVER STOP!
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