Alex C. Wilson
Yoga Bird, Teacher
Health Coach & Yoga Instructor
Alex C. Wilson Wellness Co. Founder
Fort Myers, FL
Tell us about yourself, your story, where you are from, practice, etc.
I can’t say that I was born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida, because it simply isn’t true, and it drives me crazy! My parents moved here 3 months after I was born, so this place has always been home – but I wasn’t born here. I am a yoga teacher, an Ayurveda yoga specialist, a writer and a leader. I practice and teach yoga at a local studio called Yoga Bird, but I also work privately with students outside of the studio environment. In private sessions, I help students design yoga and lifestyle practices that help them manage anxiety and live more fulfilling lives. I love working with people one-on-one and sharing the gifts of yoga with them in meaningful ways.
How long have you been practicing yoga?
I’ve been practicing yoga consistently for about 5 years.
How did you get started?
Like many people, I turned to yoga to manage high stress levels (and what I didn’t realize was anxiety) that came from a stressful work environment. I knew I needed something, so I googled yoga studios and I found my yoga home at Yoga Bird.
What type of yoga do you teach? (Please Explain)
I teach traditional Hatha Yoga that is informed by Ayurveda. Hatha yoga is considered to be modern postural yoga – the same poses that all yoga methods teach. My yoga education happens to come from a tantric lineage (which is commonly misunderstood by people to be something other than yoga. It’s not). Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga that, unfortunately, didn’t become as popular as yoga when these practices were originally introduced in the West. It is a wellness science that was always meant to coincide with yoga, offering lifestyle, diet and movement advice that can be shaped to fit each individual practitioner’s needs. This is how I work with private clients – using Ayurveda to help them design a yoga and lifestyle practice that will help them thrive.
What do you prefer/enjoy about this particular form of yoga?
It’s not just about exercise or moving my body. It’s about integrating my yoga practice into my life in a way that helps me maintain optimal health and happiness.
Do you feel anyone can enjoy and gain from yoga?
Absolutely. As long as the desire and intention to do so is there.
What has yoga done for you as person?
Yoga has changed my life. It helped me transform from someone who was shy, anxious and self-doubting to someone who is more outgoing, confident and mentally balanced. It’s helped me get to know myself on a whole new level and I always continue to learn more. There is no doubt that yoga will continue to shape my life in positive ways that I’ve not even yet realized.
Do you feel yoga is more mental or physical?
It’s definitely both, but the side you get depends largely on how you choose to practice. You can lean more on the physical aspects or the mental aspects, or blend the two together in a way that’s balanced.
Do you believe it is an alternative form of healing and medicine?
When combined with the wisdom of Ayurveda, as it was always meant to, absolutely.
Do you associate yoga with Hinduism? If yes, in what ways?
Yes and no. This is a hard question because the reality is that yoga comes from ancient Indian philosophy. I believe that many aspects of yoga and Hinduism have been pulled from the same ancient philosophies. That is to say that neither yoga or Hinduism derives from the other, but rather, they are two varying interpretations of the same ancient philosophies of Indian culture.
Is yoga a way of life or a way to exercise or meditate?
All of the above!
What is your dharma, your life mission?
My personal dharma, I believe, is to serve as a beacon of light for ships lost as sea. That is to say, my purpose is to be a leader – live my truth and lead by example while showing other how to do the same.
How important is living a healthy lifestyle (clean eating/eating healthy for example) important to the yogi lifestyle?
It is of the utmost importance. Taking care of ourselves is about more than just moving our bodies. If we truly want to thrive have to nourish ourselves accordingly. That’s not to say that you can’t practice yoga if you don’t have the best diet, but, I believe that the desire to take eat healthier typically comes with dedication to the practice.
Any natural ingredients and/or vitamins (example: benefits of chlorophyll, Vitamin b12) that you recommend? And why?
Every person on this planet is unique, and if I were to make any recommendation about vitamins or natural ingredients, iI would do so on a person to person basis after evaluating that person’s particular Ayurvedic needs.
How important is hydrating/drinking water to the yoga lifestyle/your practice?
Every bit as important as eating a proper diet and doing your practice. Yoga and Ayurveda are all about creating balance, and we can’t find balance if we don’t stay hydrated.
When and where do you currently teach?
I teach group classes at Yoga Bird in Fort Myers Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings.
Where can our readers find you? (Instagram, Website, etc)
If you’d like, you can follow me on Instagram, twitter or tumbler – my handle is the same for all three platforms -- @iamalexcwilson
You can also subscribe to my blog or schedule a consultation with me via my website www.alexcwilson.com
