More than a Mat with Ashley Nedd

Our model Ashley Nedd is an actor from NYC who first discovered yoga during a study abroad program in Southern India whilst enrolled at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Shortly after graduating, she made the move cross country to LA and found solace in the vibrant, grounded yoga culture. In 2016, she and a couple of girlfriends decided to make their monthly girls night out excursion an aerial yoga class and Ashley was hooked. Amazed and inspired by the ever-challenging yet rewarding nature of aerial, she relished the equal amounts of mental and physical balance, strength, grace and flexibility required every time she was in the silk. It wasn't long after she began that she knew that she wanted to be a teacher and in 2018, she completed her Aerial Yoga Certification.

What are three pillars that make you unique?

Loyalty, Passion, and Patience. I'm a tried and true Taurus but I find that these are the qualities that I stand for and seek out in others.

What’s your practice style?

I remember not really being into yoga when I was younger until I took my first Vinyasa class. As a dancer, I think I needed that constant flow of movement to connect my mind with my body and found that once they were synced up, I could finally give in and let everything go. Aerial Yoga takes that mind-body connection to a whole new level. At first, some are afraid but then really surprised to discover how to find how the silk deepens your personal practice. In my Air Flow classes, I strive to strike a fluid balance, extending beyond traditional yoga in ways that are both familiar and unexpected.

What’s your yoga experience?

Towards the end of 2017 I was bedridden for months with an illness that just would not let up. Every time I thought I was getting better I would try to go to work or aerial class and would wind up getting worse and worse. Broke and beyond frustrated, I made myself a promise. I told myself that if I just listened to my body and gave it the rest and time it needed to heal, I would do the one thing what I always wanted to do but had previously never made time for - teach. Six weeks later, I was finally on the mend and within the year I completed my training and made the leap from student to instructor.

What do you feel when you step on the mat?

Supported and incredibly thankful. As soon as my feet meet the mat, I can already feel the tension of the day begin to dissipate; it's just as much physical feeling of safety and strength as it is an emotional and mental one.

How do you perceive the meaning of wellness?

Wellness is a balance of health and happiness. Yes, it can mean many different things but ultimately if it's good for your physical and emotional wellbeing as well as your state of mind, that's all that matters.

You can follow her journey at @ashleylnedd or better yet, come take a class at @airfitlosangeles. Have a More Than A Mat story to share? Send us an email to community@livemaiya.com