ALEX JOY.

As a knowledgeable instructor and thoughtful participant, Alex Joy of Alex Joy Yoga has been a contributor and supporter of the Unfamous Fest community for many years. She is a yoga instructor, functional movement specialist, and meditation facilitator. She believes in making healing practices available to all people, regardless of color, shape, size, or background. She utilizes her knowledge of functional anatomy, patience and a deep sense of loving kindness to make that possible. Alex specializes in working with clients who have injuries, limitations or a feeling of exclusion from mainstream yoga practices. Additionally, she leads continuing education programs for teachers, focused on a functional approach to movement.

Aside from Unfamous Fest's regular real world social networking gatherings and virtual connection offerings, you can find Alex Joy on Instagram at @alexjoyyoga. Read on to scratch below the surface of what makes this Inglewood / L.A.-based yogi so special.

WHEN AND HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR CRAFT?
I was a dancer growing up, always troubled by how most movement practices left athletes injured. I also suffer from a neurological disease that made competitive practices unrealistic. I happened upon yoga as the first practice that was more about healing than performance, and the more I began to explore healing movement, the more passionate I became about making it beneficial and accessible to ALL people.

WHAT MAKES YOUR DELIVERY UNIQUE?
I don't believe in dogma or a one size fits all approach to yoga, movement or even meditation. I work to create a safe and accessible space for anyone who practices with me, utilizing my study of functional anatomy and a deep sense of compassion to make that possible.

WHAT'S A COMMON MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE MAY HAVE OF YOGIS LIKE YOURSELF?
Yoga in the modern world is portrayed as thin, white girls doing advanced postures. People think my job is to work out all day. In actuality the basis of my job is holding space for people from all walks of life and giving them tools to explore/access their individual bodies. My private practice combines tools from yoga, meditation, Thai massage, functional movement, and light strength training to help clients reach their goals. I also strive to create communities that are inclusive and supportive, because what the media portrays is an inaccurate representation of yoga.

WHAT "OLD PERSON" THINGS DO YOU DO?
Oh so many. I listen to old music, especially jazz, bill withers, Marvin gaye, etc. I dislike crowds, so I can't remember the last time I went to a club. I also go to bed at like 10pm if I have the choice.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED IN 100 YEARS?
I want to be remembered as someone who helped to change the world for the better. On a small scale, of helping individuals connect deeper to their bodies and souls. Of saving animals. On a larger scale, I hope to contribute to breaking down systematic oppression and inequality.

WHAT WERE YOU LIKE AS A KID?
I was so full of life and joy....sassy and precocious, always letting adults know what I thought as though I was grown. I loved to climb on things, build things, and get my hands dirty. I also loved to run around in my underpants.

WHAT SERVICE IS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN IT NEEDS TO BE?
Health insurance and health care.

WHAT'S THE WEIRDEST THING THAT PEOPLE ACCEPT AS NORMAL?
Everything is on our devices. It is crazy to me that people make friends, partners, business relationships, etc all with people they havent met in person. I think about how dramatically the world has changed from when my friends would call the landline and our only computer was shared to write papers (definitely not in the palm of our hands 24/7).

WHAT DO YOU DO TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE?
I refuse to stay silent when I see injustice. I am no longer afraid of being uncomfortable or making other people uncomfortable. I also work to have animals whenever I can. I've fostered dozens of kittens to save them from being euthanized, and intend to rescue many dogs in my lifetime.