Meet Chandra Abbott | Neuroscientist+ Yoga Instructor + Wellness Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chandra Abbott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chandra, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Authenticity. Above all, I aim to be authentic. You can be smart, you can be kind, you can even be rich but if you don’t show up as your true self it won’t matter. In my yoga practice, I aim to show up authentically each time I approach the mat. It’s my mission to encourage others, to give others space to do the same. If I make a mistake, I own it. If I don’t know something I admit it and seek to learn it, if I don’t have the capacity to do something, I express it. When we give ourselves permission to be our true authentic self, that’s when we are really at peace- when we are free.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a neuroscientist by training. I’ve always been intrigued with the how and why of things. I started dance classes when I was 3 years old and continued into adulthood- so movement is a part of my being. When I was in graduate school, I found yoga and it was truly a lifesaver. As I practiced, I learned to calm my mind, to focus on the breath and to be in the moment … things that helped me on and off the mat. The more I practiced, the more intrigued I became. I was fascinated by the integration of the mind and the body. As I lead my students in their practice, I ensure they leave classes or sessions with me truly understanding the “why” of the movements I’ve incorporated into a sequence. It is my goal to empower them in a way that allows them to understand that yoga isn’t about how flexible you are, but how much you’re willing to stretch your mind to grow. I consider it my mission to ensure that people who may have felt differently about yoga in the past, leave a practice  with me truly feeling that yoga is for everybody.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my happy places in the city is The Atlanta Botanical Gardens. I can spend hours there! The beauty, the serenity…I just love it. I would take them to the High Museum and Zucot Gallery- art inspires me! We’d check out a Farmer’s market, go wine tasting, and I would have them have drinks at Atlas at the St. Regis, coffee at Buzz and we’d walk along the Beltline and grab drinks or lunch along the way. Even though I am an Atlanta native, I continue to be amazed at all this city has to offer. It’s so fun to explore all of the different communities and little nooks and crannies around the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family deserves the biggest shoutout. My husband Carl encouraged me to share my passion for yoga with others. It was with his prodding that I went from student to teacher…and for that I am eternally grateful. I also have to shoutout our kiddos, Hamilton and Harper. they are so proud to share that mommy is a yoga instructor and are a daily example of what yoga looks like off the mat. I also must shoutout my parents, Alger and Mattie for always providing a safe space for me to explore and really fine tune my voice. They allowed me to be me, to chart my own course,

Website: https://linktr.ee/moveintooverflow

Instagram: @moveintooverflow

Image Credits
yoga brand photos by Malaika Floyd photography