How did you decide to start your yoga journey?
I started taking beginner classes in 2019 at a fitness center that offered Yoga. After my first few classes, I realized the benefit of Yoga was a wonderful addition to my normal activities. It kept my muscles strong & stretched and my mind calm and peaceful. I found there was no better way to begin and/or end my day!
In 2020, I made a promise to myself to do Yoga every day. From the beginning, I had a love for Yoga. The Covid lock down motivated/ inspired me even more to continue & helped with the stress and anxiety. I was also, inspired by a neighbor, that had a “daily" running streak going! In 2020, I completed a daily Yoga practice for 365 days, 1 full year. It made a huge impact on my life, by providing relaxation to my mind & body and I have not looked back!
I have been a dedicated student for about 5 years and have traveled to many different cities, states & gyms, studios to practice yoga and to learn and to grow.
Tell us about your journey? How long it took? Where did you complete training?
In late 2023, I decided that I wanted to advance my own practice and provide a deeper understanding of Yoga history. I chose a Registered Yoga Institute and embarked on the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) and a transformative journey!
In the last 10 months, I have developed a deeper understanding of yoga philosophy, anatomy and asana practice. Gained skills and confidence to guide others on their yoga journey and became a certified Yoga teacher!
I enjoyed learning more of the ancient, Sanskrit language (“Universal Language of Yoga”). It is truly amazing how go anywhere in the world & people understand it and be understood.
Besides the course work to become certified you do need attendance of 30 live classes, pass a final test and make a 30-minute video showing you can teach a yoga class. The video demonstrated the ability to teach Hatha and/or Ashtanga yoga poses such as Surya Namaskar, standing series and seated series.
Since, I’ve completed the 200-hour YTT & my love for Yoga keeps growing, I soon realized my certification didn’t have to end with 200YTT. I just completed the YACEP - Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider - Kids Yoga.
I am currently taking continuing education for Chair/Senior Yoga and also Yin Yoga Teacher Certification (Meditation, Restorative Yoga). The primary focus of Yin Yoga is slow-paced practice involving long-held passive possess to target deep connective tissues, improve flexibility and cultivate relaxation. It is practiced sitting or lying on the floor. There are no planks, no warriors, no core work. No dynamic sun salutations. The pace is slow, so you need to wear comfortable clothes and maybe even keep your socks on!
I don’t know where my journey will take me. I do know that everyone needs to “unplug” from life with selfcare, no matter your age!
Yoga is a vast subject, and I will never fully understand it, as there will always be another layer to discover. But I am excited to share all the benefits w/students. Heal the body and mind from within. Joyful and Peaceful from within. The principles of yoga are kindness, compassion, patience, helpfulness.
Will you have yoga classes? Where? When? How often?
I have been teaching the classic style of Hatha Yoga (gentle traditional practice that focuses on breath control, posture, and meditation for overall well-being) at local fitness centers, and also doing private 1-1 sessions.
Yoga is an incredible blessing and to be able to deliver it to people everywhere is truly amazing. I am grateful for the motivation and encouragement.
These last few years have brought me new friendships, generosity, conversation, collaboration, learning and asking the big dang questions!
Together… it is with great and humble joy that I announce a hug, a happy blessed emotion and will teach in the Mazeppa Community! I have a 6-week session coming up thru Community Education starting on Oct 2nd – Wednesday’s @4:30 PM in Mazeppa!
I am hopeful that it will inspire you, to know and feel, you belong, and you are welcome, and I mean it. Any day, any time.
Do I practice on my own?
Yes – every day! Today, currently, anywhere from 1 – 2 hours a day.
Do you have any tips?
Listen to the instructions and then listen again and then listen again.
Patience. Take time. Adjust to your body. Find what feels good.
Explore daily practices & workshops, in depth learning.
Pray for everyone who feels overwhelmed with work, love and life and to be gentle with yourself and take one day at a time. Together we got this!
I feel awkward doing yoga on my own. I don't know why. I follow a zoom class or love attending a yoga class while on vacation, etc. So, I'm hoping I can participate in your classes!
The courage to show up. That is where it starts. And it starts with you. And me too. I’ll see you on the mat.
I used to participate in person yoga classes and still participate in zoom classes. I have learned to just keep going and if it hurts stop. It should not hurt. I can tell when I go through phases I don't have time for yoga, I am not as flexible and tend to have to "start over".
Start Over, try again – patience…but only what feels good! If pain, stop, address it. Rest, ice, move it another direction? Seek out assistance.
Student/Teacher – what we do together:
As a Student, I urge you to grow, have the willingness to change, consistent effort, and patience.
As the Teacher, I will offer appropriate and truthful guidance and patience and "LIVE" the 4 steps listed above “as a student “.
Some Benefits of Yoga?
· Stretch the eyes, neck, shoulders, chest, back, hips and legs
· Strengthen arms, back, butt, ankles & legs
· Improve digestion
· Reduce back, neck and shoulder aches
· Reduce headaches
· Increase breath capacity
· Reduce Stress/Anxiety
· Provide Love and Calm and Peace
“Give thanks for a body that can move, Lungs that can breathe, . . .and a Heart that can feel!”
