I was first introduced to yoga in a dance class when I was in high school, and I continued to explore the practice on and off over the years. Like many yoga practitioners, I was originally drawn to yoga as a way to stay active and increase flexibility. Although I wasn’t always consistent in my practice, yoga was something that I kept coming back to. I didn’t know why at the time, but asana always felt like something I needed in my life. I knew there was a deeper connection than just physical movement, and my curiosity eventually led me to teacher training at Yoga Shala.
Originally I was only interested in strengthening my practice and gaining more insight into yoga philosophy, but I soon felt compelled to teach. I should have predicted this since I’ve been a music educator for 15 years. As a flutist I’ve already been connecting mind, body, and breath for most of my life, but yoga has allowed me to explore this connection in a new way.
Through my practice I have begun to explore a truer version of myself—a version that isn’t driven by accomplishments or failures, the expectations of others, or my own ego. Learning to let go, slow down, and stay present in the moment have been life changing for me. Yoga is a transformative journey of the self, and I hope to encourage others to stay curious and to greet each practice with an open heart and open mind.
