My first yoga class was over 20 years ago. I tried it out of curiosity after years of running and interval training were starting to wear on my body. My regular practice developed when my family moved to Virginia in 2011. I have been blessed to have had some amazing teachers over the years, who all helped me strengthen my understanding of poses and the practice. After a gentle nudge and the encouragement of my fellow yogis, I completed RYT 200 training.
Yoga has always been a safe space for me where I let go of all the noise in the outside world. That one hour dedicated to my mat is sacred, and that is what I try to bring to my classes. I always say every day on the mat will be different, so meet your body where it is today. Use the props, take an extra child pose or maybe bend deeper into your chair pose. If you are linking movement and breath on the mat you are successful in yoga. Years ago, an instructor said that it’s called “yoga practice,” not “yoga perfect” for a reason. I thought that was funny, a little cheesy, but so true. In yoga you are always a student, always learning. I am committed to continuing to learn and grow as a student, so I can continue to grow as a teacher.
If I’m not teaching, you can generally find me in the back of the room surrounded by props during one of the morning classes at Yoga Shala. When I’m not at Yoga Shala, you can find me hanging out with the dogs or volunteering in the autism community.
“Yoga begins right where I am—not where I was yesterday or where I long to be.”
– Linda Sparrowe
“It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.”
– Confucius
