My yoga experience started about 13 years ago after the birth of my youngest son, Aden. My husband, David, got a yoga membership for me. He thought it would help with my depression.
I practiced for a year and then dropped out. After about a year, I went back
realizing how much it had helped me. I really embraced the breathing, focusing on the postures and the changes in my body. I slept better, I was more focused and clearer. My family noticed the difference as well. My husband encouraged me to keep practicing.
Fast forward a few years and I decided I wanted a life change and to share the yoga that had helped me so much. So, in 2017, I decided to go to Sterling Teacher Training to become a yoga teacher. Those who know me, are aware that I rarely leave my familiar circle and my routine. The thought of spending time away from my family and my friends was a great source of anxiety for me.
My decision to attend teacher training, gave opened me up to some wonderful support from our studio and fellow teachers. During my preparation, I practiced and studied with a fellow student, and now teacher who has become one of my best friends.
We spent 28 days in Mexico, practiced two 90-minute yoga classes every day, studied anatomy, yoga history, yoga philosophy and earned 200 hours of training certification. We learned to drink our coffee black, enjoyed vegetarian food.
We survived teaching drills, asanas, and killer mosquitoes. I learned so much and, in the process, I was able to handle missing my family so much. I left Mexico on a Saturday, and on Monday I was on the podium teaching my first class. I was confident, prepared – and yes scared to death!
The last three and a half years have been a dream teaching students. I love both the opportunity to share yoga with new students as well as motivating students with a long-term practice. One of my greatest joys is seeing students progress and gain confidence in their own practice.
My goal is to be a benefit to my students. Me being prepared as a teacher is my greatest service to them. That means constantly studying and doing what is necessary to challenge myself and improve my knowledge of yoga. That led me to learn about other types of yoga and in 2018 I decided to attend training to teach Vinyasa.
While there are distinct differences between Vinyasa and Bikram yoga, both have benefits and both practices will complement each other. I have been fortunate enough to teach in several different environments and work with students with a variety of fitness levels and goals.
In the summer of 2018, I was fortunate to work with several Division 1 athletes, football players and some NFL draft picks. Yoga is no respecter of persons. I have seen the top-notch athletes brought to their knees and humbled by simple Pranayama breathing.
My yoga journey has brought me many places, but there is no place like home. I have conquered anxiety, depression, mental and physical challenges, and I see the same strength in my students with every class. I never set out to be a great yoga teacher, but only the best I can be while having the honor of sharing this great yoga gift.
Truly outside of my family sharing yoga is the most important thing I do with my life. Sterling is an amazing community, and I am very proud to be a part of it.
