My Journey

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I do not remember the exact moment or specific class that turned me on to yoga. Over the course of 10 years or so, I took several classes sporadically (and sometimes consistently) from studios to gyms, finding my way slowly and steadily. I loved the relaxed, peaceful feeling I left with after most classes. In 2007 I started taking classes regularly from a teacher in Miami, Steven Herbst. His teaching style is playful and caring, and he challenges each student to go at their own pace without any judgment. I had not come across this in a class before. I could go to a class to strengthen, breathe and relax while enjoying myself. There was no loud music or pushy instructor, just me and my practice. I was able to fully immerse my Self in class and let go of the outside world for that hour each day.

 After about a year and a half of consistent practice, I decided I wanted to teach others to feel this joyful and peaceful. So, in keeping with my personality, I went full speed ahead and packed myself off to the Sivananda Yoga ashram in the Catskills for my 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training. I found it to be challenging and rewarding and so I continued straight into the 500 hr Advanced Teacher Training where I found my own tranquil Self.

 I have learned many things over the years, but most importantly, in order to be a good (read: effective, caring) teacher I need to be a good (consistent, non-judgmental) student. I have learned that being mindful in class allows us to expand our awareness and our perspective, no matter which side of the mat we are on.

 Once I started teaching, I noticed how profoundly savasana, if done with awareness, could instill peace and relaxation in my students. Most of them had the same look as someone who had just gotten a really great massage. This observation, and finding a Yoga Nidra workshop, led me to incorporate guided meditation (yoga Nidra) at the end of my yoga classes. Most of my students felt a change in their sleep patterns, and all felt the lasting effects of the relaxation. So what did I do? I found a Yoga Nidra Teacher Training class at Amrit, and it was mind opening! (See my information about Yoga Nidra to learn more.) I began to notice that I was more aware in yoga classes (both as teacher and student) and more aware in my interactions with others.

 Finding this awareness, what I now learned is mindfulness has led me to further my knowledge through the Mindful Teacher certification at the Dallas Yoga Center. The experience was illuminating. Giving compassion to ourselves and the time to become more mindful, can have a profound effect on how we deal with day-to-day stressors.

My hope is that you too will find joy and compassion for yourself and others through this blog. I hope you will join me on this journey to a more mindful life.


photo credit: Jess Rose Photography

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