Finding Self-Compassion

Yoga has changed my relationship most with myself. In a society that is always asking me to judge and change things about myself, yoga has made me feel more at home in my body. 

Dealing with chronic anxiety disorder, yoga is an integral part of my wellness practice as it  strengthens my mind-body connection. Now before approaching or addressing a problem, I always try to assess how I’m feeling and my state of being. As a teacher, whatever I’m going through shows up in my class. So before one begins, I’ve found it especially important to reflect on how I’m feeling internally.  

It took me years to finally start a yoga practice. I did not see myself reflected in the community.  I did not often see yogis who looked like me or my friends. I think this has changed a lot in recent years. I am really grateful to teach in a space like Yoga District that is more reflective of the diversity in my life.

Teaching Yoga Online: Making Yoga Accessible

Online yoga reduces a lot of barriers such as:

• finding transportation to a studio
• not having the time to get to an in-person class
• feeling uncomfortable taking an in-person class (whether due to COVID or other personal reasons). 

Even with the occasional technology challenge, I’m happy we are able to provide yoga both in-person and online to meet the needs of a variety of students. 

My favorite style to teach online is slow flow (1). I think it helps to foster a relaxing space in your own home. This is incredibly important in our current climate since so many of us are spending an increased amount of time at home. I also think that it is a very approachable style to yoga for both beginners and experienced yogis. The flow is usually amenable for students to follow along verbally. I find it to be a big bonus as I know that sometimes watching on a small computer screen can be a challenge. 

Supporting Students during Online Classes

I attempt to create a warm and safe environment for students to practice online. I make sure to greet students individually and welcome them to class as they join. Before class begins, I always make sure to do a soundcheck to verify everything is good. If an issue occurs during class, I also invite online students to use the Zoom chat function or turn on their mics. At the start of class, I let all of the students know how many people are joining in-person and online. Finally, at the end of class I try to say goodbye to everyone who has joined. 

In an online class I think it’s important to present lots of options for poses. It is hard to assess students in a virtual space, especially if students keep their cameras off. I find it’s best to offer options for both beginners and experienced yogis. Additionally, it is important to take into consideration how active or tired someone may be feeling that day. I also think props are amazing and encourage everyone to use them. There are so many things you can use at home in place of “proper” yoga props to enhance your practice or find more ease in a pose (2).

Teaching Yoga: Empowering Students

There are so many different styles of yoga. Each individual teacher will have their own unique style and perspective that they bring to a class. If you try one class and it wasn’t for you, don’t be hesitant to sign up for a completely different class – you might find that it fits! 

In my classes, I like to have students stay in tadasana for a few breaths as our first standing pose (3). It’s an incredibly powerful feeling to stand with your feet firmly planted on the ground, your shoulders rolled back, and your chest puffed out focusing on your breathing. When we come into our first tadasana, I don’t instruct students to close their eyes. Yet, I notice in most classes, every single student has closed their eyes. I love to see everyone automatically shift to an internal reflection.  

Check out Sam’s current class offerings and sign up here!

• Tuesday, 7:15 PM: Slow Flow @ 14th St Studio and online
• Saturday, 1:30 PM: Flow 1-2 @ Bloomingdale and online

Sources

1. What is slow flow vinyasa yoga?, https://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/2013/09/28/what-is-slow-flow-vinyasa-yoga/
2. No Blocks, No Bolsters, No Problem, https://yogainternational.com/article/view/no-blocks-no-bolsters-no-problem-home-practice-hacks-for-propless-yogis/
3. Tadasana, https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5897/tadasana

The post Teacher Feature: Meet Sam! appeared first on Yoga District.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we interviewed Rudhdi, a member of the Yoga District community who identifies as a feminist.

Read on to find out how feminism informs her identity and her yoga practice, and which feminist writer and social activist most inspires her.

What does being a feminist means to you?

Being a feminist means believing in and fighting for equality for all humans. It means listening to, supporting, and uplifting other humans that identify as women. Being a feminist also means being a revolutionary because it requires shaking society up!

Do you feel your yoga practice is a feminist act? If so, how?

Practicing yoga is a totally feminist act! For most of history, women’s bodies have been used to serve others—to nurture, to raise, to please, to bear. Tuning in and listening to your own body and needs, taking ownership of yourself and your space, are inherently revolutionary, and therefore feminist, acts.

Please tell us about yourself – where have you lived, what interests have you pursued in life, what or who makes you feel at peace?

I just moved to New York City last fall to get my Masters in Social Work after living in DC for more than 7 years. I completed my 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Yoga District in March 2020 and love teaching a style of yoga that incorporates mindfulness throughout the practice.

What do you love about being a yoga student?

There is always something to learn! Yoga is a practice that never stops inspiring growth and awareness and I’m constantly amazed at how much there is to learn about myself and my body on the mat.

Who is a feminist who inspires you? Why?

Bell hooks is such an amazing writer, feminist, and social activist. I love the way she approaches feminism through an intersectional lens. If you haven’t read something by her, do so immediately!

If you could choose any place to unroll your yoga mat, where would it be and why?

Under a tree. Opening your eyes after savasana and looking up at sunlight coming through the branches is such a grounding, magical experience.

The post Feminists of Yoga District: Meet Rudhdi! appeared first on Yoga District.

Have you always wondered how a vegan diet can be kind to you, the planet, and our animal friends? Do you want to hear from others in a community-centric space?

Beloved YD teacher and vegan chef extraordinaire, Toni shares her yummy take on Punjabi chole masala using simple, fresh ingredients. Join Toni on March 20th for a live virtual cooking demo of this easy and accessible recipe. All are welcome to join this free event! Sign up here.

Punjabi Chole Masala (Chana Masala)- Full Flavored Vegan Goodness

Punjabi chole masala or chana masala is one of the most popular curry dishes from India. It is a staple on wedding menus in North India. It is also super easy to make, so comforting and all vegan. 

Ingredient List:

• Chickpeas (canned or cooked by you)
• Fresh ginger
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chole masala/spices of some kind (more on this later)
• Tomato

Step 1:

Take a can of chickpeas or pre-cooked chickpeas and have them ready. If using canned, look at label and choose a can that has non-BPA lining and no added preservatives or firmness agents to the beans. Label should read only chickpeas, water, and maybe salt. 

If you cooked the beans yourself, make sure you let them soak overnight and changed the water. I cook mine in an old-school pot.

Step 2:

Chop onion and finely mince the ginger and the garlic. 

Step 3:

The key to chole is the order in which you put the ingredients in the pot. Start with a small amount of oil of any kind–about a tsp and a half. Put the onions and ginger in and let them start sweating. Add the garlic a little bit later. 

A little aside here: you are doing something ubiquitous in Indian cooking. It is called “tadka” or “tempering” in translation. It is a technique in which whole or ground spices are briefly roasted in oil to release their essential oils, thus making their flavor more aromatic. 

Step 4:

Your local Indian store or speciality grocery stores such as Whole Foods would have something called “Chana Masala Mix” or “Chole Masala.” You could also make your own no-frills masala if you have cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. This is really all that is needed, but a real treat of an ingredient is amchoor, or dry mango powder, that adds a delicious tanginess to the mix. 

Step 5:

So now the spices and the onion+garlic+ginger have sweated and softened pretty well. You are smelling some good stuff already, I know! Add in the chickpeas and chop a small Roma tomato and add it in too. Bring to a boil once you have thrown in about 1.5 cups of water. Then, reduce to a medium heat and cook until the water has evaporated. I sometimes like to repeat this water adding business if I want everything to be really soft, but it is not necessary. Salt and hotness to taste, of course. If you are like me, add some chopped green chili pepper in there too because it can never be hot enough.

Step 6:

While the chole is cooking, get your basmati rice ready. I won’t go into the debate of whether white or brown rice is healthier–I think you should go with your taste buds on this one, and for me, *nothing* is better than fragrant basmati rice with chole. I eat plenty of brown rice but with other dishes. 

The water: rice ratio for basmati is always 2:1, but I have to confess that I always eyeball it. I would tell you the pinky measuring technique, but I imagine you are probably laughing at me and can just use a measuring cup, unlike me.

Put the rice in the pot and begin washing it with hot tap water. Massage it lovingly (no, really) so that as much of the starch washes away as possible. Do this several times, until the water is not too cloudy. Then, after this final wash, add the water, add salt. I like to throw in aromatics like 3-4 whole cloves or a bay leaf or a cinnamon stick in here now. If you have any of this, do it as it is really a game-changer, I promise. Another trick is black pepper–rice, black pepper, and nutritional yeast is one of my all-time favorite simple meals. 

Bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer. I like to add the lid here, but the lid is not fully on. It is at an angle. Once you see a bunch of holes/little craters form, fully close the lid and turn off the heat. Let it sit there for at least 5 mins.

Step 7:

Make a little salad to go with this with whatever veggies you have lying around. My go-to is cucumber, tomato, onion, lemon juice, but I like to add greens either into the chole or into the salad. Arugula or spinach, for some extra cultural mashing up. If you have pomegranates, put them in the salad, too!

This meal takes less than an hour to make, but it is such a comforting food that I have it at least twice a week. In fact, I always have it on Fridays, which went from Friyays to Cholay Friyay!!!! I am serious. Make yourself some of this chol-yeah!

The post Get Cooking with Toni appeared first on Yoga District.

What do you love about being a yoga student?

I love getting to follow the inspiration and creativity of yoga teachers. Teachers put together such amazing sequences that are challenging, fun, and refreshing in ways that I could never have discovered on my own.

Who is a feminist who inspires you? Why?

Ruth Bader Ginsberg — she was brilliant, fought for gender equality, was kind and graceful, and could value people for their humanity rather than their politics

If you could choose any place to unroll your yoga mat, where would it be and why?

Anywhere?! The Seychelles. It looks so dreamy and I’d love to go someday.

Do you have advice for yoga teachers, staff and/or students on what they can do to make yoga classes more inclusive of feminist ideals and/or female-identifying participants?

Some yoga teachers make false or misleading comments (i.e. not backed by science) about what people can or should do on their periods. To make yoga classes more inclusive, teachers should let each practitioner decide what they are capable of on their periods (and really any time!)

Describe how you relate to your body differently because of yoga.

After years of competitive running, I had successfully trained my mind to ignore what my body was feeling; yoga taught me how to reconnect my body and mind. I learned how to listen to what my body was feeling and rest when I needed it.

The post Feminists of Yoga District -Meet Caroline! appeared first on Yoga District.

Operation Peace Park

Park Class Information

Which parks:

We’ve chosen seven quiet parks near each of our seven studio locations, so it’s like going to your favorite Yoga District studio-just outside! Park names and addresses are noted below and in the title of each outdoor class on our class schedule and you can filter the class schedule to view one or all of our park locations using the drop down menu. Once you’re at the park for class, just look for a shady spot and others with mats. Teachers will be on site approximately 15 minutes before class time with a small sign to help you find your way.

• Yoga @ 14th St: Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park, 16th & W St NW (upper level, near the Joan of Arc statue )
• Yoga @ Dupont: Stead Park, 1625 P St NW (on the astroturf between the playground and basketball court)
• Yoga @ H St: Stanton Park, 226 4th St NE
• Yoga @ Bloomingdale: Crispus Attucks, 23 U St NW
• Yoga @ Glover Park: Guy Mason Recreation Center, 3600 Calvert St NW (near the baseball field)
• Yoga @ Petworth: Raymond Recreation Center, 3725 10th St NW (southwest corner)

Things to bring:

Please bring your own mat or towel to practice on, water, hand sanitizer, hat, sunglasses, bug repellant, towel, sunscreen. If you normally use any yoga props for your practice (bolsters, blocks, straps, blankets) please bring those as well. You can also bring your own personal shade structure if you need to avoid the sun in case we can’t find a shady spot.

Masks & distance:

Please wear masks and distance yourself at least six feet from others at all times. If you choose to not wear a mask during the class pursuant to Mayor Bowser’s exception for vigorous exercise, please distance yourself at least ten feet from others.

Reserve in advance:

Reserve your spot in class ahead of time on our website. If you’re unable to do so, a teacher or intern at the park will guide you through the process on your personal phone if there is still space available in the class (maximum of nine students per class).

Leave no trace:

After class please collect all of your personal belongings and take your trash with you. We recommend sanitizing your hands and feet before and after the class.

Weather check:

When the weather gets wild all outdoor class will be cancelled so you can sign up for an online class with us instead. If you have concerns about the weather just check your texts/emails for cancellation notices at least a couple hours before class.

Keep it going:

Help us spread the word by sharing #operationpeacepark and tagging @yogadistrict on social media. We are so grateful to you for continuing to share your practice with us!

The post Yoga IRL: Join our daily distanced park classes across DC appeared first on Yoga District.

As we gear up to reopen the yoga studios for classes, we’re celebrating the Yoga District community members who stepped forward to lead that transition and manage the studios with loving care. Meet Christian, the new Assistant Manager of the Yoga District studios as he shares his yoga journey, his thoughts on inclusivity in yoga, and his experience with the Yoga District community!

How would you describe your journey into yoga?

As gradual. I began in less somatically inquisitive traditions, like western philosophy, before becoming more interested in vipassana meditative traditions. The focus on breath and inner perceptions in vipassana traditions got me interested in yoga as a practice of embodied emotions. Before long I was going to multiple classes a week, had a daily practice, got my 200 hour yoga teacher certification, and here I am. 

Tell us about your background.

I originally come from the South, Florida by way of Georgia, but have lived in DC for over a decade. I initially came to the area to study International Relations at American University and decided to stay. I’m a musician, so the diversity of the scene here (pre-covid) really kept me around. 

How did you come to work with Yoga District/Yoga Activist?

I had started interning as a way to give back to my local Bloomingdale studio and after a while a manager position came up, so I said, why not?

What do you like about managing at Yoga District so far?

I like being able to see the immense amount of energy that goes into the maintenance of the studios. It reminds me how necessary regular energetic upkeep is to maintaining positive spaces.

What does inclusivity mean to you? / How do you connect with the Yoga District / Yoga Activist mission to offer inclusive yoga instruction accessible to all?

Financial access is a critical aspect of inclusivity, but there is more at play than just material conditions. Yoga, in both its history and its modern execution in the West, is an elite practice. Too often the practices can be sold as advanced fitness regiments for the abled urban class. Making the practices accessible to all is a difficult, yet necessary task if the liberative insights of yogic practices are to be spread. Yoga District’s commitment to inclusivity in price and in its teaching is a great step towards spreading these insights. 

What’s the best part of being a yogi?

I don’t like to call myself a “yogi” due to both the historic context of the word and the pernicious trap of overly identifying with your practices. But to me, the best part of being a practitioner is the systematic ability to use thousands of years of tradition as a manner for aligning present intentions. Whenever I’m stressed or confused, there is always something, somewhere in the literature, with wisdom to offer. 

What teaching has yoga led you to that you’d like to share with the community?

All phenomena are impermanent; work out your salvation with diligence!

The post Meet Studio Manager Christian! appeared first on Yoga District.

As we gear up to reopen the yoga studios for classes, we’re celebrating the Yoga District community members who stepped forward to lead that transition and manage the studios with loving care. Meet Liz, the new manager of the Yoga District Petworth studio as she shares her yoga journey, her background in the fitness and wellness industry, and her introduction to the Yoga District community!

How would you describe your journey into yoga?

I would describe my journey into yoga as slow and steady. I started doing yoga at a young age, about 20 years ago. I started doing videos at home with Rodney Lee and really liked how I felt. I took yoga classes in college and after. I have always been an athlete, so yoga seemed like a great way to cross train for me. I also enjoy learning about the chakras and energy systems of the body.

Tell us about your background.

I live in Washington, DC with my husband and my three kids, Emmanuel, 8, Georgie, 5, and Elena, 3. I am originally from Boston, MA. I grew up in a suburb of Boston and went to Salem State College in Salem, MA. After I graduated, I became the Assistant Manager at the Salem State Wellness Center. I also went back to school to receive my M.B.A in Global Management. I really love to learn and enjoy being a student.

At one point I completed a six-month college internship at Walt Disney World in Florida. The customer service training was amazing and really got me thinking about what I would like to do as a profession. I knew it had to be in an industry in which I was helping people. It only seemed natural to do it within the health and wellness industry, combining my passion for fitness and my desire to connect with people. I love building relationships in everything I do both professionally and personally.

Do you have any certifications that are relevant to the health and wellness industry?

I am a Licensed Master Esthetician in DC and I have been with The W Hotel at Bliss Spa for 10 years. I was the lead Esthetician for two years. I also train new employees for the Esthetician position at Bliss Spa. In 2017, I joined Fitt4Mom DC as a Fitness Instructor. I am a licensed AFAA Fitness Instructor and AFFA Personal Trainer. I would love to take the Yoga District yoga teacher training.

How did you come to work with Yoga District/Yoga Activist?

I had been wanting to get involved in the yoga community and was not sure where to start. In the fall I saw an email from Yoga District about volunteering to help with Yoga in the Park. I really enjoyed helping the teachers and meeting the students. It was also a great way for me to start taking yoga classes again. I love being part of the team at Yoga District.

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As we gear up to reopen the yoga studios for classes, we’re celebrating the Yoga District community members who stepped forward to lead that transition and manage the studios with loving care. Meet Claire, the new manager of the Yoga District 14th Street Studio as she shares her yoga journey, her thoughts on inclusivity, and her experience being part of the Yoga District community!

How would you describe your journey into yoga?

My journey into yoga began in an effort to find a more peaceful way of relating to my body, quieting my mind and reconnecting to my spirit. I struggled heavily with opiate addiction for years, and even after getting sober I still wrestled with overwhelming anxiety and depression. The practice of yoga became a source of empowerment for me in early sobriety, allowing me to tap into both an internal strength and softness that I was unaware existed. Meditation, breathwork and asana practice became a daily ritual, the combination of which allowed me to return home to myself, to find a place of refuge within my own body and mind. Yoga continues to serve me as a powerful method for healing and nourishment.

Tell us about your background – where you’ve lived, how you spend your time.

I grew up in Northern Virginia and lived there for most of my life before moving to Los Angeles for several years. I returned to the DC area about a year ago to finish school. I currently study Environmental Science at George Mason University in addition to teaching yoga and managing the 14^th street studio. I adore spending time in nature—whether that is hiking, cycling, rock-climbing, or just simply being; the forest, the mountains, the ocean are where I feel the most connected to myself.

How did you come to work with Yoga District/Activist? 

I came to work with Yoga District because of my passion in helping others to heal, nourish, transform, and enliven themselves. I share in the YD/YA mission statement of making yoga more widely accessible, welcoming, and inclusive to all.

What do you like about managing at Yoga District so far?

I adore the staff at Yoga District! Despite originating from varied backgrounds and experiences, each of my team members is uniquely passionate about their role. Thus we all share this common drive to enhance the studio space and go above and beyond for students and each other.

What does inclusivity mean to you? / How do you connect with the Yoga District / Yoga Activist mission to offer inclusive yoga instruction accessible to all?

It is often those who could benefit most from yoga who are also the ones lacking access and availability to traditional studio settings within their communities, or who feel marginalized by these spaces. That’s what drew me to the Yoga Activist mission of offering inclusive yoga instruction, accessible to all. Yoga as a practice is meant to provide solace, free of discrimination.

I connect with the Yoga District/Yoga Activist intent that serving means to trust and to acknowledge the wholeness in another. Rather than attempt to “fix” or “save” others, inclusivity means to respond to that wholeness and collaborate with it. It means to recognize that there are no boundaries between us; all suffering is my suffering, and all joy is my joy.

What’s the best part of being a yogi?

The best part of being a yogi is continuously learning and playing, and being able to travel this endless path of self-discovery. And handstands!

What teaching has yoga led you to that you’d like to share with the community?

Abhyasa and Viaragya—practice and non-attachment—are two foundational principles on which the entire system of yoga rests.

Abhyasa means making persistent effort to consistently attain and maintain a state of stable tranquility, while vairagya involves learning to encounter, explore, and let go of – actively and systematically – the many attachments, aversions, fears, and false narratives clouding our true, beautiful, authentic selves!

Cultivation of these two companion concepts has allowed me to develop discriminative wisdom in recognizing which actions, speech and thoughts lead me towards a greater sense of stability and inner-peace, and which guide me away from a steady, tranquil state.

What are some things you love about the 14th Street neighborhood? Why did you choose to manage that particular Yoga District location?

I love the 14th street neighborhood for the constant sea of energy swirling through the streets. The shops and restaurants all seem to strive to create a community atmosphere that promotes diversity and character. I also live less than two blocks from the studio, which has made it feel like a second home to me. 🙂

Claire teaches a Flow Yoga 2-3 live-streaming class on Thursdays from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Sign up here!

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Celebrate Black History with Mikela, our Studio Collective Assistant Director as she shares her yoga journey, her thoughts on Black History Month and her experience being part of the Yoga District community!

Tell us about your background. Where are you from? How do you like to spend your time? 

Why did you come to work/volunteer with Yoga District/Activist? How would you describe your experience so far?

What’s the best part of being a yogi?

The breath. Practicing yoga has made me so aware of my breath even when not engaged in an asana or breathing practices. I think about my breath when I stand in line at the grocery store, when I’m cooking, when I’m upside down. It’s such a simple recognition but it’s gifted me such a greater connection to my body and life force. Having that ability to check in with myself by using my breath is such a powerful tool that’s given me a greater appreciation for life.

What do you think about when you hear “Black History Month?” 

Is there a specific black person from history who inspires you? What about a black person from today? 

I love Nina Simone. Her music, her attitude, her activism. She wasn’t afraid to be bold or to take up space.

Was there ever a point that you did not feel included in a yoga class? / How can other yoga students and teachers be more inclusive toward BPOC in yoga studios? 

The post Celebrating Black Yogis: Meet Mikela appeared first on Yoga District.

Meet Michelle, one of our teachers at Yoga District! Learn how yoga transformed her life, and see how she makes online yoga classes a welcoming, personal space for students.

“When we practice this awareness…we unveil the wisdom of our bodies and discover our authentic selves.”

Check out Michelle’s current class offerings below and sign up here!

• Monday, 7:30 AM: Yoga Basics and Yin Stretching @ online
• Tuesday, 8:00 PM: Yin Yoga @ online
• Wednesday, 11:00 AM: Yoga for Shoulders and Hips @ online
• Thursday, 7:15 PM: Yin Yoga @ online
• Saturday, 10:00 AM: Flow 1-2 with Yin @ online

Sign up here to join Michelle on 10/25 for her half day retreat Embodied Life: Connecting the Physical, Mental and Emotional @ Home

The Welcoming Power of Awareness and Individuality

My teacher says, “If you have seen one body, then you have seen one body.”  It is such a simple yet profound concept. I know yoga can be intimidating, so I try to make students feel welcomed by inviting them to show up exactly as they are. If you had a good day or a bad day, if you are an advanced practitioner or a beginner then just showing up is 90% of the effort! As a Yin teacher, I encourage students to focus their awareness on what feels right and not what a pose is “supposed” to look like.

My classes are not designed to achieve the perfect pose but rather an invitation to explore and become aware of our bodies. Through using a combination of breath, postures, and mindfulness, we learn how we store tension in our bodies. Then we learn how we can release stagnant energy to feel more fluid, relaxed, and alive. When we practice this kind of awareness, we transform not only our relationship with yoga but also our relationship with our bodies. This is truly how we unveil the inherent wisdom of our bodies and discover our authentic selves.

Top Three Lessons Yoga Has Taught Me

Being Embodied: Yoga helped connect me to my body in ways I never imagined. Prior to practicing yoga, I had no body awareness. I never exercised, nor did I have a physical routine. Yoga gave me a strong understanding of how I hold tension and how to release it.

Energetic Awareness: When I refer to energy, I mean the subtle sensations that are always present but often unnoticed. The various practices of yoga (asana, meditation, breathwork, etc.) helped me recognize energetic sensations (1). I use them as tools to reprogram my old behavioral patterns. For example, I grew up in New York City, so my nervous system defaults to fight-mode. Yoga taught me how to recognize this energy. For me, it is usually tightness in my belly, sweaty palms, heart racing, and overpowering thoughts. Now, I know how to diffuse it before it dictates my actions. We cannot control what happens but we can control our responses. Energy is in everything, and yoga taught me how to transform it.

Slowing Down: Having had a demanding career and life, I didn’t know how to slow down.My life was a constant rush. I sought distractions and kept busy with things that didn’t matter. Yoga helped me find the beauty and simplicity in slowing down. It taught me to appreciate the things that truly matter in our lives: breath, nature, love, and gratitude. I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s so real…even for this Brooklyn girl!

Teaching Yoga Online

Teaching Yin Yoga means I design practices for people looking to decompress and release tension. I also get to witness the powerful ways people shift their energy into something much lighter. It’s quite impressive and inspiring. Now that we are online, I love that students have the convenience of practicing in their homes! In the mornings, they can roll out of bed and onto the mat. For evening classes, students can transition right from savasana to sleep. Most of all, I love that students can take up as much space as they want.

Another beauty of taking class online is being able to practice without being distracted by other students. In a way, practicing alone can be more private and intimate. I encourage students to keep their cameras on so I can offer personal modifications, but I want students to choose for themselves. I want to empower them to make the practice their own.

Life as a Yoga Pose

If my life were a yoga pose, it would absolutely be Anahatasana, Heart Melting Pose (2). It’s a deep heart opener that connects you to the earth. Anahatasana calls upon yin and yang energies, engaging from your feet to your seat and softening the body all the way to the crown of the head. This pose can be challenging to enter but once I am there it is incredibly nurturing, grounding, and soothing. 

Sources

1. Asana, https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/4951/asana
2. Anahatasana, https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/7902/anahatasana

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