What was your first yoga experience?

Following neck strain from the stress of life changes (divorce, move, etc), the physical therapist recommended yoga as way to continue the healing  after my “20 sessions ” were up.  I reluctantly started practicing, and haven’t stopped.

What made you become a yoga teacher?

Reluctance seems to be a thread here.  I didn’t think I could be a teacher, as I felt I had 4 strikes against me: not skinny like the teachers I knew, not flexible,   still hadn’t ‘mastered’ any inversions,  and most powerfully, had a deep fear of public speaking.  However, I am grateful for the strong-arming of a friend who’s insistence led me down this path. I had a deep desire to serve, and am thrilled to share the benefits of practice, all while challenging my fear of public speaking.

What is your favorite pose and why?

Ardha Chandrasana/half moon. I probably include it in most every class I teach.  Strong, challenging and a freeing pose at best … and scarily unstable at worst. It is usually both the best of times and worst of times, each time.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your classes?

Laurel and Randy, of course !    JK … Helping to awaken a student’s awareness, and connect to their true selves.

What are the most important elements of your own yoga practice?

Breath and meditation, and just doing something.

What is your favorite season and why?

Sounds like yoga teacher cliche, but I try to love the one I’m in.  However, I do love how fall and spring carry elements of all four seasons.

What do you cherish the most?

Relationships and connections (with family, friends and community), learning, growing and serving.

Favorite quote, book or author?

All of it … but maybe more specifically what Pema Chodron said.