I had the fortune of meeting Zoha during our training at Lighthouse yoga School, almost two years ago. She is a great teacher and is a genuinely caring person and Yogi. She just came in 30th at The National Yoga Championship, which is truly inspiration.
Here is more of her inspiration for you:
1. How long have you been teaching?
I have been teaching yoga for 3 years
2. What motivated you to start teaching?
I originally didn't want to teach. I fell into teaching because my sister bought a bikram studio, and I was managing the front desk staff and practicing everyday. It was sort of like my family telling me "you're going to teacher training now." I wasn't crazy about the idea but I went along, and I am glad that I did. I have learned so much from yoga, mostly about myself! So I would say the most significant thing Ive learned from teaching is self-awareness and self-love, and that is what I try to relay to my students the most.
3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?
I have learned so much from other teachers. I believe a good teacher is a good student, and ALWAYS a student. There are so many teachers Ive learned from but I'll mention only two. First is Mary Jarvis (located in San Francisco), she healed her spine and has taught me acceptance. Of myself, and of others, without judgment or condemnation. The second is Jared McCann (NYC), he taught me grace in the poses and patience.
4. How many times a week do you practice?
I practice daily. Sometimes more than once. I love all forms of yoga. I prefer to do one vinyasa class, one bikram class, and one yoga conditioning each day. I love to practice while I teach too so I feel really lucky when I get to do that.
5. Who inspires your practice?
All my students inspire me, as well as the yoga champions (USA YOGA). I see how hard they work and the struggles they deal with and I see how yoga makes a significant positive impact in their lives and their healing. Sometimes those that look like they're doing the least, are actually working the hardest.
6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?
I cannot emphasize the importance of practicing yoga for an instructor. So much of my instructions come from my own experience opening my own body, and the physical sensations I have. Also, it is important to be able to demonstrate the skills you are attempting to teach others. I have learned so much from watching, so I think that's key for people to see it done correctly, and also to inspire them.
7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?
The message I focus on the most is self-acceptance WITHOUT judgment, practice on yourself so you can extend it to others. I emphasize the importance of flow (breath, life cycles, etc.), and I also encourage the practice of strength (suck your stomach in). I would say those three themes are consistently present in each and every yoga class I teach.
8. Where are you currently teaching?
I teach all over! Sirius Yoga, Mind Your Body Oasis, Bikram Alexandria, and I also do yoga for physical therapy through Arlington county workman's compensation through Ace Physical Therapy in conjunction with Elite Fitness Concepts. I am located in Northern Virginia.
9. How has yoga helped your character develop?
The most significant impact yoga had on my character is non-judgment. Loving others as they are, loving myself as I am, and seeing the best in people, even when it seems impossible.
10. What has kept you practicing all these years?
I love seeing the changes my body goes through. Also, I see the senior women who have been practicing yoga and the youthful glow they emit is enough to get anybody into the studio.
11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name?
My facebook name is my full name: Zoha Vaezi and my Instagram name is @Zohayoga