Chloë Alcid is a yoga teacher based in Manila, Philippines.
1. What style of yoga do you teach? And, where are you located?
Currently, I teach Vinyasa Yoga and Yin Yoga but I am also certified in Traditional Hot Yoga (Bikram style), Hatha Yoga and Kids Yoga. I am based in Manila, Philippines.
2. What is your intention behind teaching?
I have been a student all my life (haven’t we all, really?) and have been gifted incredible knowledge from my teachers and the experiences I’ve gone through; teachings and tools that have quite literally saved me and continue to shape me for the better. I feel a deep sense of responsibility to pass on what I’ve been given, in hopes of doing my part to keep things whole in the world.
3. Who are your mentors in yoga?
This might sound strange but I wouldn’t say that I have mentors in yoga only because I have never really looked for anyone to call a mentor in any aspect of my life. That said, I am forever grateful to all the teachers who have led me through teacher trainings, most especially the leaders of my very first 200-hr teacher training with Yoga to the People (Nikki Carter, Holly Collino, Chaelon Costello, Lindsay Dombrowski, Jess Kulick, Mara Lileas and Alena Wertalik). Other teachers who have really influenced and resonated with me include Talia Baderman and Meghan Currie.
4. What have they taught you?
They taught me everything I know about teaching yoga and holding space. Ironically, they also taught me that teaching is a constant process of unlearning what you think you know. And most importantly, they taught me that in order to show up for other people, you have to show up for yourself.
5. Please mention a book that you have read about yoga that has had a positive impact on you?
‘Awakening the Spine’ by Vanda Scaravelli.
6. What lesson are you currently learning in your Asana practice?
I have recently discovered that I am on the spectrum of Joint Hypermobility Syndrome so my asana practice lately has been focused on building strength to balance my natural flexibility. I’m also learning that handstands are very difficult when you have small hands (lol).
7. How often do you practice?
Lately, I only do a full 1+ hour practice 1-2 times a week since I am very physically active across all my fields of work (dance and teaching). One of the symptoms of hypermobility is getting easily fatigued so I have to be very mindful of how I expend my energy. On the days when I am not doing a strong asana practice, I do a more restorative practice or take a few minutes to sit with myself and connect to my body and breath. In general, I practice a little bit every day.
8. How do you implement the other 7 limbs of yoga into your life other than Asana?
Learning how to regulate and control my breathing has been life changing and it is something I do to ground myself in everyday situations. I am highly guided by my principles so I do my best to practice ahimsa (non-harming) and svadhyaya (self-study) in everything I do. Meditation is something that I am trying to get better even though sitting still is so challenging. I try to do that for at least a few minutes every day but I believe that anything that I can focus my whole attention on also counts.
9. Why is being present so important to you?
The ability to distinctly shift your awareness into the present at will is a powerful skill, almost like a superpower. You can use it to transform all these different things about yourself and the world. It also helps time slow down when you make an effort to fully witness each moment instead of letting so much of life pass you by. I think not being present is why life seems to move so much faster as we get older. Being present improves quality of life greatly.
10. How can we keep up with you on social media? What is your IG handle and/ FB name?
Facebook: Chloe Alcid
IG: chloemcalcid