Shulin is a yoga teacher based in Mid-Hudson Valley, New York.
1. What style (s)of yoga do you teach? And, where are you located?
I'm trained in Bikram, vinyasa and restorative yoga styles. My primary practice has been Bikram so that's what I normally teach. It also depends on who I'm working with. For example, if a student hires me for a private lesson, I'll teach based on the student's goals and practice level. I currently live in the Mid-Hudson Valley in upstate New York.
2. What is your intention behind teaching?
My intention behind teaching is to support students in their health and wellness goals, as well as be a cheerleader to help them discover the infinite possibilities they are capable of that they may not have imagined for themselves.
3. What have you realized about yourself as a yoga teacher?
I've realized that my practice fuels my teaching. I feel the most confident as a teacher and connected with students (and with myself!) when I practice yoga regularly. I've also realized that being a teacher doesn't mean having all the answers. Instead, I feel I offer my best teaching when I share what I know while still being curious and open to learning.
4.What does Satya mean to you as a practitioner and teacher?
"Satya" or truth means being honest in my thoughts, words and actions. As a practitioner it means listening to myself and honoring what is true for me in any given moment. For example, if I am practicing a posture and my body is showing me the truth of how far I can go that day but my mind is reminding me how I did it the day before, I have to find the right balance for what is true in that moment. As a teacher, it means supporting students as they discover their own truth and the signals for what feels right for them. It also means genuinely affirming for students what they say is true for them. This ability to recognize and acknowledge truth then translates from yoga to every other aspect of our lives, and strengthens our intuition.
5. Please mention a book that you have read about yoga that has had a positive impact on you?
Autobiography of Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. This book opened my eyes to the expanse of yoga beyond physical asana, and to quantum physics and reality beyond what we see and think.
6. What has a student taught you about yoga?
Years ago I was at a very low point in my life. I was scared and confused. I was speaking to a student who reflected back to me, "it sounds like you need to go practice what you teach." I got off the phone, practiced a yoga sequence, and felt calm and centered. It was so obvious and yet so profound. I was not only brought back to the power of these transformative practices, but I recognized the value in community and having support around doing good things for yourself. No matter how much we think we know, sometimes we need reminders. So it's important to create a network around you that has your back.
7. How often do you practice Dharana and Asana?
I practice asana daily, with the exception of days off when I feel like I need to rest. There is a meditation with reiki that I do weekly which is a dharana focused on manifesting positive outcomes. It's very powerful.
8. How do you implement the other 7 limbs of yoga into your life other than Asana?
I spent years living and working in an ashram where I practiced seva, or selfless service. I try to bring the qualities of service into my actions and work. In addition to asana I mainly practice meditation, and sometimes study and reflection.
9. What does stillness mean to you?
Stillness shows up for me in many ways. When practicing asana, I take time to breathe and be still in poses. When moving through my day I pause regularly, even if it's just to take a breath and become present in whatever I'm doing. When interacting with others, I allow for silence as part of a conversation. Where there's stillness there's space, and where there's space there's room to be present and make conscious and conscientious choices.
10. How can we keep up with you on social media? What is your IG handle and/ FB name?
My handle on both IG and FB are @shulinyoga. I'd be honored for anyone to reach out to me who would like to connect!