Bree VanZutphen is utterly inspiring.

Who would resist wanting to take Bree’s class? She has devotion, passion and love for yoga that is admirable and infectious. Even though The West Coast took her from us in The East Coast a few years ago, I am so grateful to have her explain to all of us what inspires her as a yogi. 

1. How long have you been teaching?

Officially since 2013 when I received my 200hr; however, it wasn't till after I did my 500hr training through Dharma Yoga Center in 2015 that I felt like I was finally able to offer something special. Everything up until that point (and still now even) has been learning and being privileged enough to be able to do so. I've been "officially" teaching for 4 years I guess, but really just beginning to actually teach. I'm sure even a couple years down the line I will say the same thing, "ah now I'm actuallyteaching".

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

My whole life prior to yoga and teaching I had been very self-involved. I did ballet all my life until I was 21, and that left me with a self obsessive and critical mind. I was always finding obstacles, it was a very limited mindset. Yoga was the first thing that forced me to step outside myself. And once you see you are bigger than the "small" self its really hard to go back to the old way. Then it felt like "oh I need to share this - I must:" a duty in a way (even though I was still very insecure and not sure how to share it).

These days, I am still learning to let go of the shape/asana for myself and the students. I grew up with the alignment and physicality of dance so it's very hard for me when I see the picture of how to adjust the shape just right in my mind to then let it go and wait till the time is right for the body and for the student in front of me (and the timing may never be right and that's ok too). I am still learning to let go of the attachment I have to my body so I guess that's where I'm at right now learning to let go of that and share that process with students. To be able to teach is an honor and every day I am grateful to have that honor.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

The teacher I am studying with now continuously says, "Yoga is not an art form". I think that was a big lesson for me, to not ever associate asana or any part of yoga as a performance or something to be watched or even admired really. It is purely for the individual. That forced me to let go of looking at any experience as something for others or something to be noticed. Doing it for the sake of doing it and no other reason. That was a hard lesson to learn but one of the most needed for me.

4. How many times a week do you practice?

I recently started practicing Ashtanga so 6 days a week usually. But I do have some lazy Sundays where I just walk my dog with David (fiancé), smile at strangers, and drink too much tea - that's my best practice day.

5. Who inspires your practice?

Every person I interact with every day. If you smile at someone 9/10 times they smile back and the 1/10they weren't able to smile back but may have appreciated you offering your grin. I guess the more I stick to a consistent and daily practice, the easier it is to step outside of myself. The easier it is to offer the smile with the stranger.

6. Has yoga helped you through something painful? If so, what and how?

Quitting ballet was like losing a best friend. It was my identity, my love, my everything. I was forced to try to answer the question "who am I"? I was left with an eating disorder and some addictive patterns that I indulged in for some time after I quit dancing,  When I started practicing it made me feel like I was finding solid ground again. There was the beginning of steadiness and clarity I couldn't see before. It finally felt ok not to know the answer to the question "who am I?" just yet.

7. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

For the steadiness and clarity of mind I was mentioning above. It keeps everything in check.

8. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

That it's ok not to know, we all don't know, and we are all together in not knowing. We are all the same. If practicing anything helps you be a better person in the world and smile at the random stranger - keep going! You're on the right track! I still tell myself this every day.

9. Where are you currently teaching?

California! LA specifically. Rise Hot Yoga, Kinship Yoga, and Ra Yoga.

10. What are the best ways that you have leant of approaching studios that you would like to teach at?

Take class there, get to know the students and teachers. Don't rush, immerse yourself there and see if it's the right fit. Don't force the situation, if it feels like the right fit it is. If not, leave it and find somewhere people are receptive to what you are offering.

11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name?

instagram: vzbree

facebook: Bree VanZutphen

Never jumped on the twitter train, sorry folks! I do have a website though: vzbreeyoga.com

12. Is Social Media easy or challenging for you?

Very challenging. I can't keep up with it, I'd prefer to just live my life and not feel obligated to post things about it. I'm a bit of a grandma, I can't keep up with the kids these days. Sorry to disappoint, but my social media is mostly photos of my dog and her funny facial expressions (hardly a disappointment).

Lulu Soni is full of inspiration

When you lay eyes on Lulu, you become intrigued by her. She has a sweetness and a sense of knowing about life and it definitely translates to her practice and the way that she teaches. 

She is truly full of inspiration... 

1. How long have you been teaching?

Collectively, about a year and a half. I started teaching Vinyasa in the spring of 2016 and began teaching Traditional Hot Yoga in April of 2017.

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

I wanted to bridge my background in dance with another tool for body awareness and healing. I was inspired by the teachers I was taking class from at the time and started to think to myself, “I can do that”. I remember walking home from work, pretending to teach a class out loud and getting really excited about the prospect of sharing a bit of what I had learned from showing up on my mat with other people.

There are endless lessons I have learned and am still in the processing of learning from teaching, but one in particular is that you can’t create and analyze at the same time (words of wisdom from the great John Cage). I love teaching the anatomy of the poses, but what I love the most is speaking from the heart, and sometimes being real and open with students can seem daunting. I’ve had moments where I’ve thought maybe I could have phrased that differently and it pulls me out of the moment. I can walk in with an idea of the things I want to say but just like a student, I also have to remind myself to enter the room without setting expectations for myself. Teaching a class is like an exchange of energy, I’m actively reading the room and working with the bodies in front of me and if I’m trying to analyze my words I can’t be present with that exchange.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

Not to get caught up in the feedback you receive, whether it’s criticism or praise. That while compliments are great, not to let it feed or fuel your teaching ego. That just because someone doesn’t run up to you at the end of class gushing joy and yoga bliss vibes, doesn’t mean you didn’t teach a solid class. Shout out to my buddy and fellow teacher, Quazzy, for always spreading the realness with me.

4. How many times a week do you practice?

I practice yoga daily. Yoga isn’t separate from my day-to-day life. Even the tiniest action of tuning into my awareness and breath is checking in with my practice. For asana practice, I try to get to class everyday, some days multiple times or classes a day. Lately I have been  into incorporating different types of yoga into my practice so that I don’t become stagnant. Adding the Ashtanga series and Rocket Yoga to my Vinyasa and Hot practice has been transformational. If I really can’t make it to class, I find a wall and do a handstand.

5. Who inspires your practice?

My fellow teachers and coworkers at the studios I teach at, as well as the teachers I take class from at Lighthouse Yoga School in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Artists inspire me, whether it’s the music I’m listening to or a painting I’m looking at. I also draw inspiration from nature, the ocean, the desert, the soil, the sky, it’s endless.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

I couldn’t imagine living a life separate from having a connection to my body. Yoga helps me to connect to my whole self, body, breath, mind and spirit. The parts of myself that feel good and the parts of myself that I shy away from. Having a consistent practice allows me to check in with myself no matter what state my life is in.

7. Has yoga helped you through some painful? If so, what and how?

Absolutely, over a over again. Heartbreak, loss, loneliness, uncertainty, dealing with an injury. A couple years ago, I was at a low point in my life, and I fell and hurt my wrist. I couldn’t hold a plank or a downward facing dog and was about to participate in a dance workshop followed by an audition for a company that used a lot of floor work and weight bearing choreography. The dancer in me powered through even though I was in pain. Internally panicking that I couldn’t put weight on my right hand or take a yoga class, I decided to give hot yoga a shot because I knew there would be no down dogs or planks. Stepping into the hot yoga room changed my life. I was standing in front of a mirror and I could no longer hide from myself. I had spent most of my life in front of a mirror as a dancer and never used it to look at myself with love and compassion. It was always there as a reminder that you could be better, your leg could be higher, so many elements of my dance training were incredible sources of self expression but also deeply detrimental in that the under lying message often was it’s not good enough. In the hot room, being there, being present with my breath was enough. I learned to love myself over and over again even when I felt overwhelmed by the heat or my thoughts. I started to shed the parts of myself that weren’t serving me and really began to take steps towards practicing self care. I began to heal from the inside out.

8. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

That home is where your breath is, your body, your vessel is all you have in this life, so treat it with care. It is so easy to get outside of ourselves and get caught up in all the external elements of our lives. Especially living in New York City, where we’re constantly running around with a million things to do and people to see. That you can come back to yourself no matter where you are, what the circumstances, and find the simplicity of your breath. Lately I have been reminding students to take pleasure in their work, to enjoy the gritty moment, rather than  fighting it. So much of how we experience poses physically stems from our mental approach to it, so if you’re thinking, “I hate this second set of triangle pose in this hotbox torture chamber,” you're just going to make things harder for yourself. That’s what your mind wants you to think when your rubbing up against a challenging moment, but part of the practice is realizing you are in control. So every time you come to your second set of Triangle in a Hot Yoga class, you go to that place until you realize you have the power to say, “You know what, I love that my thighs are quivering, I love that my arms are spread wide from the center of my heart, I take pleasure in the effort, I take pleasure in my moving, breathing body.” It’s your work, you might as well enjoy it. We don’t get to choose what shows up in our practice but we get to choose how we meet the moment, so if you meet yourself with an open mind, love, and a deep breath you might surprise yourself that over time that pose that you used to dread becomes the pose you look forward to, maybe even becomes your favorite.

9. Where are you currently teaching?

I am currently teaching at Yoga to The People and The Yoga Room.

10. What are the best ways that you have leant of approaching studios that you would like to teach at?

Show up, take class, get a feel for the vibe and the space. I don’t think there’s one true formula,  what works for one person might not work for the other. Trust your gut, be kind, be open, and don’t be afraid to ask someone to put in a good word for you.

11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name?

My instagram is @lulusoni, no twitter and Facebook is just my name.

12. Is Social Media easy or challenging for you?

Sometimes it’s easy and feels right to share and other times I feel conflicted about putting energy into it. It’s a great medium to inspire and stay connected but it’s also really important to unplug and remember to be in the present moment. Get off your phone and go to yoga! ;)

Garrett Steagall inspires us!

I was first in the presence of Garrett in a yoga class that we took together. He moved through the asanas as though he was dancing to the rhythm of his heart.  

Luckily, I ended up taking his class the following week and can whole-heartedly say that his heart is in teaching too. 

He shares his yoga journey with us. So inspiring!

How long have you been teaching? 

I have been teaching yoga for 8 years.

2. What motivated you to start?

What have you learnt from teaching? 

I’ve learned that we must take our time! Everybody wants the results so fast. YOGA has taught me to embrace the process and enjoy journey. If you practice consistently and take your time the body will begin to open up. You will start to witness change in the physical and mental body but also the in your everyday life. 

I’ve learned that when we bring our attention and awareness to our  “Breath”, we begin to discover the power and possibilities of the mind and body. I’ve learned that when we focus on the breath, we begin to still the fluctuations of the mind, quieting the chatter in the mind.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

My mentor Ka-Ron Lehman Brown inspired and introduced me to Yoga during my sophomore year in high-school. The curiosity to explore the power of the mind, body, breath connection. 

4. How many times a week do you practice?

I practice at least 5 times a week.

5. Who inspires your practice?

My students inspire my practice.

6. Has yoga helped you through something painful? If so, what and how?

Yoga has helped me get thorough my grandfathers passing earlier this year. Yoga has helped me manage my emotions and to understand that we, humans, must learn to detach ourselves from “things” including people. We all want to hold on but at some point we have to let go. Let go and believe greater is coming and that death is apart of the circle of life.

7. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

It’s necessary that I practice yoga because it keeps me balanced, physically, mentally and emotionally. When I am balanced, I am happy :-).I practice yoga because it is my duty to continue to empower, promote and uplift the world through the yogic experience.

8. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

I encourage my students to live in optimum health physically, mentally and spiritually. I encourage my students to slow down and be patient. Yoga is a lifetime experience. Don’t rush, take your time. We must be mindful and patient with ourselves. With continued practice, all will come.

9. Where are you currently teaching?

Hot Spot Yoga in Sheepshead Bay,

Hot Spot yoga Williamsburg

Yoga Tribe Brooklyn in Park slope

Family of Light Holistic Center

10. What are the best ways that you have learnt of approaching studios that you would like to teach at?

I've learned that it is best to go and take class at the studio you want to teach at and learn about the studio and their method and how they operate their studio. Get involved, see if the energy is right for you. It’s all about the energy.

11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name?

Instagram @Gstegs & @YogiG Twitter: GstegsFaceBook: Garrett H.T Steagall FaceBook: Steagall Arts

12. Is Social Media easy or challenging for you?

Social media is easy however it has its challenges! You have to stay relevant, make consistent post and updates so that your viewers stay connected with what you’re doing. You have to create new material for people to see. You have to expose “YOURSELF” so everyone can see.

Bridgett Ane Goddard is most certainly inspiring!

What a pleasure it was when I met Bridgett Ane! We were both in teacher-training at The Lighthouse Yoga School. 

Her passion for yoga is evident in her postures, which seem so effortless and seamless. Her knowledge and care is infectious and inspiring! 

1. How long have you been teaching?

Since 2005

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

I was asked to teach a series of private sessions for Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams - and very nervous but also happy my yoga school owners believed in me enough to have me teach Destiny’s Child. Over the years, I have learned how we are all uniquely the same, ultimately working toward balance and doing the best we can. I’ve become a more patient person, more forgiving, more accepting and continue to learn new ways to LOVE.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

Jared McCann taught me to let go of everything, holding faith that with practice all is coming and with more frequent, creative & diverse practice I experience much more joy and fun in both my practice and personal life.  

4. How many times a week do you practice? 

I practice 6-7 days a week. At least a little bit every day makes me feel better! I practice Hot Yoga 3-4 times a week, Vinyasa 2-3 times a week usually but sometimes more or sometimes less. 

5. Who inspires your practice?

The students I teach, the teachers who teach me and our fellow yogis around the world - so many people & places to receive inspiration!

6. Has yoga helped you through something painful? If so, what and how?

Yes, I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder in 2008 - it’s usually unheard of but doctors are now saying as many as 12 million people are suffering from Interstitial Cystitis - so many people and such little awareness! The pain I was suffering was coming in waves and knocking me flat out every 30 days or so and sometimes for as long as 3 weeks at a time.  I took a break from yoga at first as I was so scared my practice was worsening my symptoms but that was not the case.  When I drew up enough courage to get back in the hotbox, I had no choice but to take it super easy and was delighted to find myself more flexible and not surprised to find my strength and stamina lessened.  While my physical strength was missing, I tapped into more mental strength and determination.  There is great power in practicing self-control and yoga helped me tap into my mind in this way and it became easier to make better dietary choices.  I was on a strict diet for two years and lost a lot of weight but then I gradually gained and returned to my ideal weight.  A huge part of my healing was realising the necessity of drinking high quality water as well as supplementing with key & trace minerals.  Practicing yoga in the hot room lessened my inflammation and helped me realise how negative self-talk was exacerbating my suffering.  I learned though yoga to express gratitude, even for the pain. As, it made me slow down and relax more deeply in my mind and body, to be more accepting, forgiving and practice faith in myself, my health, wellbeing and yoga practice. I decided not to take any medication for my condition, having spoken to several women who’d been on the meds for years and had all kinds of additional medications to deal with all the terrible side effects of the drugs doctors suggest for it. Yoga is the best medicine in the world; it helped me stay open and receptive to natural healing alternatives and utilise my self-control to maintain a balanced and healthy life. 

7. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

Yoga practice is necessary for me so to ensure I am the best version of myself.  I am so grateful to (without medication) be able to reduce inflammation, flush out my organs, stimulate and regulate hormones & biochemicals in my body and brain so I feel more relaxed and happy in my life.  When I practice yoga, I look younger and feel better.  It’s SO simple! 

8. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

That we have infinite potential within us all and that through yoga practice we ultimately realise this to be true and are able to make a real difference in the world around us and help each other move toward balance more gracefully. 

         9. Where are you currently teaching?

In the UK, Yoga in the Lanes in Brighton, Hot Yoga Society & Bikram Yoga London.

10. What are the best ways that you have learnt of approaching studios that you would like to teach at?

Show up!  The best way is to be present, take a class, introduce yourself to the teacher before and express gratitude after - to be open, friendly and persistent. 

              11. What is your Instagram, Twitter           and Facebook name?

bridgettane on IG - no Tweets for me - FB Yoga in the Lanes and/or Bridgett Ane Goddard

12. Is Social Media easy or challenging for you?

Social Media can be fun and easy when I use it more for creative and/or personal expression/connection but when using it for business, I find it a bit more challenging. 

Damian Joseph opens up to us about his yogic inspiration.

I feel honoured to be able to feature Damian Joseph this week. His passion for yoga is very real and it translates into humility, kindness and durability. 

He opens up to us about his practice. Allow yourself to be inspired; 

1. How long have you been teaching?

After spending a month in the mountains of Nasik in India, I completed my first yoga certification in January 2014. I did not start teaching until I completed my second certification in New York two years later and felt more confident with myself and my practice. Now teaching yoga is my way of life and I'm loving it.

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

My friend Kashiek dragged me to do this 'strange thing called yoga' and I immediately fell in love with the practice.

I felt a deep sense of peace and the urge to share the love I experienced became stronger. So then, I decided to get my certification. In as much as I am a teacher, I am also a student. I am always open to new experiences and approach every situation and person that I meet with love and compassion.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

Everytime I take a yoga class, I walk away with something.  Depending on where I am in my life, messages resonates differently. It's in the gap that we allow the connections to take place. A fellow teacher once said during class that, "The mirror was there for alignment - not for judgment." This has been one of the most profound lessons that I have learnt.

4. How many times a week do you practice?

I incorporate yoga into my everyday living whether it's meditating, going for a jog, treating myself to a cup of cappuccino in a cozy cafe, calling an old friend or taking a yoga class. Yoga is my life and life is yoga.

5. Who inspires your practice?

New students always inspire me because they bring a certain level of openness that I find refreshing.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

Having a daily practice of yoga keeps me equanimous. I try to respond as opposed to reacting to life's situations and live in the moment - this moment. 

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

It is through our cracks that we let light in. I connect to my personal truth and teach from that place, sometimes it's painful but that is the place I find my voice. Whatever challenges I'm working on in my personal life, I allow myself to face it then it's easier to talk about it. Also if I get inspiration from someone or something I sometimes share those messages while teaching.

8. Where are you currently teaching?

I am currently teaching Hot Yoga and Vinyasa Power Yoga at different studios in the New York City area.

9. What are the best ways that you have learnt of approaching studios that you would like to teach at?

If you want to work for a particular studio you must SHOW UP. Volunteer your time, help clean mats, check guest in or even stay back after the last class and offer to clean the studio. Be active, be honest, be passionate, the opportunities will follow.

10. Has yoga helped through some painful? If so, what and how?

A good friend of mine recently died tragically and I felt a lot of pain having heard this news. However through the practice of yoga, I was able to allow myself to feel the sadness and pain of this loss without becoming attached to these emotions. Through the awareness of my breath I am able to keep his memory alive.

11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name?

Damian Joseph Yoga is both my Instagram and Facebook name.

12. Is Social Media easy or challenging for you?

After many years of being inactive on social media, I am finally back on and excited to recreate my presence. I find that social media is easier now as I have removed my mental block and I am willing to be vulnerable and transparent.  We live in the age of technology, therefore it is imperative to go with the flow in order to keep current with our times.

This is why Mathieu Boldron inspires

Thank goodness that Mathieu Boldron is a part of the yoga community. He has a passion and thirst for yoga that is infectious and humbling. He definitely inspires people and yogis around him.  

Now, let him inspire you. 

1. How long have you been teaching?

I've been teaching yoga for about 5 years

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

I got burned out from years of musical theatre when I started teaching yoga. It was my new way to express and share something deeper. My voice was broken because of too many shows and gigs on tv.
Teaching taught me that we have the power to help a lot of people change their perspective and transform if we practice and live what we teach on a daily bases.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher? Teachers and teachings are all around constantly. If you want to teach classes, take classes, you want to teach workshops, take workshops, you want to teach retreats, take retreats, if you want to teach trainings, take trainings. There is so much to learn. The more you learn the less you know.

4. How many times a week do you practice?

Every single day 24 hours a day.

5. Who inspires your practice?

The number of people around the world suffering inspire me to be the best version of myself by practicing so I can light up at least people around me.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

The world needs more teachers so the more we practice the more confident we feel in passing the fruit of our experiences. Practice is a lifestyle versus a style-of-life. So, to share from a place of authenticity is necessary to incarnate what I'd like to give.

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

I want people to awake themselves to a higher level of sensitivity, consciousness so they can see better, and make better choices for themselves and for their life. The more we learn to get control on what drives us crazy in life, the more we understand the ego, the conditioning and the corruption happening in our society. We can then integrate our personality better and become an inspiration to unify people around the True Self.

8. Where are you currently teaching?

Right now in Bali, then turkey, Greece, Paris and Mexico.

9. What are the best ways that you have learnt of approaching studios that you would like to teach at? Years ago it would simply be take classes at their studio and today is more about word-of-mouth.

10. Has yoga helped you through something painful? If so, what and how? Yoga asana has cured so much problems in my physical body: back problems, voice problems, allergies and food imbalance. In my mind: trust issues, power of decision and limited beliefs

11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name? mathieuboldronyoga on IG FB and Twitter.

12. Is Social Media easy or challenging for you?

I'm getting better at it. It used to be challenging in the past. But I understand now better how I can use it to share with more people the powerful yoga medicine.

Kristen Sweeney expands on her yogic inspiration.

I am so grateful to know this woman and yoga teacher, Kristen Sweeney. I have taken many of her classes and it is apparent that she is a great yoga teacher. She has a passion, yearning and love for yoga.  

And, let's find out why...

1. How long have you been teaching?

Since 2011.

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

I knew I wanted to start teaching after I had been practicing hot yoga (Bikram) about a year. I considered doing the Bikram training but opted for vinyasa instead. At the time, I was an actor living in NYC. In between acting jobs, I was making money as a caterer, personal assistant, receptionist, restaurant host, etc. None of these things were particularly fulfilling, and the highs of booking those acting gigs weren't sustaining me through the in-between times. I wanted to teach yoga because I realized that it would be something I could that would be rewarding and fulfilling every single day. Becoming a teacher has taught me a lot. It's called me to step up to the responsibility of caring for the students in my room. It's pushed me to learn more about yoga in every aspect, from anatomy to philosophy. Probably the most important lesson I've learned as a teacher is the value of living yoga when I'm not in a class (I think of that as the practice of living).

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

So much! There have been teachers who illustrated creative class sequencing that inspires me to mix things up and innovate, and teachers who really lead by example when it comes to letting go of your ego, and so many teachers along the way who inspire me with their commitment and dedication to their practice, however that manifests for them.

4. How many times a week do you practice?

I try to get my butt to an actual class 4 times a week. I move my body, connect to my breath, and ground myself in the present every day, so I guess it depends on your definition.

5. Who inspires your practice?

Students, hands down.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice? Oh, I get so cranky if I don't practice regularly! :) For me, practicing yoga has a funny way of bending time. So if I think I'm too busy to get to class, but I go anyway, it seems like everything I had to do rearranges itself to all get done with plenty of time. Yoga makes me calmer, happier, and healthier.

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

That the practice of yoga goes beyond the mat, and is really a practice of living.

8. Where are you currently teaching? I am in the Boston area, teaching at: Coolidge Corner/Sadhana Yoga, JP Centre Yoga, Om Births, and Healing Tree Yoga.

9. How has yoga helped your character develop?

It's forced me to be more honest with myself, more aware of my habits and patterns, and more willing to sit with being uncomfortable during periods of change.

10.What has kept you practicing all these years?

Yoga is really the bedrock of my life. It's the foundation that informs and supports who I am.

11. How do you take use yoga practice in your daily stressful life? When my mind is starting to spiral out into unhelpful thought patterns, I get into my body. When I feel overwhelmed, I pause and take some breaths. When I'm making decisions, I'm guided by the principles of truth, honesty, and integrity.

12. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name?  Instagram: @edgeofthemat, Facebook: /edgeofthemat and for teachers, I have a Facebook group called "Yoga Teachers Who Mean Business"

Brian Arsenault is full of inspiration

Being in Brian's presence, one feels like there is a deeper meaning to life. Who wouldn't want to be taught by someone who gets it? And by 'IT', I mean the devotional aspect of why we practice.  

Please, be inspired! 

 1. How long have you been teaching?

I've been teaching for a little less than two years.

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learned from teaching?
A few years ago, I was in a rough place mentally and physically. I started going to yoga classes everyday and not only did these classes leave my body feeling great all day, but the practice gave me a new outlook on my life and helped improve my mood. During the classes, the teachers would announce the upcoming teacher-training. A few of the teachers kept suggesting that I do the teacher-training. Having felt strong benefits from the practice of yoga, I wanted to help show others the benefits of the practice. From teaching others, one thing I’ve learned that currently comes to mind is anatomy and the teacher’s responsibility to protect their students. Students put a lot of trust in their teachers. Because of the power dynamic, students will often do whatever the teacher tells them to do, even if they don’t realize or know that the movements or instructions are harmful to their bodies (whether in the short term or in the long term). Having seen teachers guide students through sequences that I think can be anatomically harmful and say things to students that I feel can be dangerous, I’ve tried to learn more about anatomy, sequencing, and modifications.

3. What is something that you have learned from a fellow teacher?
From Brian Nygard. That you don’t have to be liked by everyone. Having people like you is not necessary. What is important is challenging the students. Benefitting them. Telling them the truth in a supportive and gentle way. Being a teacher isn’t always about being a student’s best friend, but helping them to learn about themselves. Strengths and also weaknesses, so that they can decide what they want to practice.

4. How many times a week do you practice?
Managing and teaching many classes make it challenging to find the time to fit in my personal practice. I get to take 5 or so classes every week, but I try to carve a little bit of time every day for myself to do something. It could be seated meditation for 15 minutes or an hour vipassana sitting. Some days it’s lying down in a supported fish for 15 minutes, some days it’s practicing nauli kriya when I first wake up.

5. Who inspires your practice?
Myself. Everyone.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?
There are many reasons. In terms of the long term, the health of my spine, hips, and knees are very important to me. Typically though my drive to practice comes from the desire for my body to feel good and opened up all day long. Improved compassion, patience, and mental clarity are all reasons for me to practice as well. And to top it all off, I can sleep better at night.

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?
That you can be soft. That you can slow down. I feel like many of us go through life at high speeds and with a lot of tension. These things can cause stress and strain on our relationships, and prevent us from experiencing/appreciating all that life has to offer us. Slowing down and softening your body (as well as your mind and breath) can be transformative.

8. Where are you currently teaching?
NP Rock Yoga in New Paltz, New York, and at Jewel City Yoga in Brooklyn.

9. What are the best ways that you have learned of approaching studios that you would like to teach at?
There are a few things that go into approaching a studio that you would like to teach at. At first, evaluating whether you want to teach at that studio is key. Do I like the vibe of this studio? Does this studio’s philosophy on yoga match up with my own? Do I have something I feel like I can offer that would be beneficial to the students? Then, I have found that taking class at the studio is helpful. Especially if you take the manager’s or owner’s classes. Introducing yourself without sounding needy or aggressive is important. Once it feels right, asking if there are any sub opportunities is a good idea.

10. Has yoga helped through some painful? If so, what and how?
Absolutely. I think movement and meditation can be medicinal. Breathing with your feelings (whether it be pain, sorrow, depression, anger), forces you to acknowledge what is going on in your mind. In acknowledging, you’re not pushing these feelings into your subconscious where they can fester. Realizing that these feelings are not only impermanent, but that they don’t have to become you, is huge. Impermanence is a transformative concept that I really got to experience through vipassana meditation. Everything changes. Nothing is permanent.

11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name?
Instagram: arsenault9991

12. Is Social Media easy or challenging for you?
I feel like I grew up in a generation where social media is ubiquitous and the skills to use it are almost innate. That notion combined with my comfort with technology makes social media not too challenging for me. I understand it’s importance and how to use it, but sometimes can definitely struggle with broadcasting/marketing myself or putting myself out there.

Meet, Rasheda Charles! If you don't know her, get to know her.Because once you do you will be inspired...

Photo by vir2ualrealuty

Rasheda Charles oozes of love, light and peace. I am grateful to say that I am one of her biggest fans, everything about her is inspiring. I highly recommend taking her class because it is most definitely worth it. She has also just opened up her own studio in Qatar, Congratulations!

1. How long have you been teaching?

I've been teaching for 5 years.

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

This many sound corny and cliché, but I really wanted to change the world. I was unhappy and was laid off from my final attempt at working a corporate gig and had been attending a great little yoga studio in Brooklyn called Jaya Yoga Center, every day. I was just so unhappy. I was sure that I wasn't living my purpose. One day this really old lady interrupted my savasana-literally stood over me and said, "I see you all the time. You're here almost every day. You should consider teaching. You look like you'd be a good teacher." I think of her as one of my angels now because she was right. I had been going to that studio every day but i'd never seen her before and I no lie, I never saw her again.  I thought to myself, wow, I'm here all the time because, in addition to these asanas the things that the instructors talked about, I carried with me after class. I started to apply what I learned off the mat and no, life didn't turn into a giant cake walk, but I was able to live a more stress free, I worried less, was more grateful and it felt so good. The more I focused more on the positive, it seemed like the more positive my life became. And more grateful I became, the more blessings seemed to come. It was about connecting to a higher frequency, a higher vibe and I remember laying thinking, wow! if I can teach my friends this, we'd have such better relationships and less stressful lives. That's how it started, just me thinking about me and my friends and our highly stressful, career driven, conflicted families and personal lives.

That year, I completed my first yoga teacher training.

Teaching has taught me that we all are just trying to do our best. We're all in different parts of the journey and to be ok with that. It has also taught me about perspective. I try my best to take the good from every experience, and either learn or leave behind the rest.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

One of my most valuable lessons was that it's all karma. Take the good and leave the rest.

4. How many times a week do you practice?

Asana 5x/week. I try to meditate every day, even if it's just 5 minutes. I remember reading somewhere, very early on, Eckhart Tolle said one conscious breath in and out, is a meditation. That's always stuck with me, so I feel like one can always find time for at least one conscious breath. No excuses.

5. Who inspires your practice?

I'm inspired by good people. The everyday people that I meet in passing that share a smile, or that I see doing good work. I'm inspired by Martin Luther King, Ghandi, Mother Theresa. I'm inspired by my maternal grandmother, who marched on Washington with Martin Luther King. I'm inspired by my paternal grandmother, who took in and raised her sister's child, even after she found out that the child was fathered by her husband-yeah let that sink in. (My grandfather had an affair with my grandmother's sister and she raised the child that was the product of that affair.) I'm inspired by many of the public school teachers I used to work with in Harlem that were ridiculously underpaid, but still went out of their way to buy clothes for kids that needed them, give hugs to that kindergartener who didn't have a good night at home because their mom and dad work the night shift and crazy hours and they're left to be cared for by older siblings, or they have to look out for themselves. I'm really inspired by everyday folk who are kind of Spirit and generous of heart. I always try to live up to that. It makes me want to work harder, so I can try harder to live up to that.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

I practice for my sanity! Lol But seriously, I practice to keep connected to my Spirit and my purpose. 

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

My message is asana practice is not yoga. Yoga is how you live your life off the mat. I could care less how straight or how high your leg is in standing bow, if you're a dick when you step off your mat, because then the intention of standing bow, which is a heart opening and hip opening asana (heart and hips both are the gateway to releasing deep seeded emotional baggage) is lost. You might as well be doing gymnastics.

8. Where are you currently teaching?

Actually, I'm currently teaching in Qatar and exploring the idea of opening a studio in Doha, Qatar. However, I'm based in Brooklyn, NY and when I'm there, I teach at Yoga Tribe Brooklyn with an awesome squad of teachers in a great yoga community. I'm really blessed with that.

9. How has yoga helped your character develop?

Yoga has helped me develop my character because Its like a guide. Little things I can ask myself to check in with myself. Sometimes I'm on point many times, I see I have a long way to go. ☺️

10.What has kept you practicing all these years?

I keep practicing because my life just keeps getting better. I smile more, I give more and my heart just keeps growing. There's nothing better than that! I couldn't imagine going back to my life pre yoga. I was angry and would anger at the drop of a dime. My parents divorce was bitter and brutal and terribly long and drawn out. It left me jaded, hurt, cold and scarred. Yoga has taught me that that wasn't about me and it helped me cultivate enough compassion to not only forgive my parents, but to let that shit go. It was all my karma anyway and had totally nothing to do with them. That's a toughie. Learning that everything that happens to you is your karma-I'm still working on that. :)

11. How do you take use yoga practice in your daily stressful life?

Let's just begin with this: yoga is not asana alone. Yoga is a way of life and there are 8 pillars that help you along this journey. Asana is just one of the eight.

For me, the first two pillars are employed the most. Yama, the first pillars speaks to One's ethics and integrity & Niyama, the second limb of yoga, deals with the self discipline and spiritual observances and is what use most in my day to day life. Speaking the truth (satya), and being content (Samtosa) with what I have and being mindful of my spending habits (do you really need 60 pairs of shoes? And yes I was that girl. ☺️) are practiced everyday. Another one is cleanliness (Saucha), yes, how you take care of your body speaks volumes of ones yoga practice "off the mat." Lastly but definitely not least my breathing has helped me so much. Every take a subway in NY, in the morning, during rush hour? Yeah, consciously breathing, deeper, slower and with more gratitude, I easily overlook people literally pushing you out of the way for a seat than I could have ever imagined before I leaned the patience and happiness cultivated through my yoga practice. And you would be surprised how smiling at someone who just basically elbowed you out of the way, lol, also makes them more conscious. They even stop for a minute and look at you puzzled, or stop a smile back or for the ones that do, now your yoga has effected someone else is a positive way, and maybe just for that moment brighter their day, what could possible be better than that?!! 

12. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name?

Instagram: Bikramcurlsandcurves

Facebook: Rasheda Charles 

I'm working on Turing my Facebook page into a business page and being more active on FB. But I'm active on IG. I really like that platform and love connecting with people on there. I post my schedule and pics pretty regular, which wasn't easy for this super private Scorpio in the beginning, but the page has evolved into a great, safe, honest space where I try not to get too political, 😜while still speaking my truth and I'm really proud of that.

Daniel Mullaney inspires us with his continual yoga practice

Image by Chris Davis

Daniel Mullaney is so inspiring. The classes that he teaches are balanced out with his own experience, the body and the breath. Although I took his class a while ago, I remember leaving inspired.  

Now let him inspire you... 

1. How long have you been teaching?
I have been teaching yoga for two years.

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

I didn't intend to teach when I did my first teacher-training. I wanted to deepen my practice and probably thought I could somehow "win" yoga! When I did teach my first class, something clicked. I really enjoyed it. I think ultimately what drove me to start teaching more and what continues to motivate me is the chance to share some of the process I've experienced that has been so beneficial in many areas of my life.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?
To be myself, to teach and speak from my experience.

4. How many times a week do you practice?

I practice daily. Sometime in the morning, sometime later on in the day and usually with a day to rest somewhere in the week.

5. Who inspires your practice?
There are so many sources of inspiration. I get inspired by seeing people do what they love to do, whatever it may be. Passion is infectious. As for yogis,I feel blessed to have had quite a few impactful teachers who continue to guide me. Nikki Carter, Jason Crandall, Yancy Schwartz, Jared McCann, and soo many others have been big sources of inspiration.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?
There's lots of reasons. My mind is loud and quick to shout. My practice, especially meditation, gives me a buffer before I react. When I put in my time , I feel better: physically, mentally and emotionally.

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?
I think this is something that shifts and changes based on where I'm at with my practice or whats going on in the week. For the most part, I want students to be more aware; of their stories, their strengths, their potential, but ultimately, I want them to meet themselves where they are.

8. Where are you currently teaching?
YTTP SF/Berkeley

9. How has yoga helped your character develop?
Everyday I have a chance to get a little more in touch with myself. It's not always stuff I want to get in touch with, but I have the opportunity to be aware and from there I have a chance to accept or become a little more willing to make a change.

10.What has kept you practicing all these years?
There's no end. It's just a continual process with peaks and valleys and something to be learned every step of the journey.

 11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name? @chillwaveyoga

Zoha Vaezi is inspiring, this is her yogic journey.

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

Meet the inspiring Stephanie Acosta

Stephanie is full of life. I love the story of her yogic journey, it is filled with truth and beauty. She radiates and genuinely cares for her practice, those around her and the impact that she is having on the world. 

Her answers are truly inspirational, below!

1. How long have you been teaching?

    It'll make a year in December.

2. What motivated you to start teaching

and what have you learnt from teaching?

    I literally fell in love with yoga instantaneously.I practiced almost everyday and I kept telling myself that I'm not ready, I don't know enough and that I'm too scared to speak to a room full of people. I remember taking a class at YTTP (Yoga to the People) I remember how friendly and real this particular teacher was and I thought to myself: hell yea this could totally be me.They started announcing a teacher training and I finally got the courage to sign up.

      The biggest thing that I've learned from teaching is self care. Its brought such a new found body awareness in me that I never had. As a student, I've always been a, "Push through it" kind of yogi. However, as a teacher I'm just like, "Girl take that childspose now!" It's liberating to be able to take care of yourself in way that simply feels good to you.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

That you don't need to have a certain body to do yoga. If you can breathe then you can do yoga.

4. How many times a week do you practice?

    4-5 days in a studio and the rest is a self practice at home.

5. Who inspires your practice?

  My 2-year-old daughter. She is the greatest joy of my life. She gives me so much life that it honestly makes me want to bring that energy into a studio.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

  It just keeps me level-headed. Its keep me cool, calm and collected. Plus it keeps me from not completely losing my mind when i take the subway 🤣

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

That the magic comes from within. The asanas don't mean a thing without the spirit and the breath. That just being who you are is always going to be enough.

8. Where are you currently teaching?

I teach at Yoga to the People in NY, Sunmoon Yoga in Jersey City, The Shannon Rose (Pints and Poses) 1x a mth(Nj),Yoga at Pelham Bay Park (Bronx), Yoga at Branchbrook Park (Nj) and I also teach privately.

9. How has yoga helped your character develop?

  I feel like i have come into my own the past few years. Diminishing all that isn't good for me has made me a calmer more clear-headed person. Which, ultimately leads me to make better decisions in my life.

10.What has kept you practicing all these years?

    I have such a passion for it . It seriously brings me so much happiness. A happiness that i can't even explain. Theres always something new to learn, always someone new to meet and the community itself is such a joy to be around. I have met some of the best people through yoga.

11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name

@StephanieAcostaYoga

Ksenia Voropaeva lets us in on her yogic path... inspiring!

It is clear that Ksenia is passionate about yoga. However what is more endearing about  her, to me, is her demeanor, poise and posture. Being in her presence, her humility, determination and inner- peace is inspiring to me. 

Be inspired by her too...

 1. How long have you been teaching?
2 years

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

I started teaching because when most things in my life no longer made sense, yoga made more and more sense. I was at a life/career crossroads, unsure of what to do, so I began to strip away the things that were no longer important and focus on what was. Yoga was one of those things and I wanted to share with others.

I've learned (and am still learning!) how to not take myself so seriously. Public speaking is intimidating. Leading others and sharing our truth is intimidating. Lightness and authenticity help. When we trust and share what we love we become a vessel for it to come through.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

I'm lucky to have amazing teachers in NYC. They ALL inspire me to practice and teach because of the impact they've had on me.

One of the things I've learned in different ways from different teachers is that what we practice we become. Want to land a handstand? Practice that handstand over and over, and fall and fail, 10,000 times. Want to feel more connected? Connect to your breath to your body to your self, over and over everyday, even when you don't want to. Want to find purpose? Be of service.

We're always practicing something. Notice what that something is.

4. How many times a week do you practice?

I try to practice daily. Even if it's not a full asana practice, I make time for breathwork, meditation and mantra. It's the small changes over time (often through resistance) that make the difference over a lifetime.

5. Who inspires your practice?

My yoga community - teachers, students, masters past and present. My not-yoga life - friends, family, work, play. Everything is connected.Part of it is self-motivation. What can I do to re-connect to myself, to be more present, to be more compassionate?
And, another big part of it is surrounding myself with people who challenge me. If we're comfortable, we're not growing, and practice is all about growth.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

Haha, for sanity. I used to practice as a physical exercise and mental break maybe once a week. That gradually increased to 2 times a week, then 3 times, then 4 times, 5 times and now daily. I noticed that I feel better when I practice, so I started practicing more often. Over time it became less of a decision to go do a thing, and more of a habit. It's what must be done so I can be my better self. Now I don't really think about it, I just do it. Yoga is sneaky that way.

7. What message do you like to spread by teaching yoga?

This is always changing as I change, but the underlying thread for me is that we are our best teachers. There is no right path, there is no right answer. It's our everyday life, our relationships, the stressful job, the lack of sleep, that crappy thing that happened to us, that teach us. Growth is a constant work in progress.

The power of yoga is not that it gets us into a cool Instagram pose, or to touch our toes, or to sleep better at night (which are all good things). It's much more subtle than that. Its power is in a gradual unveiling that behind all of life's ups and downs there's a stillness within us that cannot be changed by time or circumstance. The practice of yoga is finding our way back to that.

8. Where are you currently teaching?

Currently teaching @yttp and privates

9. How has yoga helped your character develop?

As I become more aware of my mind and body on the mat, I become more aware of my feelings and (re)actions off the mat. Realizing that I am not my sadness / my anger / my frustration (that no one is) helps me move through the world with a little more compassion. It helps me soften around judgements and stories and see that we're all connected, we're all in this together.
My practice has also given me the disciple and confidence to leave my 9-5, to start my own business, to change the way I consume, to reduce my footprint, to grow my own herbs and food. It's a ripple effect. 

10. What has kept you practicing all these years?

Life! And all its craziness. The practice grounds me, gives me a sense of balance, peace and purpose. It's been the one constant in my life over the last decade. As relationships, circumstances, age, health, perspectives change, my practice remains. I'm fascinated by the essence that doesn't change.

And as I aspire to be a good teacher, I must always be a good student.

11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name?

@kseniavo

Arden Goll reveals her inner inspiration.

Arden has been an inspirational teacher to me over the many years. She teaches from an authentic and loving place. Being one of her students has been a pleasure. Here's a glimpse of her essence... 

1. How long have you been teaching?

I started my teaching journey 15 years ago with Ballet when I was 21 and fell in love with teaching and sharing a passion with others so it came very naturally to me when I found yoga to want to teach it and share a new passion. I've been teaching yoga for 5 years.

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

When I found yoga it opened up my world and I wanted to help others experience, explore and find themselves as well which motivated me to want to teach yoga.  I've learned endless things from teaching but most of all that there's no limit to what I can accomplish and what others can accomplish and teach me about life in the process. Because it's all a process and journey we are in together.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

Patience and compassion. It's so easy to get caught up in my own life. So I'm so grateful to have fellow teachers to remind me to stay grounded and to give me a fresh set of eyes to see things through.

4. How many times a week do you practice? I try to make it to 4 group classes a week. But I also do my home practice, meditation, pranayama all week long. I do give myself 1 day a week off not teaching or doing a physical practice, and on that day my yoga might be laundry or mopping or sitting on the beach. Just a nice disconnection.

5. Who inspires your practice?

I don't know if there's a "who" but more of an everything, everyone, myself, my general sanity. I practice so that I can put good back out into the world.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice? My practice keeps me grounded. Coming from a dance back ground I love and live for movement. Tying my body, breath and mind together helps keep me sane.

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

There are so many but I feel the most important message to teach is awareness. First you find the mind, body and breath awareness in yourself then it translates into your life then into your world. Then you see your students applying and using their awareness and that's when the message shifts into reality.

8. Where are you currently teaching?

I teach at The Yoga Room, Chalk Gym, Breakin Boundaries, and Usha Veda

9. How has yoga helped your character develop?

Honestly I'm not a jaded narrow minded selfish bitch anymore. Because I was all of those things and never realized it. Thank you yoga:) The practice made me take a long hard look at myself.

9. What has kept you practicing all these years?

Happiness

10. What is your Instagram and Facebook name?

Facebook: Arden Goll

Instagram: arden_cicada

Brian Nygard speaks inspiration...

I have been truly blessed to know this yogi for the many years that I have. He has taught me the most knowledge  of all teachers that I have had. He has definitely inspired me over the many years and I hope that he can inspire you.

How long have you been teaching?

I began teaching yoga in 2010.

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

I am motivated by my students, friends & teachers and  their commitment to change their patterns and own their circumstances.

I've learned that we have a lot in common. We are made up of the same star stuff. The most powerful thing we have is the story we tell ourselves.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

My teacher Nevine Michaan would say "Stability is not a feeling, it's a measure."

4. How many times a week do you practice?

Daily.

5. Who inspires your practice?

I'm most inspired by my elders. Those I know and those whom I don't. It's seeing wisdom in people who continue to maintain a practice to be well adjusted, light and loving.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

Practice provokes me to face truth and grow. Practice allows me to take responsibility of my future and my present.Practice helps me navigate life with more grace and elegance.

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

The universe is practical, imaginative and well organized. Spot the patterns and you can participate in writing the story.

8. Where are you currently teaching?

Katonah Yoga Bowery

Pure Yoga

Yoga to the people

Yoga Vida

The Yoga Room

9. How has yoga helped your character develop?

Yoga helps me take a pause. Yoga helps me understand others. Yoga reminds me how to get back home.

10.What has kept you practicing all these years?

Patience, curiosity and love.

11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name?

IG: @noticeyourself

Be inspired by Samara Speller...

It is very clear that Samara Speller is beyond her years. She has a thirst to learn about yoga, anatomy and people. And her thirst is inspiring.  

Her yogic journey inspires me and I would like her to inspire you.

Photo by Kristina Kashtanova. IG:@icreatelife_

1. How long have you been teaching?

1.5 years

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

I never had any desire to be at the front of a room full of people, as public speaking has always made me feel ill but the more I practiced and learned the more I wanted to share with others. Teaching has taught me many things. Among them:

a) How to not take things personally: students' facial expressions while they're practicing, their reactions to you/to themselves, feedback/suggestions etc.

b) How rare it is to find a body with no injuries. Everybody's got something so you can never make an assumption about someone's practice just from watching them.

c) Instant forgiveness of self. When I first started teaching I would get completely thrown off and lose my confidence if I made a mistake such as saying right instead of left or hand instead of foot. This kind of self consciousness is selfish because it means I'm thinking more about myself than my students. Teaching taught me how to roll with the punches. I still make little mistakes all the time but I brush them off because it's not about me, it's about them.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

My dear friend Mathieu Boldron taught me about abundance. He told me about another teacher who gave him the advice to only give a little bit of information to students at a time so that they keep coming back for more. I asked him what he thought about that and he shook his head and told me he believes in abundance.

Being stingy or withholding comes from a place of fear, as if there isn't enough success or brilliance to go around. Ever since then I have seen in my own life how the more I give, the more I receive. Only good things can come from generosity.

4. How many times a week do you practice?

5-7 days a week depending on my schedule and how I feel.

5. Who inspires your practice?

The other people in the room. I love practicing in group classes. I usually only have about a 10% visual awareness of the two people on either side of me and 0% of everyone else but I can still hear and feel the presence of everyone moving together and it's magic. It's union. Plus, I'm an introvert so getting to be with other people without the need to talk to them is heaven.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

Because I teach. Every cue that I give in class is something that I do in my practice as well. If I can't feel it in my own body then I would never instruct someone else to.

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

The yoga practice is a tool. Just like any other tool, knowing when, why, and how to use it will get you the most out of it.

8. Where are you currently teaching?

I teach group classes everyday in Brooklyn. Goodyoga in Greenpoint/Bushwick and Lighthouse Yoga School in Williamsburg. I teach privately as well, all over New York City.

9. How has yoga helped your character develop?

It's made me more conscious of my own behavior patterns. The more I become aware of my own patterns the more I see how they affect myself and others. I'm able to see myself in others and others in myself very clearly. Because of this, life has become a lot less dramatic. The jig is up, so to speak. I can't tell stories to myself that I'm a victim or everyone else is crazy or I'm crazy or whatever the case may be because I know none of that is true. Any frustrations I have with anyone else are temporary and will soon be replaced with compassion. Compassion is an equilibrium. It's almost disappointing because being dramatic is fun.

10. What has kept you practicing all these years?

That there is no obligation. I can stop any day I want and that's why I don't. For many people, discipline is what draws them to the practice and keeps them going. "Do it because it must be done." That doesn't work for me. The second I have to do something, I don't enjoy it anymore. I do what I love and that's it.

11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name?

Instagram: @eatdrinksavasana

Website: www.samaraspeller.com

Jennifer Lynn Tune describes to us what inspires her, let it inspire you.

One thing is for sure, Berlin is very fortunate and lucky to have this amazing teacher, Jennifer Lynn Tune. Her classes are consistently filled with love, compassion, a push to your edge and wisdom. 

This is what inspires her practice...

1. How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching since 2012.

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

I had been really curious about teaching for a while but couldn't find the courage to commit to a teacher training. I've got to give credit to Kathryn Maykish who pretty much shattered all my excuses and gave me that final push that I needed. I'm so very grateful for her persistence.

Teaching yoga has taught me so much about authenticity and connection. I've relaxed so much as a teacher over the years. I used to over-prepare and worry about not giving enough to my students but I have learned to shift my focus to truly seeing, listening and showing up for them. If I want to help someone find ease and freedom, I want to be practicing what I preach.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

I've been really lucky to have had so many teachers around me who have consistently pushed themselves to go deeper and not get complacent. I really couldn't point out just one of them. I've learned stillness, trusting the natural intelligence of my body, I've learned discipline and to not fall into negotiating with my own mind. Again and again, fellow teachers have seen potential in me that I couldn't see myself and I'm so grateful for those moments of limitlessness.

I'm really inspired by yogis who embody the idea of "ease inside effort".

4. How many times a week do you practice?

I absolutely love to move, in as many different ways as possible. I like intensity and challenge, so I have to be mindful that I listen to my body. I practice most days but have started to put the focus on meditation over asana.

5. Who inspires your practice?

I don't follow one particular lineage but I definitely gravitate most towards a vinyasa type style of yoga. I find the rhythm of moving with your breath incredibly therapeutic. It usually starts with an idea or a word (like "stability" or "freedom") and then I create a practice around that.

Jared McCann has been a huge influence on me. His classes changed me and opened me up like no other.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

The practice puts things into perspective for me. I've had countless days where I was mulling over a perceived problem, took class and all of a sudden couldn't remember what the issue was. The practice makes my world feel bigger.

It gives me an appreciation for my body that I want to remind myself of, daily.

And most of all, it gives me that feeling of connection that I'm always looking for.

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

I want to do my part to spread the benefits of stillness, pausing, doing less. And being rather Type A myself, I know how challenging the quiet moments can be in the beginning.

There is no one right way to practice. I hope to help students trust their instincts and their body's natural intelligence more. Sometimes the practice is really just how to get out of your own way.

8. Where are you currently teaching?

I recently moved but was lucky to find a great community at Berlin Hot Yoga, where I currently teach Hot, Vinyasa and Yin.

9. How has yoga helped your character develop?

I've definitely relaxed into myself through yoga. Like with anything else, it's a work in progress but it's become so much easier to trust my curiosity and show up fully and honestly.

10.What has kept you practicing all these years?

I really just love to move. I enjoy variety, so I move back and forth between different styles of yoga but I've really never had a problem motivating myself to practice. It just feels so good and there's always another layer to peel back, a way to go deeper. I'm thrilled to be part of the yoga community.

Quazzy inspires us with his 'Quazzy'ness...

I remember teaching Quazzy the breathing sequence his first class. And I am so proud of his evolution as a teacher. The past 3 years, I have watched him improve his anatomy, care for his students and allowed his character to develop. He is clearly inspired and now, let him inspire you.

1. How long have you been teaching?

Summer 2014 - Yoga To The People TT20 baby!

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

My first Yoga class was with a guy named Johnny, and Johnny is a former tough guy turned Yogi Bad Ass. I experienced a yoga class in a way I otherwise thought non existent.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

"Don't Fuck It Up". Unpacking that:

1. Be aware of your students.

2. Know your material.

3. Be helpful in a way that supports the teaching and not the ego.

4. How many times a week do you practice?

I breathe everyday.

5. Who inspires your practice?

God. Kobe. Kanye. The Sag (Saginaw Michigan). Peace. Love. Light.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

Life is inherently practice, and I choose to live because I love.

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

Breathing, and the Subtle Body.

8. Where are you currently teaching?

Yoga To The People and Cross Fit Bridge and Tunnel.

9. How has yoga helped your character develop?

Now, I'm Quazzy Quaz in HD.

10.What has kept you practicing all these years?

The undeniable evidence of change.

11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Faacebook name?

Catch me Earf. Nuff said.

Hali Tsotetsi tells us about what inspires her practice

Image by Alcy Sivyer

Hali has been practicing yoga for fifteen years. She started in her native country, South Africa with The Ashtanga practice. She stopped for a few years and found herself practicing again after she left dance and an unhealthy relationship at the age of 19. Through yoga, she has found acceptance and love that she had never been able to give herself and realized that she was the only one who could make herself happy. She became a yoga teacher and wellness professional five years ago. She has studied with Jared McCann, Joshua Rosenthal, Deepak Chopra, Frank Lipman, Erin Rose Vaughan and many others in the wellness community. She teaches Bikram, Vinyasa, Advanced Vinyasa, Yin and Ashtanga.
Hali was born in New York but raised in South Africa, her parents native country, and England. She has been mentioned in The New York Times, MindBodyGreen and Thrive Global. She also runs BiologiqueLife, an online magazine about living organically. She believes that everyday has been sent to us in order for our souls to flourish through challenge and gratitude.

1. How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching for almost 4 years.

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

I came to a point in my life where I couldn't live without yoga. It may sound like an addiction; however, I live in New York and without yoga, I noticed that my anxiety increased, my stress levels went up and my faith in life narrowed. Yoga helps me expand: my breath, my body and my mind. So, with that in mind, I wanted to be a medium for others to expand too.

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher? From Emalia Dawson, I have learnt that I, as a teacher, can be firm yet nurturing.

From Jared McCann, I have learnt many things but mostly to keep things simple and that I am worthy of what I want. From Yancy Schwartz- years ago- he told us in class to use our intelligence. These words were so powerful to me because yoga helps us access intelligence that we have always had. From Bryan Nygard, I have learnt to keep up with the current anatomy as research is always changing and scientists are discovering new things about the body. From Holly Colino, I have learnt to push myself within reason- she was my mentor during my first TT. I really also learn from every class that I take and I feel very fortunate to be able to practice.

4. How many times a week do you practice?

It depends. Sometimes everyday and sometimes 5 times a week. I don't like to get stuck in rigidity. I know when my body and mind need yoga.

5. Who inspires your practice?

Honestly, this question is a lot more difficult to answer than I thought 😀 The usuals: Kino McGregor, Jared McCann and Talia Sutra- of course. However, the conversations that I have with my friends about yoga inspire me, truly. My friends in the yoga community are people that I cherish so much and I am so grateful to have them in my life.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

To stay grounded and be aware of myself. So much damage comes from people being unaware and I want to avoid that. I want to be the best version of myself that I am able to be.

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

To step outside of yourself and to honour the 5000 year-old science of yoga. We are blessed to be able to practice. Up until recently, only a small population was allowed to practice yoga. Now that we have access, we need to be cautious with it. I am an African and even though I started meditating and practicing yoga at a young age, I must be careful not to culturally appropriate and fetishize such a pure practice.

8. Where are you currently teaching?

Taking a minor break from teaching for KindGirlco. and BiologiqueLife.

9. How has yoga helped your character develop?

It's helped me pause and analyze my decisions, without judgement. Knowing that tomorrow, I can do it again differently and that how it was done before was not bad, it just wasn't how I want to do it in the future.

10. What has kept you practicing all these years?

The need to release. For some reason, I have had a challenging time in romantic relationships. A re-occurring trend in my love life is to be left or abandoned from my partner, which has been very difficult; however, yoga has helped me feel supported. Hopefully, I am learning from my mistakes and yoga has helped me deal with them in a way that makes me stronger each time. As I get stronger, I don't put up with disrespect and lack of consideration, from myself and my partner, like I used to.

11. What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name?

Instagram: @halitsotetsi

Twitter: @kindgirlco.

Facebook: Hali Tsotetsi

Mara Lileas tells us about her yogic journey

I am a huge fan of Mara, her positive energy and strength is palpable and contagious. Let it spread to you through this article.

1. How long have you been teaching?

 I've been teaching since 2012.

2. What motivated you to start teaching and what have you learnt from teaching?

A good friend and teacher Ted Caine motivated me to start teaching. I was avoiding it for a while. Making excuses to why I didn't want to try but ultimately I realized at the time, yoga was the one thing in my life that made me feel very happy and very connected not only to myself but the whole amazing universe around me.

Now I see that I can choose to be happy and choose to connect. As a teacher I see a LOT of very different people out there and it's so amazing how many right ways there are to connect with yourself and others, how many right ways there are to stretch and strengthen, how many right ways there are to live your life.

: )

3. What is something that you have learnt from a fellow teacher?

That as you progress in yoga, you can't rely only on sensation. Only labeling feelings as good or bad.  It's important to start implementing measurements, alignment, and geometry into your practice.

4.How many times a week do you practice?

I practice everyday. It's always different, but I do something for myself everyday.

5. Who inspires your practice?

Me : ) and of course the people around me. But, ultimately my practice is a connection between my body and my breath and all the amazing exploration I can do between those things.

6. Why is it necessary for you to practice?

It feels like a great time to really care for myself. To stay openly interested and curious while challenging myself the kindest and most considerate way possible : )

7. What message do you like to spread through teaching?

That connecting with yourself and making time for yourself is wildly important. That there are a lot of right ways to do that, and to let go of judgements and expectations on what that should be. That wether we know it or not our practices affect everyone we come into contact with and we really have the power to ripple out our care and attention from ourselves to others and making this world a better place to be in.

8.Where are you currently teaching?

Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge, Jewel City Yoga, NP Rock Yoga

9.How has yoga helped your character develop? 

Yoga has helped me out of very dark, depressed, and anxious times in my life. And helped me to find a lightness that lets go of judgement and expectations and connects me more to myself. I used to spend a lot of time worrying about others, and what they thought of me. Yoga helps me to practice letting that go.

10. What has kept you practicing all these years?

Everyday is a new day. A new body. A new practice. There's so much to explore!

11.What is your Instagram, Twitter and Facebook name?

Insta:marbq

      FB: Mara Lileas

  No twitter yet

Image from NP Rock Yoga website.