What’s your favorite part of your work?
A favorite part of my work, is that I am constantly offered the opportunity to slow down and connect with others and myself. I am regularly gifted moments of presence, spaciousness, and intimacy within myself and the honor of witnessing my students experiencing the same.
What’s your least favorite part of your work?
Saying no., I am invited to share my work in many communities, to write about it, to do projects. My knee jerk reaction is to say yes to every opportunity. Because, I really want to do it all…. But, when I do too much, it’s not good for me, my family, or my students. Too much travel and extending outward is depleting and I need to constantly remember to pull back and refill my own well.
What still excites you and keeps you engaged with teaching yoga?
I love studying all the neuroscience and western research on mind body practices that has been rolling out over the past decade. Another thing that keeps me excited and engaged – is creating room for students to ask questions in class. When my students ask questions or share ideas – It allows me to teach spontaneously and creates an opportunity to relate how the practice can directly apply to our lives and to the actual moment we are in together. The spontaneity frees me up to make things more relevant and relatable. My best work is not planned.
If you didn’t teach yoga, what else would you do?
I left publishing to teach yoga. So maybe I’d still be in publishing in some capacity. But…If I ever go to school again I’d study neuroscience or psychobiology. I’d also love to do more writing and photography.
What are you excited about learning next?
I am always reading and studying Mind Body Health and Healing. So I’m forever excited about continuing that. I am also feeling like some day I need to learn the harmonium.
What’s your finest advice for a newer teacher?
Practice. Every day. Practice your on your own and study with others. And always make room for it to evolve. When you teach, share the practice that works for you. Not something you think is popular or that you think others want you to teach. If you teach your ‘own’ practice, your authenticity will be felt, and you will make a very powerful impact on those who resonate with you.
Evolutionary biology or god(s)?
The truth is, I don’t know.
I do not know why there is “something” rather than “nothing.”
But I imagine there is an underlying energy beyond our “understanding.”
And a that we are all a part of this continuum of energy.