Finding Yoga in the Heart of Winter
Before we dive into the article, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Charlotte, and I’ll be writing some blog posts for MyYogaTeacher.com . I’m beyond excited to share my words with you, starting with my yoga journey:
When I was in high school, I was constantly focused on body image. There were myriad ways to spend my time better than worrying about how I dressed, how I looked, and a number on the scale— but due to a mix of tabloid magazines and TV shows, that is what I thought about.
I was also obsessed with exercise, and because of this my mom got me a book on yoga poses. It was probably her not so subtle hint to slow down, to enjoy these years where the biggest thing I had to worry about was school. And it worked— kind of. I followed some of the poses in the book, and eventually did stop obsessing over looks and popularity. I enjoyed my high school years.
Seemingly, I forgot about the book and about yoga in general until a friend asked me if I wanted to go to a hip hop yoga class at a studio near my college. I said “sure”, and was absolutely blown away. Not only were the intense vinyasa poses set to hip hop beats, but it was blacklight yoga! That made the experience seem like a spiritual party— the white leggings I’d worn glowed and the room was vibrant with color. At the end of the class, sweaty and subdued after a perfect savanna, I had changed my mind about yoga. It was really cool.
That fondness, and the studio, stayed in my heart as I trained for obstacle course races and half marathons. Then, post-college, I was on a trail run after work one day when I fell hard on my ankle. Running the rest of the way down the mountain wasn’t the hardest part. The hardest part was learning I’d fractured my ankle, and that I’d have to take it easy for a while.
Exercise had been my one outlet for stress, and it had empowered me to see myself and my body outside of just physical looks. Over the years, I saw my body as something that could take me through mountains, races, and more. I wanted to run ultramarathons, and now that vision was slipping away from me.
But the universe provided as it always does. A friend from college who I hadn’t seen in years reached out to me— the studio that I loved was offering a month for only $45. We started going every day. We were absolutely hooked. We grew inseparable, and yoga was a huge part of our friendship. It made us as close as sisters, and to this day, even when we live in other states, we are just as close.
Yoga became my routine— no day was complete without it. Having instructors who knew me by name, who cared about my journey, brought me closer to my yoga practice every day. Soon I learned they were offering a teacher training, and I leapt at the opportunity. I’d known I wanted to change career paths for a while, and this came at the perfect time.
Yoga Teacher Training, or YTT, was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. I was working overtime at my job as an art teacher, and weekends were spent doing the training. Beyond that, it was the winter in Boston— and with that came cold, snowy weather that sucked the energy out of the city. I wanted desperately to curl up in bed for a whole day with a book and a chai latte, but I couldn’t. Still, it was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
As the spring arrived, so did our graduation. Soon I taught classes and transitioned to teaching full time. This was in 2017 and I’ve been teaching yoga ever since.
My yoga journey has brought me so many positive people that I now call friends. It took me out of my college years, where even though I kept myself in shape I drank heavily and didn’t treat my body well. Yoga gave me a profession that I adore, and a confidence that comes with breaking the normal career route.
I’ve taught yoga in four states now, and I cannot wait to teach it in more. One day I’d like to run yoga retreats in Costa Rica or Panama, somewhere that feels like an escape. Some days I feel exhausted, but I’ve had so many clients come up to me and tell me that I helped them heal from injuries, or I taught them how to love their body just the way it is. That keeps me going no matter what.
I don’t look like a traditional yoga teacher, or even a traditional yogi. I’m in shape, but I’m also curvy. I have rose-colored hair and a few tattoos. I’ve seen very few people that look like me in yoga magazines and Lululemon ads. But that’s okay.
You don’t have to look one way or another to be a yogi. You don’t have to dress a certain way, or believe in a certain thing. We have people in yoga who practice the spirituality right down to their diet (vegan and Ayurvedic), and others who come in wearing vintage rock and roll t-shirts and hot pink bike shorts.
The only thing you need to be a yogi is to try yoga. Let yourself fall in love with it. Let passionate, educated teachers guide you through poses and meditations. You don’t need to change who you are, but you might just change your life.
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{"slug":"finding-yoga-in-the-heart-of-winter","recentPosts":[{"id":"cldebisqj8am10bk2riasiyyy","slug":"self-love-yoga-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event: Empower Yourself This Valentine’s Day","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Empower yourself this Valentine's Day with our Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event. Find inner peace and self-acceptance through yoga and meditation practices","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-27T09:24:55.671424+00:00","coverUrl":"rvpz4az7wyk8pdo4fvyg.png","content":{"text":"Announcing our free Self Love Event February 13-14!\\n\n\\nEmbrace yourself and practice self love this Valentine’s Day and every day with the help of MyYogaTeacher’s expert yoga teachers.\\n\\nYoga has been a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth for centuries, and self-love yoga is no exception. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-doubt, self-criticism, and negative self-talk. Self-love yoga can help to change that by promoting self-acceptance and self-compassion.\\nThis special yoga and meditation event\\n focuses on building self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-compassion through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices.\\nSelf-love is the foundation of all healthy relationships, including the relationship with ourselves. Without self-love, we cannot truly love and accept others!\\n\n\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Self Love Event:\\n\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\\n\\n\\nNurturing Relationships Through Self Love \\n\\nMonday, February 13 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\n\\nSelf love isn’t selfish! It’s critical to creating deeper, more meaningful relationships and becoming the best version of yourself you can be! Join us in this discussion based self love class with a guided meditation and walk away prioritizing your health and happiness!\\n\n\\n\\nEmbrace Yourself: Balancing the Heart Chakra\\n\\nTuesday, February 14 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\\nReady to love yourself (and others) more and better? Need more compassion and kindness in your life? Join this yoga for self-love class designed to open your heart chakra and help you walk away feeling empowered to have more meaningful relationships and showing more love\n\\nThis special event will offer a unique opportunity to nurture yourself and discover the power of self-love. Don't miss out on this transformative experience. Sign up today and awaken your inner strength and self-love.\\nAnd don’t forget to check out other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\n\n\\n\\nAnnelise Piers\\n\\n\\nShika Sood\\n\\n\\nSwati Dalvi\\n\\n\\nAbhishek Bodhi\\n\\n\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\n\\nRohan Shroff\\n\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Self Love Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"clczdmysytyzn0ak616x0ikhn","slug":"yoga-for-fitness-event","author":null,"title":"Join the Yoga Movement: Free MyYogaTeacher Yoga for Fitness Event for Everyone!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Join MyYogaTeacher's new free Yoga for Fitness Event starting soon and get fit faster with yoga!","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":["Fitness","HathaYoga","Ashtanga","Yoga","Vinyasa","Hatha"],"createdAt":"2023-01-16T22:27:36.746406+00:00","coverUrl":"fegu2jin0qfhgaefpml6.png","content":{"text":"Are you ready to get fit, flexible, and unleash your inner radiance?! Don’t miss our 3-day FREE Yoga for Fitness Event January 29-31!\\nYoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This event will feature a variety of yoga styles and levels to suit everyone from beginners to experienced yogis.\\nOur authentic, expert yoga instructors from India will guide you each day through sessions focused on improving your physical fitness and overall well-being. Plus, the even is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to come give it a try!\\nHow to join the Yoga for Fitness Event:\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\nDiscover all the best ways yoga can help you get fit fast. So you can live your life to the fullest and move with more ease.\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of yoga for fitness classes dedicated to helping you relax and sleep better.\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n Hatha Yoga for Physical Fitness with Ankit\\n\\nSunday, January 29 at 6:00 am PST/ 9:00 am EST\\n\\n\\nHatha yoga is focused on the physical practice of yoga and is perfect for helping you build strength, get fit, and improve flexibility. Bonus? You’ll feel more relaxed and rejuvenated after this hatha yoga class! Join us for asanas, Sun Salutations, and other strength building poses!\\n\\nFind Fitness in Flow: Vinyasa Yoga with Monica\\n\\nMonday, January 30 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nReady to get fit while finding your flow? The fluid movement of this challenging vinyasa yoga class is perfect for building up a sweat, improving flexibility, and building strength, making it a perfect class for overall fitness! Join us!\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga for Increased Fitness with Sujit\\n\\nMonday, January 31 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nDo you like structure in your yoga class? Need a workout focused on building strength through muscle training? This is for you! Join the ashtanga yoga class designed to help you get fitter and stronger faster!\\nWhether you're looking to improve your physical fitness, reduce stress, or simply try something new, our free yoga for fitness event is the perfect opportunity. So come and join us, and discover the many benefits of yoga for yourself!\\nExperience getting fit in a way that works for you and \\nwith\\n you! We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check out other fitness related yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n\\n\\nShweta Jain\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMonica Agarwal\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nArchana\\n \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Fitness Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clct2nkfx04xw0bk3fr4lrcjp","slug":"yoga-poses-for-osteoporosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis: Maintaining Bone Health","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can prevent and in some cases reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia by stretching and strengthening muscle tissue to rebuild and maintain bone density.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to prevent osteoporosis with a few simple yoga poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:33:31.959847+00:00","coverUrl":"pmkhkhuxo5s9dq2qkevm.jpg","content":{"text":"Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis with Yoga\\n\n\\nIf you suffer from the painful symptoms of osteoporosis, or if you are at risk of developing this limiting disease, there is help (and health) in starting your own regular yoga routine. In fact, doctors are now prescribing yoga as treatment and prevention for osteoporosis and osteopenia, making it an important part of maintaining physical health and wellness throughout your 50s and 60s — and beyond.\\n\\nOsteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions that commonly emerge throughout our later years, and if left untreated they can affect your mobility, bone density, and even your ability to remain self-sufficient. These conditions cause bones to be come weak and brittle, and over time more vulnerable to fractures and even breakage. \\n\\nBut a recent\\n \\n2016 study\\n discovered that yoga can be used in conjunction with other treatments to prevent the loss of bone density and in some cases reverse early onset of osteoporosis. Plus, as an added benefit, yoga is also a low-cost and low-risk treatment option, meaning there is little to lose by giving it a try.\\n\\nHow Yoga Can Treat Osteoporosis\\nThe process by which yoga treats and prevents osteoporosis is simple — through stretching and strengthening your muscle tissue you can build bone density and prevent fractures. Yoga postures exert subtle force upon your bones, prompting them to build up density and become stronger.\\n\\nYoga also improves your balance, which can help prevent falls — which may result in fractures or breakage. Along with building strength and flexibility, yoga also increases your mobility, endurance, and energy levels, helping you stay active no matter your age.\\n\\nIt should be noted that yoga may not cure osteoporosis on its own, and for some advanced cases it may not be effective in reversing this disease. Results vary on an individual basis, depending on your age, bone density, and other factors such as weight and co-existing conditions\\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Osteoporosis\\nIf you’re thinking of starting your own yoga regimen to prevent or reverse osteoporosis, there are a few things you should know. It’s important to first consult your doctor before practicing yoga for osteoporosis or osteopenia, to find out if there are any specific precautions you should be taking and whether or not it’s a safe activity for you. \n\\nPatients with advanced osteoporosis who have suffered fractures, breaks, or acute bone loss may need to avoid practicing yoga. If you’ve recently undergone surgery or if you’re still healing from an injury, you should wait until you’ve fully recovered before getting started.\n\\nMost importantly, you should take care to listen to your body when practicing yoga for osteoporosis. If a particular yoga pose causes pain or strain on your bones or joints, stop for a moment and take a break. Or, try using a modification like a bolster, block, or yoga blanket if applicable.\\n\\nIn their 2016 study, scientists found that the best results for using yoga as treatment for osteoporosis came from regular practice. Try performing yoga poses at least 3-4 times per week, or daily if you can. The more regularly you practice, the more bone density you’ll build, and the more strength and balance you’ll develop in your body.\\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis:\\nIf you’ve been cleared by your doctor to practice yoga and you’re ready to get started, there are some simple yoga poses you can do at home to help prevent osteoporosis. You can also try taking a yoga class specifically designed for patients with osteoporosis. Here at\\n \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, certified instructors can help you stay safe and injury free while giving you the independence to practice yoga in the comfort of your home.\\nReady to get started? \\nFollow the steps below to begin your own personal yoga journey.\\n\\n1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)\\n\\nThe foundation of all balance poses, Mountain pose helps you find stability and improve your posture.\\nStart by standing at the front of your mat. Keep your feet hip distance apart, and you can rest your arms at your sides or bring your hands together in prayer formation. Inhale and feel your chest opening and your collar bones widening as you focus on balancing your weight proportionally on both of your feet. Gaze straight forward and maintain this pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)\\n\\nFrom Mountain pose, you’ll begin to transition into Tree pose to further improve your balance and stability.\\nBring your awareness to your left foot and firmly ground it into the mat. Begin to shift your body weight to your left foot, while gently lifting your right foot. Depending on your ability to balance, you can place the sole of your right foot on your left calf or thigh. As you do this, be sure to keep your pelvis aligned, your spine straight, and your gaze focused forward. Give yourself a moment to steady yourself, and then, if you feel comfortable, press your hands together in prayer formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths and repeat on the other side, then return to Mountain pose.\\n \\n3. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana 2)\\n\\nThis standing pose also improves your balance and builds strength in your legs and core. If you have trouble balancing and wish to modify this pose, try practicing it next to a wall or with a chair.\\nMove to the back portion of your mat and step your right foot forward. Your right toes should be pointed forward and your left (back) foot should be kept parallel with your mat. Bend your right knee at 90 degrees, taking care not to overextend. Your right knee should not move forward past your toes. With your hips evenly squared, stretch your arms out to both sides, so that your right arm extended out in front of you and your left arm behind you. Open your chest and focus on activating your legs so that you are grounded into your mat. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n4. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)\\n\\nThis pose also requires strength and balance, and can be modified by performing it next to a wall. You can also place a block next to your front foot for easier hand positioning. \\nJust like with Warrior II, step your right foot forward for Triangle pose, keeping your left (back) foot parallel with your mat. Inhale and stretch out both your arms the same as in Warrior II, but keep your right leg straight with a slight, soft bend in your knee. As you exhale, hinge at your hip and bend forward, placing your right fingertips on the floor, or you can place your hand on the block positioned next to your right foot. Turn your upper body and reach your left hand toward the ceiling, and either turn your head to gaze up at your hand, or keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Cat-Cow Pose (Chakravakasana)\\n\\nThis pose is excellent for increasing mobility in your spine and hips.\\nMove to a tabletop position on your mat, with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. Feel the stretch in your chest and abdomen. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n \\n6. Locust Pose (Shalabhasana)\\n\\nLike Cat-Cow, Locust improves your spinal mobility with a soft backbend, but in this pose you will also be working your core muscles, glutes, and shoulders.\\nFrom Cat-Cow, lower yourself onto the mat so that you are lying face down on your stomach with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides. On your inhale, strengthen your core and lift your head, legs and arms at the same time, balancing your body on your lower abdomen, pelvis and upper legs. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths, and then relax back onto your mat.\\n \\n7. Child’s Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nAfter the strengthening work of Locust pose, give your body a rest with Child’s pose\\nAfter Locust you’ve likely returned to lying face down on your mat. Press your palms and knees into the floor as if you were rising back into tabletop position, but this time bring your hips back so that your buttocks are resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Extend your arms forward so that your palms are resting on the mat in front of you, and bring your forehead to the mat. Breathe gently and allow your body to fully sink into this pose, supported by the floor. Hold for 5-6 minutes.\\n \\n8. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nAfter practicing the above stretching and strengthening poses, it’s important to let your body fully digest the movement by resting in Corpse pose. \\nCome to a seated position on your mat. Slowly lower your body to the floor, so that you are lying flat on your back with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and bring your focus inward. Bring your awareness to your body and check in with each and every body part, noticing if you feel any tension and allowing yourself to fully relax. Soften your face, neck, and shoulders, and let yourself melt into your mat while visualizing any tension leaving your body. Rest in this post for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["pain_management"]},{"id":"clct29qar2mln09k7b9xhmih5","slug":"8-yoga-poses-for-psoas-pain-relief","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief","subTitle":"Learn yoga poses that target your psoas muscle to relieve pain.","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness\n","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:22:46.336259+00:00","coverUrl":"fitbgltpzxzyqblmzhjg.jpg","content":{"text":"Possibly the most integral muscle group in your entire body, the psoas governs the central functioning of your core. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to move properly, walk, stand, or do much of anything, because the muscles in this group also attach your legs to your spine.\\n\\nIssues with your psoas can be deeply painful, and it’s a difficult area to massage. The psoas major, psoas minor, and iliacus combined make up your iliopsoas, commonly referred as simply the psoas. And when the psoas is unhappy, it can cause symptoms with a range of severity, from slightly uncomfortable to totally debilitating, like difficulty walking or standing upright, lower back pain, and pelvic pain. \n\\nAthletic injuries, prolonged periods of sitting and surgery can affect the health of your psoas, and if you’re experiencing a tight and shortened psoas, it’s likely you’re also suffering from weakness and pain. You can relieve your symptoms and fully recover from psoas issues by stretching and strengthening this important muscle group with yoga. \n\\nHow to Relieve Psoas Pain\\n\\nPsoas pain can affect the entire structure of your body, causing adjoining muscles to become overworked and your posture to become off-kilter, leading to widespread chronic pain. Yoga can help correct issues with your psoas and get you back to feeling balanced again. By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness.\\n\\nIt’s important to also strengthen the psoas to enable your body to function properly. A weak psoas can put enormous strain on your surrounding muscles and joints, and a strong core is essential for your physical health. By lengthening and strengthening your psoas at the same time, you can correct issues and reduce pain.\n\\nIf you’re suffering from a tight or weak psoas, try practicing the yoga poses below on a regular basis to start the healing process.\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief\\n\n\\n1. Low Lunge Pose\\n\\nLow Lunge is an easy pose to start lengthening your psoas muscles, and you can adjust this position to stretch as deeply as you feel comfortable.\\nFrom a kneeling position, start by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. Inhale while reaching your arms over your head, keeping them parallel with the sides of your head. Allow your chest to expand and lengthen your spine. Remember to keep your chin level and your gaze focused straight ahead. Repeat on the other side.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose\\n\\nTree pose strengthens and stretches your psoas muscles by isolating the area building strength through balance.\\nStand in Mountain pose and place your feet hip distance apart, arms relaxed at your sides. Gently shift your body weight to your left foot and bending your right knee, lifting it upward. Place the sole of your right foot on the inside of your left thigh. Keep your spine and head straight, with your gaze facing forward. Give yourself a moment to steady your balance, bring your hands together in Namaste formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths.\\n \\n3. Boat Pose\\n\\nOne of the best asanas for your core, Boat pose strengthens your abdominal muscles for better balance and posture.\\nStart by sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lean back slightly so that your weight is evenly balanced. Inhale, engage your core, and exhale as you lift both your legs to a 45 degree angle, and extend your arms straight out alongside your legs. If this pose feels too difficult, try bending your knees and bringing your hands behind your knees for support. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you hold this pose for 30-45 seconds.\\n \\n4. Knee-To-Chest Pose\\n\\nWhen your psoas is in pain and walking or standing upright feels difficult, Knee-To-Chest pose offers a supine stretch that can relieve your symptoms.\\nLie down flat on your back with your arms at your sides. Inhale, and then as you exhale, bring your right knee to your chest. Thoughtfully extend and stretch your left leg until you feel the tension begin to release from your abs and inside your hip. As you hug your knee to your chest, remember to breathe and focus on allowing your core to fully relax. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Dancer’s Pose\\n\\nLike Tree pose, Dancer’s pose works to strengthen your psoas through balance, with a deep stretch that lengthens all of the muscles in the front side of your torso. \\nStand in the middle of your mat with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Transfer your weight onto your left foot while bending your right knee and grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Lift your left arm up toward the ceiling. Bend at your waist and slowly lean forward, lifting your right leg and engaging your core. You can deepen the stretch by creating some resistance — simply push outward with your right foot while pulling in with your right hand. For better balance, focus your gaze on a fixed point in front of you. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.\\n \\n6. Supported Bridge Pose\\n\\nSupported Bridge pose uses a yoga block to both support your weight and lengthen the muscles in your core and inside your hips.\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent and a yoga block placed nearby. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Take your yoga block and place underneath your lower back, supporting your weight and providing a deep stretch to the frontside of your pelvis. Stay in the pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n \\n7. Reclining Hero’s Pose\\n\\nBy modifying Hero’s pose to a reclining position, you can gently lengthen your psoas and stretch your quad muscles.\\nKneel on your yoga mat and rest your buttocks on the backs of your heels. Sit with your spine straight and inhale, and as you exhale, begin to gently lower your torso to the floor. You can move slowly, lowering yourself onto your back one vertebrae at a time. Rest your hands on your chest or reach your arms above your head to increase the stretch. Once your are resting on your back, you can also bring your focus to your hips and allow them to rise slightly upward for a greater stretch in your psoas minor.\\n \\n8. Cobra Pose\\n\\nCobra pose lengthens your abdominal muscles and releases tension in your lower back.\\nLie on your stomach with your legs extended, arms folded under your head and your chin resting on your forearms. Place your hands at the level of your chest and press down with your hands. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your ribs and align your hands and shoulders. On a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat. Make sure to gaze upward and press your hips into the mat to target your psoas. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest."},"category":[]},{"id":"clckc2txxldwd0ajx6v2ewnfg","slug":"everyday-selfcare-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s Free Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Daily self-care yoga event for relaxation and rejuvenation. All levels welcome. Come find your inner peace and leave feeling ready to tackle the day ahead","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-06T09:47:25.040388+00:00","coverUrl":"sqksdkhom5g0uivl5z2l.png","content":{"text":"Ready to make time and take time for YOU in the New Year? This 2-day event on January 16-17 makes it easier than ever to start and keep a self care routine going.\\nAnd, of course, you’re invited!\\n\\nAlmost everyone is guilty of not putting themselves first most of the time. \\nBut did you know that research shows that self care reduces heart disease, stroke, and cancer? Not to mention that people who have a consistent \\nself care routine\\n are 67% more productive, 71% happier, and 64% more self-confident than those who don’t! \\nThe impacts of a yoga for self care routine are nothing but positive. And there is nothing standing in your way of creating one with MyYogaTeacher’s free event. Imagine how much better you’ll feel and how much more productive you’d be if you just took some time for yourself everyday. Your routine doesn’t have to be time consuming. Even 30 minutes of yoga for self care may make all the difference in your life! \\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we understand creating a self care routine may seem unobtainable at first. That’s why we created this event!\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event:\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\n\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\n\\nWe've put together a schedule of yoga sessions designed specifically to get you started on your self care journey.\\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\n\\n\\nYoga Breathwork: Relaxation and Self Care with Archana\\n\\nTuesday, January 17 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you make time for selfcare? Meditation and yogic breathing are excellent forms of selfcare that you can do almost anywhere or any time! Join us for this relaxing class focused on breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching. Discover how easy it is to take time for you!\\n\n\\n\\nYoga for Self Care: An Everyday Practice with Archana\\n\\nMonday, January 16 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you struggle to make time for self-care? You’re not alone! This beautiful yoga session is designed to help you learn asanas and stretches that you can do every day specifically as a self-care practice. Join us for self-care through yoga!\\n\n\\nWe offer these events so you have the tools and guidance to live in harmony with your inner self, outer self, and the world. So you can move in the world with peace and good health. And so you can be less stressed, more productive, and more \\npresent\\n.\\n\\nExperience the peace that comes from yoga and explore all the tools our expert yoga instructors offer to help you start and maintain a consistent self care routine. We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\n\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Many are perfect for continuing your self care routine long after this event is over. Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n- Ankit Bhatnagari\\n- Abhishek Bodhi\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["yoga"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cl3uq4n3p8gy40bkb6ekztafo","slug":"yoga-for-neck-pain","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Restorative Yin Yoga Poses for Neck and Shoulder Pain","createdAt":"2022-05-31T22:21:04.879358+00:00","coverUrl":"u92rlshwashhjwgeelb0.jpg","content":{"text":"You may hear a lot about yoga for back pain, yoga for joint pain, yoga for lots of different types of pain. That’s why we don’t want to leave out yoga for neck and shoulder pain!\\nYour cervical spine is the most fragile part of your skeletal system! Not only does it hold up your head (about 10-11 lbs!), it is also the least protected of any other part of your body. Think about it. If you’re in a car accident, your neck area is one of the primary areas of injury. \\nMany\\n types of accidents can cause injury to your cervical spine. Additionally, your shoulders are connected to your neck area. So injuries to neck muscles often cause pain and misalignment in your shoulders as well.\\nA yin yoga practice focused on your neck and shoulders is not only beneficial for pain relief from prior injuries, arthritis, or previous surgeries. Yin yoga is great for preventing pain and injury to the neck and shoulder area as well!\\nYin yoga alleviates tension in the muscles, helps correct poor posture, and increases flexibility and circulation in the neck and shoulder areas. \\nOne of our amazing yoga instructors, Supriya, even offers a Yoga for Neck and Shoulders class! Because here at MyYogaTeacher, we know that yoga heals! We offer 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nLet me talk to you about my top 5 yin yoga poses for neck and shoulder pain relief!\\n\\n\\n\n1. Standing forward bend\\nRolling down into standing forward bend, knees bent or straight (depending on your preference), release your head down so the crown of your head faces the ground. This pose is most effective for your neck and shoulders if you relax and sort of dangle and take 5-10 deep breaths. You may also choose to gently sway side to side.\\nThis isn’t traditionally a yin yoga pose because it’s not completely static, but it is restorative and helps stretch your neck, shoulders and back. If you want, you may roll back up to standing or mountain pose and repeat standing forward bend again.]\\n\\n\\n\\n2. Thread the needle\\nThis pose provides significant relief from neck and shoulder pain. The twisting from this pose also releases tension in the lower and upper back. Feel free to place a blanket or block under your head if you need some elevation or are uncomfortable. Perform this pose on both sides, holding for 1-2 minutes on each side.\\nBegin on all fours with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.\\nLift your right hand up towards the sky and bring it down and underneath your torso to the left along the floor with your palm facing up.\\nPress your left hand into the floor for support as your rest your body on your right shoulder and look over to the left.\\nRemain in this position for 1-2 minutes, as tolerated.\\nRelease gently and slowly, pressing back into Child’s Posefor a few breaths, and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n\\n\\n3. Half lord of the fishes pose\\nYin yoga poses for neck and back often benefit other parts of your body as well. This is one such pose! Half lord of the fishes pose provides a great stretch in the upper \\nand\\n lower back and helps alleviate tension in the muscles that result from bad posture.\\nFrom sitting, bring your right foot along the floor across to the outside of your left hip.\\nPlant your right foot on the floor, so that your right knee is pointing up.Your right foot should be “rooted” on the outside of your left thigh.\\nBend your left knee so that your left foot is still on the floor but close to your body\\nLengthen your spine and then twist your upper body to the left.\\nPlace your left hand on the floor behind your buttocks.\\nBring your right arm to the outside of your left leg.\\nTurn your head to look over either shoulder, or you may gently circle your head.\\nStay in this pose for 1 minute.\\nThen do it on the opposite side.\\n\\n\\n\\n4. Triangle pose\\nTriangle pose stretches the neck, shoulders and upper back. You may use a block under the hand that reaches to the floor for more stability or if you do not have the flexibility to reach the floor. You may also place your hand on your shin or ankle, as long as you maintain proper alignment.\n\\nStand with your feet apart so that they’re wider than your hips.\\nTurn your right toes towards the front of your mat and your left toes out at an angle.\\nRaise your arms up so they’re parallel to the floor with your palms facing down, similar to the beginning of Warrior I, but keep your legs straight. Your chest should be facing out.\\nKeeping your legs straight, reach forward with your right arm as you hinge at your right hip.\\nLower your right arm and lift your left arm up toward the ceiling.\\nTurn your gaze in any direction or you can do gentle neck rotations looking up and down.\\nRemain in this pose for 1-2 minutes, as tolerated.\\nRepeat on opposite side.\\n\\n\\n\\n5. Child’s pose\\nChild’s pose is the most popular and an extremely beneficial yoga pose practiced in all types of yoga! In child’s pose, your neck, back, and shoulders are lengthened, creating space between the vertebrae, similar to standing forward bend. This relieves tension and helps realign your neck and spine. \\nPlacing your arms out in front of you (versus by your sides) gives your shoulders a good stretch as well. You can also place a block or bolster under your head or hips if that is more comfortable. Hold this pose as long as is desired but at least 1-2 minutes.\\nI hope you find these poses as helpful as I do for relieving neck and shoulder pain! A full yin yoga class is a great option to truly get relief in these areas. We carry so much tension in our neck and shoulders from bad posture, sitting at a computer or desk, or from other types of exercise. I invite you to try one of the many classes and \\nworkshops\\n at MyYogaTeacher!\\n\n\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\nCheck out our latest article on \\n5 Yin Yoga Poses to Loosen Your Hips\\n\\n"}},{"id":"ckmc16phcvra00b72uzy158de","slug":"laughter-yoga-practice","author":{"name":"Prakash","teacherMytSlug":"prakash-1","pictureUrl":"vihnq8enbbdyhd6kt13c.jpg"},"title":"Laughter Yoga: Laugh Your Way to a Better Life","createdAt":"2021-03-16T13:08:00.209121+00:00","coverUrl":"cvu0qbjqutitsktgov6q.jpg","content":{"text":"You've probably heard the expression, \"laughter is the best medicine,\" right? That's the basis of laughter yoga.\\n\\nLaughter yoga is a wonderful practice that involves the standard things you expect from a yoga practice: pranayama, asanas, and mantra meditations. Where laughter yoga differs from traditional yoga practices is the addition of laughter. The purpose? To cultivate joy, relieve stress, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.\\n\\nIf you've never experienced laughter yoga, please join me in my next laughter yoga class on myYogaTeacher. You can \\nsign up for a free two-week trial for myYogaTeacher\\n and get access to my laughter yoga classes as well as 35+ other live online yoga classes every day.\\n\\nWhat Is Laughter Yoga?\\n\\nLaughter yoga is movement and breathing exercises using laughter. It's really as simple as that. It was created by Dr. Madan Kataria, a Mumbai-based physician, in 1995. In addition to benefits like reducing stress, increasing energy levels, and improving your quality of life, Dr. Kataria believes that laughter yoga promotes positivity and increases the ability of people to deal with stress and stressful situations.\\n\\nBenefits of Laughter Yoga\\nBefore we dive into our practice, let's take a look at a few \\nbenefits of laughter\\n. Laughter:\\nImproves mood\\nReleases endorphins and feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine\\nSuppresses stress hormones like cortisol\\nReduces pain\\nLowers blood pressure\\nStrengthens the immune system\\nLowers stress levels and rates of depression\\nIncreases social connectedness\\nImproves relaxation\\nHeightens feelings of security and safety\\nAlso, research conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Centre revealed that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes burns between 10 and 40 calories. Not much, but there are worse ways to burn a few calories.\\n\\nAccording to the \\nresearch\\n, your body can't tell the difference between fake and real laughter, so you can reap the benefits of laughter even when you're faking it.\\n\\nLaughter Yoga Contraindications\\n\\nLaughter yoga, like any other form of exercise, might not be right for everyone. It involves a measure of physical strain and intra-abdominal pressure. If you're dealing with any of the following, you shouldn't practice laughter yoga:\\nAny kind of hernia\\nAdvanced (bleeding) piles\\nAny persistent cough\\nEpilepsy\\nHeart disease\\nHigh blood pressure\\nSevere backache\\nFirst or third trimester of pregnancy\\nHave given birth within the previous two months\\nAnything with acute symptoms\\nIncontinence of urine\\nMajor psychiatric disorders\\nSurgery within the last 3 months\\nA Laughter Yoga Practice\\nA typical laughter yoga practice has five segments:\\nWarmup\\nDeep breathing exercises\\nChildlike playfulness\\nLaughter exercises\\nLaughter meditation\\nHere are some ideas for each segment that you can use to create your own laughter yoga practice.\\n\\nWarmup\\nLaughter yoga starts with a warmup. Even though this type of yoga isn't necessarily strenuous like other yoga formats, it's still important to warm up your body to ensure that it's ready for whatever comes its way. The warmup should include various stretches and body movements.\\n\\nYou can always do a standard yoga warmup (sun salutations, for example) to prepare for laughter yoga. The Laughter Yoga University recommends these exercises:\\n\\nClapping\\nClap your hands parallel to one another, taking care to get full contact in your fingers and palms to stimulate acupressure points and increase energy. You can then move into rhythmic clapping.\\n\\nMovement\\nFrom there, you'll get into movement, swinging your arms and moving your hands up and down. Anything that feels good and warms up your body.\\n\\nChanting\\nAdd some chanting into the mix. Instead of the standard chanting, laughter yoga uses laughter sounds like \"ha ha ha\" and \"ho ho ho.\" They should be powerful exhalations that use your diaphragm.\\n\\nDeep Breathing Exercises\\nDeep breathing exercises are an important part of laughter yoga. Here's an example of a deep breathing exercise you can use in your laughter yoga practice.\\n\\nStand in a relaxed position. Bend forward at the waist while exhaling through your mouth. Really focus on emptying your lungs completely. Let your arms dangle. Hold this position briefly, letting the bending movement push your diaphragm and help you empty your lungs.\\n\\nSlowly return to standing while inhaling through your nose, taking as deep a breath as you can. Raise your arms up over your head and stretch your body slightly backward. Hold your breath for a count of five.\\n\\nExhale slowly, bringing your arms down and coming back into a forward fold. Hold, emptying your lungs completely. You might try holding your breath a bit longer and letting the exhalation come out in a laugh.\\n\\nFeel free to alternative deep breathing exercises with laughing exercises or using the deep breathing exercises to break up the laughter exercises as needed.\\n\\nChildlike Playfulness\\nOne of the objectives of laughter yoga is to encourage childlike playfulness. This might mean chanting or moving after exercises in a way that keeps you energized and enthusiastic about your laughter yoga session.\\n\\nLaughter Exercises\\nThere are three basic types of laughter exercises:\\nYogic Laughter:\\n These exercises are based on pranayama or yoga postures.\\nPlayful Laughter:\\n These exercises are designed to move practitioners from simulated laughter into real laughter.\\nValue-Based Laughter:\\n These exercises are intended to build positive feelings and program new auto-responses into your subconscious.\\nLet's explore some different exercises for each of these types.\\n\\nYogic Laughter Example: Lion Laughter\\nLion laughter is based on Simha Mudra (Lion Posture). To do it, stick your tongue out as far as you can, keeping your mouth wide open, eyes wide, and hands stretched like a lion's paws. Roar like a lion and then laugh from your belly.\\n\\nThis exercise is great for the tongue, throat, and facial muscles as well as improving blood supply to the thyroid.\\n\\nPlayful Laughter Example: One-Meter Laughter\\nMove one hand over the opposite outstretched arm (like you're pulling back the string of a bow and arrow. Pull the hand back in three jerking movements, chanting \"Ha! Ha! Haaaaa!\" Then, stretch both of your arms wide and throw your head back, laughing. Repeat on the other side and then do the whole sequence again.\\n\\nValue-Based Laughter Example: Appreciation Laughter\\nJoin the tip of the index finger to the tip of the thumb and move your hands forward and backward in forceful jerking movements. If you're doing this practice alone, think of people you are grateful and appreciative of. Laugh in a gentle manner.\\n\\nLaughter Meditation\\nIn laughter meditation, the laughter exercises are left behind and we instead practice free-flowing laughter. Just come into a comfortable position and start with your eyes closed. Then, just let yourself laugh however you want to laugh.\\n\\nLaugh Your Way to a Better Life\\nLaughter yoga has steadily increased in popularity since its creation in 1995. And with good reason. Laughter yoga just feels good. It involves several beneficial aspects of a traditional yoga class with the added benefit of making you happier and more joyful.\\n\\nJoin me for my next laughter yoga class by \\nsigning up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n. You'll get access to laughter yoga classes as well as 35+ live, online yoga classes every single day, from laughter yoga to Hatha to yoga for specific needs (like back health or thyroid function).600600"}},{"id":"ckfqzo72g02dn0178hovu0m8t","slug":"international-yoga-day","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"International Yoga Day!","createdAt":"2020-06-20T00:00:00+00:00","coverUrl":"int-yoga-day-123.jpg","content":{"text":"We're celebrating International Yoga Day this weekend! \\nSo you'll see a bunch of special classes (for this weekend only)!\\n\\nYou see, the purpose of International Yoga Day is to raise awareness of the benefits of yoga — \\nto bring peace, health and joy to every human being.\\n\\nOn top of the regular schedule, you'll see these special \\nInternational Yoga Day\\n classes.\\n\\nThey're easy to spot because they all have \"International Yoga Day\" in the name. \\nThe one's listed below are all free!\\n\\n\\nSaturday June 20th\\n\\n🧘 \\nCandle-Guided Meditation\\n (7:30 PM PST / 10:30 PM EST)Tratak is a \\nmeditation\\n technique in the practice of yoga to help concentrate on the visual stimulus of a candle flame in order to bring the mind to focus. In addition, it also cleanses the eyes, strengthens the eye muscles, and improves vision, concentration, and memory. It even helps in improving the quality of sleep. Tratak is practiced in a room with dim lights by focusing on a candle flame and stabilizing the breath. Requirements: candle, matchstick/lighter, table of height almost similar to the height of your eyes when sitting on mat/cushion, a slightly dark room.\\n\\nSunday June 21st\\n\\nYoga for Balancing and Deep Stretch\\n (7:00 AM PST / 10:00 AM EDT)This class offers strength postures that will have you moving, breathing, and sweating.This class focuses on building and engaging your core strength to support you in more advanced postures. Yoga strengthens, balances and exhilarates the body and mind!\\n\\nKids Yoga Party!!!\\n (8:30 AM PST/ 11:30 AM EST)Get ready for some fun challenges, new activities and games!! We welcome you to \\nKids Yoga\\n party for celebrating International Yoga day!!\\n\\n108 Sun Salutations\\n (10 AM PST / 1 PM EDT)During this session, we will work on flowing with the breath and challenging ourselves by working on our physical and mental endurance. We will focus on warmup and kick-start with doing a few sun salutations. Then, gradually we increase to reach our goal of 108 sun salutations!\\n\\n🧘 \\nMeditation & Deep Relaxation\\n (7:30 PM PST / 10:30 PM EDT)In this class, we will begin with a few rounds of breathing, including A Kara chanting & awareness. We will move through A - U - M chants to help us find our peaceful and aware state of Samadhi.\\n\\nAgain, if you'd like to save your spot in any of these special (and free) classes, you can click here now! \\n\\nHope to see you there!\\n\\nAnd happy \\nInternational Yoga Day \\n/ weekend! \\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"ckfqzfh0w028601362pjguisf","slug":"finding-yoga-in-the-heart-of-winter","author":{"name":"Charlotte","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Finding Yoga in the Heart of Winter","createdAt":"2020-04-23T00:00:00+00:00","updatedAt":"2021-06-26T22:00:50.742446+00:00","coverUrl":"winter.jpg","seoDescription":"My fondness for yoga stayed in my heart. Yoga gave me a profession that I love and gives me confidence.","content":{"text":"Before we dive into the article, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Charlotte, and I’ll be writing some blog posts for \\nMyYogaTeacher.com\\n. I’m beyond excited to share my words with you, starting with my yoga journey:\\n\\n When I was in high school, I was constantly focused on body image. There were myriad ways to spend my time better than worrying about how I dressed, how I looked, and a number on the scale— but due to a mix of tabloid magazines and TV shows, that is what I thought about.\\n\\nI was also obsessed with exercise, and because of this my mom got me a book on yoga poses. It was probably her not so subtle hint to slow down, to enjoy these years where the biggest thing I had to worry about was school. And it worked— kind of. I followed some of the poses in the book, and eventually did stop obsessing over looks and popularity. I enjoyed my high school years.\\n\\nSeemingly, I forgot about the book and about yoga in general until a friend asked me if I wanted to go to a hip hop yoga class at a studio near my college. I said “sure”, and was absolutely blown away. Not only were the intense \\nvinyasa\\n poses set to hip hop beats, but it was blacklight yoga! That made the experience seem like a spiritual party— the white leggings I’d worn glowed and the room was vibrant with color. At the end of the class, sweaty and subdued after a perfect savanna, I had changed my mind about yoga. It was really cool. \\n\\nThat fondness, and the studio, stayed in my heart as I trained for obstacle course races and half marathons. Then, post-college, I was on a trail run after work one day when I fell hard on my ankle. Running the rest of the way down the mountain wasn’t the hardest part. The hardest part was learning I’d fractured my ankle, and that I’d have to take it easy for a while.\\n\\nExercise had been my one outlet for stress, and it had empowered me to see myself and my body outside of just physical looks. Over the years, I saw my body as something that could take me through mountains, races, and more. I wanted to run ultramarathons, and now that vision was slipping away from me.\\n\\nBut the universe provided as it always does. A friend from college who I hadn’t seen in years reached out to me— the studio that I loved was offering a month for only $45. We started going every day. We were absolutely hooked. We grew inseparable, and yoga was a huge part of our friendship. It made us as close as sisters, and to this day, even when we live in other states, we are just as close. \\n\\nYoga became my routine— no day was complete without it. Having instructors who knew me by name, who cared about my journey, brought me closer to my \\nyoga practice\\n every day. Soon I learned they were offering a teacher training, and I leapt at the opportunity. I’d known I wanted to change career paths for a while, and this came at the perfect time.\\n\\nYoga Teacher Training, or YTT, was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. I was working overtime at my job as an art teacher, and weekends were spent doing the training. Beyond that, it was the winter in Boston— and with that came cold, snowy weather that sucked the energy out of the city. I wanted desperately to curl up in bed for a whole day with a book and a chai latte, but I couldn’t. Still, it was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. \\n\\nAs the spring arrived, so did our graduation. Soon I taught classes and transitioned to teaching full time. This was in 2017 and I’ve been teaching yoga ever since.\\n\\nMy yoga journey has brought me so many positive people that I now call friends. It took me out of my college years, where even though I kept myself in shape I drank heavily and didn’t treat my body well. Yoga gave me a profession that I adore, and a confidence that comes with breaking the normal career route. \\n\\nI’ve taught yoga in four states now, and I cannot wait to teach it in more. One day I’d like to run yoga retreats in Costa Rica or Panama, somewhere that feels like an escape. Some days I feel exhausted, but I’ve had so many clients come up to me and tell me that I helped them heal from injuries, or I taught them how to love their body just the way it is. That keeps me going no matter what. \\n\\nI don’t look like a traditional \\nyoga teacher\\n, or even a traditional yogi. I’m in shape, but I’m also curvy. I have rose-colored hair and a few tattoos. I’ve seen very few people that look like me in yoga magazines and Lululemon ads. But that’s okay. \\n\\nYou don’t have to look one way or another to be a yogi. You don’t have to dress a certain way, or believe in a certain thing. We have people in yoga who practice the spirituality right down to their diet (vegan and Ayurvedic), and others who come in wearing vintage rock and roll t-shirts and hot pink bike shorts. \\n\\nThe only thing you need to be a yogi is to try yoga. Let yourself fall in love with it. Let passionate, educated teachers guide you through poses and meditations. You don’t need to change who you are, but you might just change your life.\\n","html":"<p>Before we dive into the article, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Charlotte, and I’ll be writing some blog posts for <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">MyYogaTeacher.com</a>. I’m beyond excited to share my words with you, starting with my yoga journey:</p><p></p><p> When I was in high school, I was constantly focused on body image. There were myriad ways to spend my time better than worrying about how I dressed, how I looked, and a number on the scale— but due to a mix of tabloid magazines and TV shows, that is what I thought about.</p><p></p><p>I was also obsessed with exercise, and because of this my mom got me a book on yoga poses. It was probably her not so subtle hint to slow down, to enjoy these years where the biggest thing I had to worry about was school. And it worked— kind of. I followed some of the poses in the book, and eventually did stop obsessing over looks and popularity. I enjoyed my high school years.</p><p></p><p>Seemingly, I forgot about the book and about yoga in general until a friend asked me if I wanted to go to a hip hop yoga class at a studio near my college. I said “sure”, and was absolutely blown away. Not only were the intense <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">vinyasa</a> poses set to hip hop beats, but it was blacklight yoga! That made the experience seem like a spiritual party— the white leggings I’d worn glowed and the room was vibrant with color. At the end of the class, sweaty and subdued after a perfect savanna, I had changed my mind about yoga. It was really cool. </p><p></p><p>That fondness, and the studio, stayed in my heart as I trained for obstacle course races and half marathons. Then, post-college, I was on a trail run after work one day when I fell hard on my ankle. Running the rest of the way down the mountain wasn’t the hardest part. The hardest part was learning I’d fractured my ankle, and that I’d have to take it easy for a while.</p><p></p><p>Exercise had been my one outlet for stress, and it had empowered me to see myself and my body outside of just physical looks. Over the years, I saw my body as something that could take me through mountains, races, and more. I wanted to run ultramarathons, and now that vision was slipping away from me.</p><p></p><p>But the universe provided as it always does. A friend from college who I hadn’t seen in years reached out to me— the studio that I loved was offering a month for only $45. We started going every day. We were absolutely hooked. We grew inseparable, and yoga was a huge part of our friendship. It made us as close as sisters, and to this day, even when we live in other states, we are just as close. </p><p></p><p>Yoga became my routine— no day was complete without it. Having instructors who knew me by name, who cared about my journey, brought me closer to my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\">yoga practice</a> every day. Soon I learned they were offering a teacher training, and I leapt at the opportunity. I’d known I wanted to change career paths for a while, and this came at the perfect time.</p><p></p><p>Yoga Teacher Training, or YTT, was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. I was working overtime at my job as an art teacher, and weekends were spent doing the training. Beyond that, it was the winter in Boston— and with that came cold, snowy weather that sucked the energy out of the city. I wanted desperately to curl up in bed for a whole day with a book and a chai latte, but I couldn’t. Still, it was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. </p><p></p><p>As the spring arrived, so did our graduation. Soon I taught classes and transitioned to teaching full time. This was in 2017 and I’ve been teaching yoga ever since.</p><p></p><p>My yoga journey has brought me so many positive people that I now call friends. It took me out of my college years, where even though I kept myself in shape I drank heavily and didn’t treat my body well. Yoga gave me a profession that I adore, and a confidence that comes with breaking the normal career route. </p><p></p><p>I’ve taught yoga in four states now, and I cannot wait to teach it in more. One day I’d like to run yoga retreats in Costa Rica or Panama, somewhere that feels like an escape. Some days I feel exhausted, but I’ve had so many clients come up to me and tell me that I helped them heal from injuries, or I taught them how to love their body just the way it is. That keeps me going no matter what. </p><p></p><p>I don’t look like a traditional <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">yoga teacher</a>, or even a traditional yogi. I’m in shape, but I’m also curvy. I have rose-colored hair and a few tattoos. I’ve seen very few people that look like me in yoga magazines and Lululemon ads. But that’s okay. </p><p></p><p>You don’t have to look one way or another to be a yogi. You don’t have to dress a certain way, or believe in a certain thing. We have people in yoga who practice the spirituality right down to their diet (vegan and Ayurvedic), and others who come in wearing vintage rock and roll t-shirts and hot pink bike shorts. </p><p></p><p>The only thing you need to be a yogi is to try yoga. Let yourself fall in love with it. Let passionate, educated teachers guide you through poses and meditations. You don’t need to change who you are, but you might just change your life.</p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>Before we dive into the article, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Charlotte, and I’ll be writing some blog posts for <a\n class=\"inline-cta\"\n id=08b72b64-4633-48f6-88c0-9f310faa56b8\n href=\"/free-trial-o?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckfqzfh0w028601362pjguisf&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=Finding Yoga in the Heart of Winter&entity_slug=finding-yoga-in-the-heart-of-winter&page_or_popup=/articles/finding-yoga-in-the-heart-of-winter&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"08b72b64-4633-48f6-88c0-9f310faa56b8\")\n title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n data-title=\"Finding Yoga in the Heart of Winter\"\n data-slug=\"finding-yoga-in-the-heart-of-winter\"\n <u>MyYogaTeacher.com</a></u> \n </a>. I’m beyond excited to share my words with you, starting with my yoga journey:</p><p></p><p> When I was in high school, I was constantly focused on body image. There were myriad ways to spend my time better than worrying about how I dressed, how I looked, and a number on the scale— but due to a mix of tabloid magazines and TV shows, that is what I thought about.</p><p></p><p>I was also obsessed with exercise, and because of this my mom got me a book on yoga poses. It was probably her not so subtle hint to slow down, to enjoy these years where the biggest thing I had to worry about was school. And it worked— kind of. I followed some of the poses in the book, and eventually did stop obsessing over looks and popularity. I enjoyed my high school years.</p><p></p><p>Seemingly, I forgot about the book and about yoga in general until a friend asked me if I wanted to go to a hip hop yoga class at a studio near my college. I said “sure”, and was absolutely blown away. Not only were the intense <a\n class=\"inline-cta\"\n id=83790b10-3b56-4f52-a469-a87057faf43b\n href=\"/free-trial-o?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckfqzfh0w028601362pjguisf&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=Finding Yoga in the Heart of Winter&entity_slug=finding-yoga-in-the-heart-of-winter&page_or_popup=/articles/finding-yoga-in-the-heart-of-winter&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"83790b10-3b56-4f52-a469-a87057faf43b\")\n title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n data-title=\"Finding Yoga in the Heart of Winter\"\n data-slug=\"finding-yoga-in-the-heart-of-winter\"\n <u>vinyasa</a></u> \n </a> poses set to hip hop beats, but it was blacklight yoga! That made the experience seem like a spiritual party— the white leggings I’d worn glowed and the room was vibrant with color. At the end of the class, sweaty and subdued after a perfect savanna, I had changed my mind about yoga. It was really cool. </p><p></p><p>That fondness, and the studio, stayed in my heart as I trained for obstacle course races and half marathons. Then, post-college, I was on a trail run after work one day when I fell hard on my ankle. Running the rest of the way down the mountain wasn’t the hardest part. The hardest part was learning I’d fractured my ankle, and that I’d have to take it easy for a while.</p><p></p><p>Exercise had been my one outlet for stress, and it had empowered me to see myself and my body outside of just physical looks. Over the years, I saw my body as something that could take me through mountains, races, and more. I wanted to run ultramarathons, and now that vision was slipping away from me.</p><p></p><p>But the universe provided as it always does. A friend from college who I hadn’t seen in years reached out to me— the studio that I loved was offering a month for only $45. We started going every day. We were absolutely hooked. We grew inseparable, and yoga was a huge part of our friendship. It made us as close as sisters, and to this day, even when we live in other states, we are just as close. </p><p></p><p>Yoga became my routine— no day was complete without it. Having instructors who knew me by name, who cared about my journey, brought me closer to my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\">yoga practice</a> every day. Soon I learned they were offering a teacher training, and I leapt at the opportunity. I’d known I wanted to change career paths for a while, and this came at the perfect time.</p><p></p><p>Yoga Teacher Training, or YTT, was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. I was working overtime at my job as an art teacher, and weekends were spent doing the training. Beyond that, it was the winter in Boston— and with that came cold, snowy weather that sucked the energy out of the city. I wanted desperately to curl up in bed for a whole day with a book and a chai latte, but I couldn’t. Still, it was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. </p><p></p><p>As the spring arrived, so did our graduation. Soon I taught classes and transitioned to teaching full time. This was in 2017 and I’ve been teaching yoga ever since.</p><p></p><p>My yoga journey has brought me so many positive people that I now call friends. It took me out of my college years, where even though I kept myself in shape I drank heavily and didn’t treat my body well. Yoga gave me a profession that I adore, and a confidence that comes with breaking the normal career route. </p><p></p><p>I’ve taught yoga in four states now, and I cannot wait to teach it in more. One day I’d like to run yoga retreats in Costa Rica or Panama, somewhere that feels like an escape. Some days I feel exhausted, but I’ve had so many clients come up to me and tell me that I helped them heal from injuries, or I taught them how to love their body just the way it is. That keeps me going no matter what. </p><p></p><p>I don’t look like a traditional <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">yoga teacher</a>, or even a traditional yogi. I’m in shape, but I’m also curvy. I have rose-colored hair and a few tattoos. I’ve seen very few people that look like me in yoga magazines and Lululemon ads. But that’s okay. </p><p></p><p>You don’t have to look one way or another to be a yogi. You don’t have to dress a certain way, or believe in a certain thing. We have people in yoga who practice the spirituality right down to their diet (vegan and Ayurvedic), and others who come in wearing vintage rock and roll t-shirts and hot pink bike shorts. </p><p></p><p>The only thing you need to be a yogi is to try yoga. Let yourself fall in love with it. Let passionate, educated teachers guide you through poses and meditations. You don’t need to change who you are, but you might just change your life.</p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"finding-yoga-in-the-heart-of-winter","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"free-trial-o","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/finding-yoga-in-the-heart-of-winter","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely & Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage & Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckfqzfh0w028601362pjguisf","slug":"finding-yoga-in-the-heart-of-winter","author":{"name":"Charlotte","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Finding Yoga in the Heart of Winter","createdAt":"2020-04-23T00:00:00+00:00","updatedAt":"2021-06-26T22:00:50.742446+00:00","coverUrl":"winter.jpg","seoDescription":"My fondness for yoga stayed in my heart. Yoga gave me a profession that I love and gives me confidence.","content":{"text":"Before we dive into the article, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Charlotte, and I’ll be writing some blog posts for \\nMyYogaTeacher.com\\n. I’m beyond excited to share my words with you, starting with my yoga journey:\\n\\n When I was in high school, I was constantly focused on body image. There were myriad ways to spend my time better than worrying about how I dressed, how I looked, and a number on the scale— but due to a mix of tabloid magazines and TV shows, that is what I thought about.\\n\\nI was also obsessed with exercise, and because of this my mom got me a book on yoga poses. It was probably her not so subtle hint to slow down, to enjoy these years where the biggest thing I had to worry about was school. And it worked— kind of. I followed some of the poses in the book, and eventually did stop obsessing over looks and popularity. I enjoyed my high school years.\\n\\nSeemingly, I forgot about the book and about yoga in general until a friend asked me if I wanted to go to a hip hop yoga class at a studio near my college. I said “sure”, and was absolutely blown away. Not only were the intense \\nvinyasa\\n poses set to hip hop beats, but it was blacklight yoga! That made the experience seem like a spiritual party— the white leggings I’d worn glowed and the room was vibrant with color. At the end of the class, sweaty and subdued after a perfect savanna, I had changed my mind about yoga. It was really cool. \\n\\nThat fondness, and the studio, stayed in my heart as I trained for obstacle course races and half marathons. Then, post-college, I was on a trail run after work one day when I fell hard on my ankle. Running the rest of the way down the mountain wasn’t the hardest part. The hardest part was learning I’d fractured my ankle, and that I’d have to take it easy for a while.\\n\\nExercise had been my one outlet for stress, and it had empowered me to see myself and my body outside of just physical looks. Over the years, I saw my body as something that could take me through mountains, races, and more. I wanted to run ultramarathons, and now that vision was slipping away from me.\\n\\nBut the universe provided as it always does. A friend from college who I hadn’t seen in years reached out to me— the studio that I loved was offering a month for only $45. We started going every day. We were absolutely hooked. We grew inseparable, and yoga was a huge part of our friendship. It made us as close as sisters, and to this day, even when we live in other states, we are just as close. \\n\\nYoga became my routine— no day was complete without it. Having instructors who knew me by name, who cared about my journey, brought me closer to my \\nyoga practice\\n every day. Soon I learned they were offering a teacher training, and I leapt at the opportunity. I’d known I wanted to change career paths for a while, and this came at the perfect time.\\n\\nYoga Teacher Training, or YTT, was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. I was working overtime at my job as an art teacher, and weekends were spent doing the training. Beyond that, it was the winter in Boston— and with that came cold, snowy weather that sucked the energy out of the city. I wanted desperately to curl up in bed for a whole day with a book and a chai latte, but I couldn’t. Still, it was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. \\n\\nAs the spring arrived, so did our graduation. Soon I taught classes and transitioned to teaching full time. This was in 2017 and I’ve been teaching yoga ever since.\\n\\nMy yoga journey has brought me so many positive people that I now call friends. It took me out of my college years, where even though I kept myself in shape I drank heavily and didn’t treat my body well. Yoga gave me a profession that I adore, and a confidence that comes with breaking the normal career route. \\n\\nI’ve taught yoga in four states now, and I cannot wait to teach it in more. One day I’d like to run yoga retreats in Costa Rica or Panama, somewhere that feels like an escape. Some days I feel exhausted, but I’ve had so many clients come up to me and tell me that I helped them heal from injuries, or I taught them how to love their body just the way it is. That keeps me going no matter what. \\n\\nI don’t look like a traditional \\nyoga teacher\\n, or even a traditional yogi. I’m in shape, but I’m also curvy. I have rose-colored hair and a few tattoos. I’ve seen very few people that look like me in yoga magazines and Lululemon ads. But that’s okay. \\n\\nYou don’t have to look one way or another to be a yogi. You don’t have to dress a certain way, or believe in a certain thing. We have people in yoga who practice the spirituality right down to their diet (vegan and Ayurvedic), and others who come in wearing vintage rock and roll t-shirts and hot pink bike shorts. \\n\\nThe only thing you need to be a yogi is to try yoga. Let yourself fall in love with it. Let passionate, educated teachers guide you through poses and meditations. You don’t need to change who you are, but you might just change your life.\\n","html":"<p>Before we dive into the article, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Charlotte, and I’ll be writing some blog posts for <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">MyYogaTeacher.com</a>. I’m beyond excited to share my words with you, starting with my yoga journey:</p><p></p><p> When I was in high school, I was constantly focused on body image. There were myriad ways to spend my time better than worrying about how I dressed, how I looked, and a number on the scale— but due to a mix of tabloid magazines and TV shows, that is what I thought about.</p><p></p><p>I was also obsessed with exercise, and because of this my mom got me a book on yoga poses. It was probably her not so subtle hint to slow down, to enjoy these years where the biggest thing I had to worry about was school. And it worked— kind of. I followed some of the poses in the book, and eventually did stop obsessing over looks and popularity. I enjoyed my high school years.</p><p></p><p>Seemingly, I forgot about the book and about yoga in general until a friend asked me if I wanted to go to a hip hop yoga class at a studio near my college. I said “sure”, and was absolutely blown away. Not only were the intense <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">vinyasa</a> poses set to hip hop beats, but it was blacklight yoga! That made the experience seem like a spiritual party— the white leggings I’d worn glowed and the room was vibrant with color. At the end of the class, sweaty and subdued after a perfect savanna, I had changed my mind about yoga. It was really cool. </p><p></p><p>That fondness, and the studio, stayed in my heart as I trained for obstacle course races and half marathons. Then, post-college, I was on a trail run after work one day when I fell hard on my ankle. Running the rest of the way down the mountain wasn’t the hardest part. The hardest part was learning I’d fractured my ankle, and that I’d have to take it easy for a while.</p><p></p><p>Exercise had been my one outlet for stress, and it had empowered me to see myself and my body outside of just physical looks. Over the years, I saw my body as something that could take me through mountains, races, and more. I wanted to run ultramarathons, and now that vision was slipping away from me.</p><p></p><p>But the universe provided as it always does. A friend from college who I hadn’t seen in years reached out to me— the studio that I loved was offering a month for only $45. We started going every day. We were absolutely hooked. We grew inseparable, and yoga was a huge part of our friendship. It made us as close as sisters, and to this day, even when we live in other states, we are just as close. </p><p></p><p>Yoga became my routine— no day was complete without it. Having instructors who knew me by name, who cared about my journey, brought me closer to my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/\">yoga practice</a> every day. Soon I learned they were offering a teacher training, and I leapt at the opportunity. I’d known I wanted to change career paths for a while, and this came at the perfect time.</p><p></p><p>Yoga Teacher Training, or YTT, was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. I was working overtime at my job as an art teacher, and weekends were spent doing the training. Beyond that, it was the winter in Boston— and with that came cold, snowy weather that sucked the energy out of the city. I wanted desperately to curl up in bed for a whole day with a book and a chai latte, but I couldn’t. Still, it was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. </p><p></p><p>As the spring arrived, so did our graduation. Soon I taught classes and transitioned to teaching full time. This was in 2017 and I’ve been teaching yoga ever since.</p><p></p><p>My yoga journey has brought me so many positive people that I now call friends. It took me out of my college years, where even though I kept myself in shape I drank heavily and didn’t treat my body well. Yoga gave me a profession that I adore, and a confidence that comes with breaking the normal career route. </p><p></p><p>I’ve taught yoga in four states now, and I cannot wait to teach it in more. One day I’d like to run yoga retreats in Costa Rica or Panama, somewhere that feels like an escape. Some days I feel exhausted, but I’ve had so many clients come up to me and tell me that I helped them heal from injuries, or I taught them how to love their body just the way it is. That keeps me going no matter what. </p><p></p><p>I don’t look like a traditional <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signUp/\">yoga teacher</a>, or even a traditional yogi. I’m in shape, but I’m also curvy. I have rose-colored hair and a few tattoos. I’ve seen very few people that look like me in yoga magazines and Lululemon ads. But that’s okay. </p><p></p><p>You don’t have to look one way or another to be a yogi. You don’t have to dress a certain way, or believe in a certain thing. We have people in yoga who practice the spirituality right down to their diet (vegan and Ayurvedic), and others who come in wearing vintage rock and roll t-shirts and hot pink bike shorts. </p><p></p><p>The only thing you need to be a yogi is to try yoga. Let yourself fall in love with it. Let passionate, educated teachers guide you through poses and meditations. You don’t need to change who you are, but you might just change your life.</p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}© Copyright 2020 MyYogaTeacher Inc