Have you ever wondered if yoga teachers live in a constant state of zen? Oh, if only! The truth is, I'm in the trenches just like you, working my mindfulness muscles regularly.
Curiously enough, it's my Type A overachiever tendencies that led me to embrace yoga wholeheartedly! My initial encounter with yoga was during my early 30s when I worked in the demanding corporate world, striving to get ahead. I fell in love with it right away.
In the beginning, it was the physical aspect of yoga that kept drawing me back – a welcome relief from the built-up tension in my body from prolonged hours at my computer. I'll admit, I became somewhat fixated on a narrow interpretation of yoga – thinking it was about flexibility and contorting into a pretzel.
Yet, as my journey continued, I experienced the transformative effect that breath work and meditation had on my mental well-being. My practice deepened as I learned other modalities like QiGong, somatic movement and mindfulness techniques, altering my perception of yoga entirely. I let go of the common belief that yoga demanded expensive clothes, extraordinary flexibility, or a specific body type. Yoga, I discovered, is an inclusive practice, accessible to all.
When I’m not on my mat, you'll spot me in the charming haven of New Dundee, Ontario, Canada with my husband, Ted, our dog Vinny, and our cat Jade. Ted and I love to travel and enjoy exploring new places to hike. I also love getting lost in a good book, whether it's a fictional story I can escape to or a soulful read that inspires a good yoga practice. Driven by a passion for living a holistic lifestyle, when I'm not breathing life into yoga poses, you'll find me breathing in the sweet air of living well.
Back in the day, I ventured into the world of business, securing a Diploma in Marketing from Conestoga College. Little did I know, that would not be the end of my educational journey.
I've always been passionate about health and wellness and guess what? It's never too late for a passion-powered pivot. At the age of 40, I graduated from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Then, by the age of 50, I added the Certified Fitness Instructor badge to my collection, along with completing my 500 hr Yoga Teacher Certification through My Vinyasa Practice.
Oh, but my learning journey doesn't end there! I've been gobbling up knowledge like it's a feast for the curious soul. I have taken additional courses in Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Yoga Therapy for Anxiety, Somatic Healing and Corporate Yoga. Plus, I've got my trusty CPR skills in my back pocket, always ready.