My yoga story: my first class & the teacher I fell in love with before I loved yoga.
When I meet people that are “new” to the yoga practice (which can mean many things — coming back, getting started, sporadic commitment) or talking to freshly certified yoga teachers, one of my all time favorite questions is about their very first time practicing yoga —
Why did you decide to attend a yoga class in the first place?
Where did you practice for the first time? At home? An Ashram? In a studio? A Gym?
Who was your first teacher? What was your impression of them and the community?
What did you love about it? What didn’t you love?
What style of yoga was it? Did it feel good in the body? Were you confused ever?
Did you return again?
These questions typically draw forth the most complete picture in my mind of where, when, why, what, who, for how long. It tells me about a person’s journey, what they were seeking at that time in their lives, and maybe even more about their upbringing and personal influence. And I LOVE people, so I love these stories.
In this story, I share with you:
What brought me to that hot yoga studio to begin with
Why I only went to one teacher
My most influential yoga teacher
Reflections for yoga students and teachers
I was working at my restaurant job, around the same time as my birthday (which always becomes a portal!) I waited on the woman who was my very first yoga teacher. I was able to hold her hand and thank her for being her and inspiring me so deeply. I started crying (blubbering!) and needed to excuse myself to gather my composure.
It was one of those very intense, full circle moment feelings. OK, let’s go back in time.
I was 18 years old (around 2011) and home to Maine for holiday break from my first year of college. I really wanted to lose the freshman fifteen, but hated the thought of actually working out. I thought hot yoga would be the way to go. My friend and I went to a Bikram (hot 26) yoga studio in Portland. This was me doing yoga for the very first time. I remember feeling euphoric and really sweaty. Over the course of about three weeks attending a class every day, I wasn’t sure if I liked hot hatha yoga yet, but I knew I liked the teacher, Kelly. There were other intructors, including the owners, but I only remember her very vividly.
I think about why those other teachers didn’t resonate so much. It didn’t feel as heartfelt and to me. It seemed like they spoke from pedestals, their practice was performance, it didn’y feel like embodied teaching. (A natural rebel) However, I probably wouldn’t be able to describe that perspective, at my age, at that time. Kelly was so raw, real and open about her healing journey to her students.
She was a — in real life, in real time, in real purpose — inspiration.
I loved her class because she spoke to the truth: about the limits and the potential of the yoga practice.
Aside from the wonderful epiphany I was experiencing from yoga and finding a teacher I loved, that studio space was the first time I felt physically strong. It was the first time I felt safe moving my body with others around me. I have struggled with body dysmorphia since I was very young. Kelly cultivated a safe practice space filled with self compassion and deep respect for yoga’s teachings with genuine gratitude for the process. She demonstrated to me that being a great teacher doesn’t mean you need to have all the answers or you need to be perfect. Being a great teacher is about caring how you pass on the information — with thoughtful insight and guidance for practical, inspired application.
Back to present day Liz —
Ever since seeing her — I’ve felt transported through time, a portal, a dream in a way.
I’ve been remembering and reflecting on all my teachers -- good, bad, ordinary, friendly, and brief – who have influenced me the most.
My most influential yoga teacher is Patrick Beach, one of the founders of Awakening Yoga. I think it was during our yoga teacher training, that he said in so many words, “A great yoga teacher will change lives.” I interpreted this as an invitation. That maybe one day, I too will be a great yoga teacher. I knew he was right. Kelly, Candace, Carling, Patrick, Shelby, Jennifer. They have changed me.
For about a week after seeing her, I turned this story into a personal share / dharma talk with my yoga classes: the serendipity of seeing my original yoga instructor out at a restaurant and thanking her. She was celebrating her birthday and mine was two days away. It felt so full circle, magical and inspiring.
I want us to reflect and consider the relationships we have to ourselves and each other as students, teachers, learners, and mentors.
Eventually, we all move through these identities. Learning and passing on wisdom, tradition, skills, knowledge is such a massive piece of being human. Soon, we will be asked to pass down history, methods, memories, and resources. And just like nature, we have patterns, so it bears repeating. It becomes less about what we are passing how, but how we are passing it down.
How can we share our wisdom with respect & care for the lineage, the heart of the lesson, and the nature of the relationship?
If you’re interested, take a few moments to reflect on these related questions:
What teachers have had the most impact on your life?
Who is/was a positive teacher in your life?
What makes a great educator in our world today?
Why is it important to teach?
I find myself in the role of a yoga teacher, educator, mentor, student. I hope it shows that I do not take this honor and responsibility lightly. I hope this story has supported your journey, in some way. And remember — thank your teachers and thank your students! It’s your community.
XO + OM
Liz
