Leaving the Los Angeles life behind to travel and explore, I met my husband in Italy and landed a singing gig at a theater in Myrtle Beach. I knew after such a whirl wind I needed yoga back in my life so I started opening myself up to conversations about it whenever I could. I eventually met a lovely woman in a store that shared with me her favorite yoga studio in the city. I didn’t know then, she would eventually become one of my students. Excitedly, I took her recommendation and started practicing at that studio. She was right, I did love it! The first class I took was with the owner of the studio, Dawn. Her style with mostly traditional Hatha with a Kundalini influence. It was an older crowd than I was used to in LA so it was a much slower pace but I enjoyed it. I felt like I was getting back to the basics and it humbled my practice, reminding me more isn’t always better. I started practicing about 3 times a week and didn’t share that I was a teacher. I was enjoying being the student again but about a month in, Dawn approached me to compliment my practice and ask about my yoga journey. I proceeded to tell her I was a teacher in LA and she asked me if I’d be interested in subbing some upcoming classes. Once again the universe provided another yoga opportunity for me to teach. Of course, I said yes! I then asked her if she wouldn’t mind being my mentor to help me deepen my practice within philosophy since I felt it was such a strong suit of hers. She happily agreed and we started meeting after class to discuss while working on the studio together. It wasn’t long after I had my own teaching schedule within her community.
Teaching within this community of an older population was a great learning experience for me as teacher. I really got to know the challenges they faced, particularly with balance. Although it was an older community than I was used to I was grateful to learn from them. It helped me slow down my practice and get further in tune with my own body.
I started practicing Yin yoga with Dawn. It was so much different than what I was used to because it was practicing holding stillness. The first time I practiced this style, I HATED it!! Yup there are those words again. But from my previous experience of hating yoga for the first time I knew and trusted there was something on the other side of this and I was right. Because of my high energy, fast paced mind and passionate temperate, this cool and still practice is exactly what I needed. It’s probably what I’ve always needed but I wasn’t open to receiving it until now. So, I continued on and was proved to be right. On the other side of this struggle to be still was serenity. I was able to slow down enough to get fully in tuned to the present and what it was teaching me. Each day was something new and I had the awareness to listen. This not only complimented my more athletic practice but it also helped me feel subtle energies more effectively. Dawn asked me if I would like to start teaching Yin yoga after I had fallen in love with it. I graciously accepted and she took me under her wing. Today practicing and teaching Yin yoga is one of my greatest passions.
During my time in Myrtle Beach singing was my main occupation while I taught several times a week during the day. I think because singing was such an active part of my life at this time I was more confident in trying to sing/chant during my yoga classes. Slowly, I started to dip my toe in the water (so to speak) adding a chant here and there. I didn’t know it then, but this was the beginning of my signature Savasana (final relaxation) and most requested quality.
I began leading Kirtans (sacred music/call and response) within this community which eventually led me to my next chapter. I was starting to feel the tug of the universe once again. I knew in my heart and soul this is what I needed to be doing full time. I was able to combine my love for yoga and singing. They “yoked” (definition of yoga) together effortlessly. I felt more fulfilled teaching yoga and singing kirtan than I ever did performing on stage.
The moment I connected to this, the universe conspired and my contract ended at the theater. It was then I dedicated myself to teaching full time and trust in the process.
I’m grateful for all the teachings Dawn passed down to me. She has made me a more effective teacher, a better business woman, and helped nurture qualities that helped me evolve into my own style of teaching.
What lessons in yoga been the most impactful for you? Please leave your comments below!