5Q Interview @MoniqueSaundersYoga

1. What does yoga mean to you?

Yoga is my moving meditation. A time for me to go inside and be one with everything that I am….after years of holding my cards too close to my heart, yoga gave me permission to open my heart and be receptive to all that life has to offer. To understand that life is a journey of experiences, ones that can be fleeting or filled with great joy. But each experience is an opportunity to grow, learn and become stronger than the moment before. “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” ~The Bhagavad Gita

2. When did you first begin teaching yoga? What made you transition into a leadership position?

I began teaching 10 years ago for Yoga Tropics. Having been a school teacher for 17 years prior, the transition into teaching yoga was seamless. The only difference being that now I would be guiding all levels, all kinds of people rather than the 10 and 11 year olds I had been teaching writing, reading and math too:) I have always been passionate about teaching and fitness. Both are a huge part of who I am. The transition was very natural and if the universe opened the doors up for me to unite both together.

3. What makes your classes unique?

I am very passionate and creative with each and every class that I teach. My flows are unique in style and are appropriate for all levels. I provide each of my students with an environment where they feel safe, loved and have the freedom to express themselves in their way. I work to create a special connection with my students; by touch, knowing them by name or encouraging them to be the best version of themselves that they can be. My gift is to inspire, not intimidate. To encourage and promote an opportunity for my students to grow and learn about themselves through this journey of life. Yoga being the platform to connect mind, body, and spirit.

4. How does music benefit your guidance in a yoga class?

Music adds flavor, texture, and energy to my classes. Depending on the type of class I am going to teach will dictate the type of music I draw from. Music should be sound that my students can get lost and absorbed in. Music, breath put to flow is time to journey inward.

5. Tell me about your next event and where we can follow you online.

At the current moment, I do not have new events. We will begin our 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Intensive in July and you can follow us at @playcarlsbad

Attention Yogis and Yoginis: Are you interested in doing a 5Q Interview?  Fill out your unique responses here.

1. Tell us about yourself and your introduction to yoga.

  

2. When did you first begin teaching yoga? What made you transition into a leadership position?

I first began teaching by accident. I was apprenticing my ayurvedic doctor who wanted me to begin sharing some simple practices with clients in his clinic. As I was in service for the mission of this holistic way of life, I agreed to teaching.

When I moved to Los Angeles in 2002, I was a Canadian living in the states, and I wanted to be of service even though I couldn’t officially “work” in this country, I wanted to share and contribute so I began offering classes….

3. What makes your classes unique?

My classes offer a full embodied, life-enhancing experience. You will get some of the same moves plus dance, various exercises to get you out of your mind and into your heart-center AND you’ll receive a ‘life-altering, perspective-upgrade’. I can’t tell you what we do, as it is always different but the final results are the same: we come home to our true self and a deep connection with each other…our human truth. I’m hesitant to say this, because it’s a little new-agey to make a declaration like this…but heck, I’ll say it: In my classes, you will have a unique spiritual awakening that will bring you in touch with a deep part of you that wants to be seen again and again…

4. How does music benefit your guidance in a yoga class?

Music helps open up places that have no words, and releases old ways of thinking, and doing: bringing us into a child-wisdom dancing with present magnificence. Music helps open places that need healing but no amount of words can do the job…sometimes it takes sound vibration (the most powerful vibration) to bring the true light to shine.

5. Tell me about your next event and where we can follow you online.

Attention Yogis and Yoginis: Are you interested in doing a 5Q Interview?  Fill out your unique responses here.

5Q Interview @SaraMartinThomas 

1. Tell me about your personal journey with yoga. Why is it important to you?

My yoga journey began in 2005. I was a personal trainer needing more physically and spiritually. A friend introduced me to Bikram Yoga. I fell in love w/ how the practice made me feel physically and emotionally. I wanted more. Then my same friend introduced me to Core Power Yoga. I fell in love w/ the style of breath w/ movement, MUSIC, & the community. Teaching and taking yoga is my therapy, my church, my physical workout, my time w/ community.

2. When did you first begin teaching yoga? What made you transition into a leadership position?

I signed up for a Power Vinyasa 200hr teacher training at CPY PL in 2006. I was hired to teach after. I loved it so much I wanted to be a part of everything. I was asked to assist in Teacher Trainings in 2007 which lead to Co-leading the Vinyasa trainings at CPY in PL until 2008. I helped put together and have Co-Lead the 200hr Vinyasa Training at Sculpt Fusion Yoga since 2009.

3. What makes your classes unique?

I am very passionate about all aspects of my classes. Depending on the time of day the lighting is important. MUSIC, I love playing DJ. I love making playlists. I have a degree in Kinesiology. I am aware of alignment and always conscious of balance and flow in class w/ counter poses. I keep it light and fun. I like to make people laugh. I always end class w/ a quote or two that resonates w/ me knowing it will resonate w/ others because we are all the same at the core!

4. How does music benefit your guidance in a yoga class?

Music is everything in class! I put as much time into thinking about the sequence of my class as I do the playlist. The right music can make or break a class. I try to put a little bit of every genre on a playlist. Paying attention to who’s feeling what in class from their movements and facial expressions. Asking my students what they want to hear. Sometimes I will literally add a song to my playlist in the middle of class!

5. Tell me about your next event and where we can follow you online.

I teach mainly at Sculpt Fusion Yoga, two classes a week at Yoga Six in 4S Ranch, ResMed, for the Del Mar WaterPolo Club Team and the Cathedral Catholic HS Boys Varsity WaterPolo Team.

Attention Yogis and Yoginis: Are you interested in doing a 5Q Interview?  Fill out your unique responses here.

5Q Interview @Om-anda!

1. Tell me about your personal journey with yoga. Why is it important to you?

Amanda is a motivated yogi who found her way on her mat in an effort to stay fit and strong but stayed for the boundless transformational powers of yoga. Growing up as a competitive dancer, she loved being challenged and active but didn’t love the competitive nature of the dance community. After trying a Sculpt class upon moving to San Diego in 2013 she was instantly hooked. The combination of the powerful mental acuity and the physical challenge of yoga, created the perfect balance allowing her to still her mind, breath, and spirit. Amanda has since completed the RYT-200 as well as Yoga Sculpt training programs. She believes the beauty of yoga is in the journey and motivates her students to always appreciate wherever they are, not only in their practice, but in all aspects of life.

2. When did you first begin teaching yoga? What made you transition into a leadership position?

I first began teaching yoga in November of 2013. I made the transition into teaching because I was inspired to share the countless benefits that I had experienced in my own personal practice with others. I wanted to create an experience for fellow yogis that left them feeling not only empowered and strong, but inspired to seek more on a spiritual level. I teach not only in hopes that my student’s build physical strength, but with the main hope that they tap into the connection to the divine, their oneness.

3. What makes your classes unique?

I feel that my classes attract people that are music and energy driven. My class stands out as not only a challenging workout, but as an electric experience where my student’s feed off strong music and intense energy. There is something to be said about being able to combine the rush of hitting your peak moment and pushing yourself beyond your perceived limitations and I feel that my class gives my students the opportunity to do that.

4. How does music benefit your guidance in a yoga class?

Music is a huge drive for my class. Strong beat work with a medium to high BPM is what sets the tone for the real “work” in my class.

5. Tell me about your next event and where we can follow you online.

In addition to my 4 weekly classes at Corepower Yoga. I also host a monthly “Burns and Brunch” event class with a live DJ and option for my students to join me for brunch afterward to connect.

https://www.facebook.com/events/598868566982108

Attention Yogis and Yoginis: Are you interested in doing a 5Q Interview?  Fill out your unique responses here.

Attention Yogis and Yoginis: Are you interested in doing a 5Q Interview?  Fill out your unique responses here.