Who are they today? : April Farnham

“Before I enrolled in YTT, I thought I was ‘too stiff’ or ‘not flexible enough’ to become a yoga instructor.  All false by the way… and even though I certainly am not able to get into some of the poses I make it work and find that the benefits are amazing to all bodies no matter the age or flexibility.” -April Farnham

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This month on the YTT blog we’re featuring April Farnham who joined was one of the FIRST to graduate from our online YTT in 2020! If you know April, you know already knows she’s hugely inspirational, but have you heard her yoga teacher training story?? We caught up with April recently for Who Are They Today?

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• When did you complete your YTT certification with Rise + Vibe school of yoga? 

I actually completed my yoga training during COVID in 2020, finishing via online.  It actually was very helpful during the lockdown.

• What motivated you to first enroll in teacher training?

As a fitness instructor I certainly knew what yoga was but had never experienced it.  I used to do a cool down in my fitness classes and someone remarked how it was very similar to the yoga class they had taken which made me do a deep dive into the practice.  I thought I was “too stiff” or “not flexible enough” to become a yoga instructor.  All false by the way, and even though I certainly am not able to get into some of the poses I make it work and find that the benefits are amazing to all bodies no matter the age or flexibility.

• Can you reflect a bit on the ‘Why?’ of you training, why it worked for you? And maybe also why/if it challenged you?

I really prefer to teach restorative yoga as I am an ultra runner who weight trains so I NEED the mellow, healing yin in my practice for balance.

• Tell a little about the community of the YTT program...

Chrissy is AMAZING her positive energy reminds me of sunshine, you can feel it just by being around her.  Her knowledge and passion are unlike any other instructor I’ve seen.

• What was your biggest take away from YTT? What has changed?

Yoga has taught me to breathe, literally.  

• What do you remember most from YTT?

Being able to jump in on a training  that worked for my schedule, I am extremely grateful for being allowed to finish at my own pace.

• What does an average day in your life look like currently?

I’m extremely lucky as I friends that do pre-dawn runs/hikes with me. and I love my job and the ladies I work with.  I bake for fun, volunteer once a week at a dog rescue and organize fun runs to get people motivated. 

• Are you teaching yoga or meditation? If yes, tell more!

I taught yoga for a couple of years before COVID hit.  Now I do pop up classes that are in 6 week increments and people love them.

• Are you practicing yoga or meditation? If yes, tell more!  

I practice yoga at least three days a week, before of after my run or workouts it helps me feel centered and ready to take on the day.

• What does yoga currently add to your life? Or, what does it take away?!

Stress it definitely takes stress away!

Would you recommend this training to others? Why?

Even if you decide to not teach, yoga and is extremely beneficial for the body, mind and soul.  Everyone could benefit from yoga!

• What's next? Any new things happening in 2024?

Not in the works yet, but I’m sure I’ll come up with something probably a series of some kind.

Who are they today? : Alysa Romano

PC @moraima_cp

“ …it was nice to disconnect for the 3-week intensive. To fully submerge in learning, being in a beautiful space, with individuals who are there for the same reason and feel the ability to consistently focus on the teacher training. I’m so glad I did it.” -Alysa Romano

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This month on the YTT blog we’re featuring Alysa Romano who joined us for the first time on a retreat in Greece in 2018. She has since completed both her 200 + 300 hour certifications thru the Rise + Vibe School of Yoga intensively in the Dominican Republic. We caught up with Alysa recently for Who Are They Today?

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• When did you complete your YTT certifications with Rise + Vibe school of yoga? 200 + 300?

Both in the Dominican Republic, 2019 & 2022!

• What motivated you to first enroll in teacher training?

I had an interest in yoga throughout my teen years and would always go back to it. In 2018, after a necessary major life shift, I happened to see a retreat hosted in Sarti Greece with Chrissy. I had this feeling that I needed to go on a solo trip to get away and start on a path of some new life experiences for myself. I met Chrissy as well as a bunch of other incredible women. That yoga trip and after some things I had gone through in my personal life was incredibly healing for me. Chrissy’s teaching style and personality was so warm. So when I found out she did teacher trainings, it was something I was interested in quite some time to deepen my own practice and I knew I had to make it work. I'm so thankful I did and that universe aligned us at just the right time.

Can you reflect a bit on the format of your trainings and why it worked for you? And maybe also why/if it challenged you?

I did the intensive both times with Chrissy and while I know that doesn't work for everyone's schedule I was very grateful she has it as a option. Even though it took quite a bit of planning to take a month's time, I'm so glad I did.  She is incredibly flexible with people who want to aquire their hours. With what I do for work it was nice to disconnect for the intensive. To fully submerge in learning, being in a beautiful space, being around individuals who are their for the same reason and feel the ability to consistently focus on the teacher training. Regardless of how someone achieves their hours with Chrissy she makes it incredibly accessible and is a wealth of knowledge.

Tell a little about having guest teachers during the YTT program

Having the guest teachers was always nice to see different teaching styles as you are trying to come into your own. To hear the other teachers journeys and why they chose a path of teaching as well. We are all so connected and yoga has this beautiful way of reminding us that.

PC: @moraima_cp

Where has your life taken you since the last YTT?

When time allows I've been teaching in really beautiful studios. I have created more of a work life balance as yoga helped me see here there was imbalances. It has connected me with a community of people I may not have otherwise in my local community as well as all over. Which I will cherish for a lifetime. I've been able to do private classes and classes for different groups of people to help spark the fire of self love, care and acceptance. I've even been able to take some of my yoga practice into my business and how I'm able to help others harness those things in their every day life while actively doing things to embody it myself in my every day. 

What do you remember most from YTT?

What I remember most for each of my yoga teacher trainings as well as doing a retreat with Chrissy is how much work she puts into making sure everyone has the best experience. It never went unnoticed! She does so much to plan everything from the location, board, food, the classes/course itself  and she even has so many options for people to do on our down days. She pours so much into the teacher trainings, retreats and I'm so thankful for the experience. The people that I've met through each experience is a direct reflection of the environment she creates no matter where we are. Every experience I have connected so much with the groups and still keep in touch. Chrissy has made it such a safe space for otherwise strangers to all come together to learn and grow collectively. That is not as easy of a task as she makes it look.

What does an average day in your life look like currently? 

I make it a point to do my meditation daily that has become the single most important thing I accomplish day to day. I've found more of a work life balance through my yoga practice and it's really just shifted most everything in my life for the better. The way I veiw the world around me including myself. 

Are you teaching yoga or meditation? If yes, tell more!

At the moment I cut back as I started to notice I was being pulled in many direction. As we are in winter here in the Adirondacks, I really wanted to take some time to slow down with the seasons and spend more time harnessing my creative side. I have been wanting to post some guided meditations and gentle flow classes on Youtube while I'm in my period of rest. Looking forward to setting up some in-person classes again come spring/summer.

Are you practicing yoga or meditation? If yes, tell more!

My yoga practice these winter months have been more geared towards slowing down. Have been doing more restorative and yin. Focusing a lot on my daily meditation has been and will always be something so incredibly important to me.

What does yoga add to your life? Or what does it take away?!

I'll start with what it takes away. It takes away unnecessary feelings of stress, depression and anxiety. I used to battle with those things a lot and although those "bad" feelings never truly go away yoga has always given me the tools to either bypass or move through them with more ease. Participating in YTT was really just to deepen my own personal practice originally. It was such a wonderful feeling when it clicked and turned into wanting to share that with others. That's what it's added to my life. A way of giving others the tools, taught to me, to aid in their own journey of self love, acceptance and overall care.

Would you recommend this training to others? Why?

I think regardless of whether someone thinks they want to teach or not it truly is a great way to deepen ones own personal practice. You just might be surprised like I was and feel called to share what you've learned with others.

What's next? Any plans for 2024?

I've been just trying to "grow with the flow" so no wild plans as of yet and that's been probably the best feeling. As well as something I've learned through yoga... releasing control. Just enjoy what comes. I would hope that I catch Chrissy in Bali if all works out

Follow Alysa on INSTAGRAM: @earthmamamagicandyoga @alysakromano 

PC: @moraima_cp

Who are they today? : Damaris Morales

“Prior to YTT, yoga was a part of my routine, but the training elevated my understanding and experience in ways I couldn't have imagined. For me it was not just about learning to teach yoga, it was about delving into a profound journey of self-discovery and comprehension of the body.” -Damaris Morales

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This month on the YTT blog we’re featuring Damaris Morales who joined us for 200 hours of training intensively in the Domincan Republic in 2022. Since then, she has followed her vision of combining yoga and meditation with surfing as therapy for marginalized youth in the DR. We caught up with Damaris recently for Who Are They Today?

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• Can you reflect a bit on the format of your training and why it worked for you? And maybe also why/if it challenged you?

Reflecting on the format of my Yoga Teacher Training brings to mind a structured yet holistic approach that deeply resonated with me. The program's design, spanning three intensive weeks, was a blend of disciplined practice and mindful introspection.Each day started with a transformative 6 am meditation session, setting an intention and tone for the day ahead. This ritual provided a serene beginning, anchoring me in the present moment. The subsequent 90-minute yoga practice fortified this grounding, merging physical with mental focus.

The post-yoga reflection period was invaluable. It allowed me to process the physical and emotional experiences, creating a deeper connection with myself. The synergy of these elements, the meditation, yoga, reflection, and practice, contributed to the program's effectiveness for me. For three weeks, my entire focus was directed inward, creating alignment between my mind, body, and spirit. 

These 3 weeks came with its challenges - The initial week tested my endurance and commitment. Adapting to the schedule and the new routine felt like an eternity. Yet, by the second week, I found my rhythm, gradually acclimating to the training. By the final week, I was so entrenched in the practice and routine that the thought of it ending was bittersweet. The morning meditations, intention setting, and physical practice had become ingrained habits.

Ultimately, this training's format facilitated a transformative experience by harmonizing my mental, physical, and emotional facets. It challenged me to embrace my body while nurturing an intimate connection with my inner self, resulting in a profound and rewarding journey of self-discovery.

• Where has your life taken you since then?

Since completing my Yoga Teacher Training, my life has taken an incredible turn. The YTT itself lit a spark within me. For the final presentation and YTT graduation I drafted a Surf Therapy program using meditation and yoga as part of the healing tools we’re going to provide the community. 

That initial presentation has evolved into a dedicated pursuit: the Surfing for the Future Project. This initiative is more than a passion; it's a mission to create a space of healing and growth for marginalized youth in the Dominican Republic. Our goal is to establish a surf therapy program that nurtures, challenges, and provides security for children and youth who have faced immense challenges due to their living conditions.

The vision is profound: to provide a space where every child can access the transformative power of the ocean. We aim to reach those who have faced mental health disorders stemming from environmental factors like isolation, abuse, neglect, or living in foster care. The Surfing for the Future Project seeks to empower these young individuals, fostering resilience and enabling them to rise above their circumstances.

This project is deeply personal to me. It was born from my experiences teaching English and meditation to 13 incredible kids right after my YTT. Their stories, their struggles, and their resilience became the driving force behind this project. Witnessing their potential for growth and healing through mindful practices inspired me to create a larger platform for transformative experiences, and surf therapy emerged as a powerful vehicle for this purpose.

Since embarking on this journey, I've been fully dedicated to acquiring the necessary knowledge and resources to bring this project to life. It's taken me into an incredible path, pushing me to learn, connect, and collaborate with passionate humans, empowering communities and organizations. Each step forward reinforces my belief in the impact this project can have on these young lives.

The path post-YTT has been a purposeful one, centered on this vision of providing hope, healing, and empowerment through surf therapy, yoga and meditation. This journey has not only reshaped my life's trajectory but has given me a profound sense of purpose—a purpose rooted in making a tangible, positive difference in the lives of these resilient youth.

• What has changed?

I deepened my personal practice; I try my best to live with intention. I now explore my own boundaries, beliefs, and limitations. I set intentions that allow personal growth and self-awareness through meditation and practice.

• What has stayed the same?

I honestly don’t feel the same. My current biggest challenge is maintaining a daily yoga practice. I feel like during my YTT I released a lot of limiting energy I had stored in my mind and body, and that itself has taken me through a different path. 

• What do you remember most from YTT?

Stillness, ease, bliss. I remember the feeling of meditation, listening to my body. I remember how great it feels, and now it’s my biggest drive any time I need motivation to get on the mat, in search of that bliss.

• What does an average day in your life look like currently?

I wake up and meditate 10 minutes, set an intention for the day, stretch. Then I let the day unfold. Lately I have been fully dedicated to launching the Surfing for the Future Project so much of my time I’m doing research, getting involved with the International Surf Therapy Organization, I’m now part of their research development team. 

• Are you practicing yoga or meditation? If yes, tell more!

Yes, I practice meditation and sing mantras almost daily ☺ If I’m not traveling, I tend to practice yoga at least once a week. 

• Would you recommend this training to others? Why?

I wholeheartedly recommend this Yoga Teacher Training to anyone seeking a deeper connection with their practice and themselves.

Prior to YTT, yoga was a part of my routine, but the training elevated my understanding and experience in ways I couldn't have imagined. For me it was not just about learning to teach yoga, it was about delving into a profound journey of self-discovery and comprehension of the body.

• What's next? Any plans for 2024?

In 2024, I'm dedicated to launching the Surfing for the Future Project, collaborating with the International Surf Therapy Organization to create a surf therapy program for marginalized youth in the Dominican Republic. At the same time, I've applied to the University of Edinburgh's Physical Activity for Health program to boost my understanding of health research and medicine, aiming to enhance the project's impact with evidence-based practices.

Can you speak to being a Dominican woman of color and what the Rise + Vibe YTT scholarship opportunity means to you? How can we keep yoga accessible to all communities?

This scholarship has opened doors to a space within myself that I never knew existed. It allowed me access to a transformative journey through yoga, one that transcends boundaries and speaks to the inclusivity and diversity that yoga embodies.

To keep yoga accessible to all communities, we must actively work toward inclusivity and representation. It starts with breaking down financial barriers through scholarships and making yoga spaces welcoming and inclusive. It involves diversifying the teaching community and ensuring that instructors reflect the diversity of practitioners. Moreover, it's about creating safe and culturally sensitive spaces where everyone feels welcomed and represented, this is what Rise and Vibe scholarship offered me. 

I'm sure this scholarship isn't just about me—it's about paving the way for more individuals from diverse backgrounds to access the incredible benefits of yoga. It signifies the importance of inclusivity, representation, and accessibility within the yoga community for a more diverse and enriched practice for all. 

Follow Damaris on Instagram: @damarismv

Who are they today? : Deborah Feldman

“My private yoga classes and personal practice continue to grow and thrive. The training gave me the confidence to put a class together that people enjoy and benefit from. ” -Deborah Feldman

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This month on the YTT blog we’re featuring Deborah Feldman who joined us for 200 hours of training and graduated 6 years ago in 2017. Since then Deb has started teaching a lot of yoga and has a specialty certification teaching Chair Yoga. We caught up with Deb recently for Who Are They Today?

• Can you reflect a bit on the format of your training and why it worked for you? And maybe also why/if it challenged you?

I was part of a 6-week intensive training program in Montpelier, VT. It worked VERY WELL for me. I had the time to devote to the program, and I loved being immersed every day in the yoga world. The biggest challenge was setting aside that amount of time. I would do it again, though, because learning in that manner really helped me to embody the yogic lifestyle and philosophy.

• Tell a little about having multiple trainers/guest teachers during the YTT program...

The main teacher was Chrissy with an occasional class with someone else.  It's useful to have different teachers and perspectives moving through the program. There are basic principles that carry throughout, and each teacher puts their own spin on how those principles are carried out in practice and in daily life.

• Where has your life taken you since then? What has changed? What has stayed the same? What do you remember most from YTT?

I started teaching quite soon after taking the teacher training. I also became certified in Chair Yoga. Until 2020, yoga was my side gig while I worked at other jobs. I went to teaching yoga as my main focus just as the pandemic got into full swing. Still, I offered online classes in both mat & chair as well as some private classes which got me through those challenging years. Since then, I don't offer much online although I do have a student who does Chair Yoga online weekly. I offer 1 Chair Yoga class a week and am about to offer a 2nd. My private yoga classes and personal practice continue to grow and thrive. The training gave me the confidence to put a class together that people enjoy and benefit from. 

• What does an average day in your life look like currently?

I get up about 5 am, write morning pages and then meditate. On my busiest days I will see 2 private students and teach a Chair Yoga class . Other days I may take a class. I write a Gratitude list at the end of most days, read and go to bed. 

• Are you teaching yoga or meditation? If yes, tell more! 

Yes, I teach both yoga and meditation to private students and in classes. At times I have offered specialty workshops especially in foot work. I am planning on offering a workshop for feet and hands and psychomotor hand work in January.

• Are you practicing yoga or meditation? If yes, tell more!

I sit in meditation most days for 45 minutes. I teach yoga and practice Pilates each week. I'm part of a book club at the yoga studio and I listen to dharma talks by Gil Fronsdal from the Insight Meditation Center in CA. 

• Would you recommend this training to others? Why?

It's wonderful to immerse yourself in the training that Chrissy offers. She is a highly experienced practitioner and brings in outside people who also have strong personal practices.  By the end of training, you know the mechanics of putting together a class in addition to having exposure to the yogic philosophy, beyond the asana.

• What's next? Any plans for 2024?

At the moment, I have a workshop, Extreme Extremities, planned for January 2024… Perhaps I will continue offering a 2nd Chair Yoga class, and more students are coming to me privately for a combination of yoga and mentoring. It all works together to create a fascinating and fulfilling life here in VT.

Who are they today? : Keith Muschek

“I believe that yoga and meditation are powerful tools that can improve the physical and mental well-being of the veteran community. I encourage everyone to try, even if they are not sure it is right for you.” -Keith

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The YTT blog is back! This month we’re featuring Keith Muschek who joined us for a 200 hour intensive in the Dominican Republic one year ago, graduating in Nov 2022. Since then, Keith’s journey has continued and we caught up with him recently for Who Are They Today?

• Meet: Keith Muschek and follw him on instagram: @keith_muschek

• Can you reflect a bit on the format of your training and why it worked for you? And maybe also why/if it challenged you?

I liked that it was intensive. The idea of doing it every weekend did not sound appealing to me. Being able to fully immerse myself in the training each day was wonderful. The pacing of the classes was easy to follow and everything that was covered, was covered in detail. I learned a lot of information and practices that I still use to this day.

• Where has your life taken you since then? What has changed?

 I started attending school for Kinesiology and once I finish that degree I plan work towards one in Somatic Psychology. I started yoga after learning its great for trauma recovery and I am hoping to learn what is really happening internally during the asana and pranayama.

• What has stayed the same?

I still have my daily yoga practice. Have not missed a day since I started.

• What do you remember most from YTT?

The connections with the people that were there. Being fully immersed and  integrating more than just the asana side of yoga into my every day.  And the surfing was so fun.

• What does an average day in your life look like currently?

Every morning I wake up and take my dogs for a walk. After I go to a 75 minute hot yoga class. I recently started school, so whenever I have in person class, I go to them. I have a yoga club at school I help run and lead a class on Mondays.

• Are you teaching yoga or meditation? If yes, tell more!

I teach once a week at my local community college. There are a few students who were interested in yoga so we get to meet once a week and practice together. Might try and guide some meditation if people are interested. So far it is just the asana. They recently started a mentorship program at the studio I attend. You can sign up to lead a class and get feedback from patrons and teachers. It is geared to help learn what may need to be worked on as a teacher.

Are you practicing yoga or meditation? If yes, tell more!

I still have my daily practice. 2 and a half years and have not missed a day. I try to get some meditation in before and after class. I still struggle a bit with it, but it has gotten better.

Would you recommend this training to others? Why?

I recommend this to anyone who is trying to further get a deeper understanding of yoga, not just the physical part of it. Chrissy is a very informed teacher. She has a deep understanding of the subjects presented. She is calm, inviting, and overall gives a very welcomed feel from soon as I got to the program.

• Could you speak to being a Veteran, if that had any role in you finding yoga and what you think yoga/meditation can bring to the military community at large…

After I left the Army, I was struggling with a number of issues from chronic pain, depression, and sense of meaning. I felt lost and disconnected to myself to everything around me. I was looking for something to help me heal and to find myself again. Finding yoga has helped me find a new sense of community and connection. 

I found yoga in 2021 and began a daily practice. It has helped me reconnect with my body to develop a new found self-awareness and self-compassion. It has reduced my stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and improved my sleep. There are many different styles of yoga and meditation. Yoga can be specifically tailored to address the unique needs of veterans, some classes can focus on poses and breathing exercises that are known to be calming and grounding. After practicing for over a year I decided to take yoga teacher training. I was personally recommended to learn from Chrissy Lefavour at Rise + Vibe Yoga. She offers a military/veteran scholarship, among other types of scholarships, which helped me complete my training. I believe that yoga and meditation are powerful tools that can improve the physical and mental well-being of the veteran community. I encourage everyone to try, even if they are not sure it is right for you.

• What's next? Any plans for 2024?

  I plan to continue my education and hopefully expand my teaching to something more consistent.

You can spot Keith front and center, flying his drone pre-surf during a free day in the DR!

Who are they today? : Christine Peterson

“I want everyone to feel like there is a place for them in the yoga community. I found so much inspiration and made connections with incredible people in the Rise + Vibe yoga teacher training program online.”

Our latest feature on the Who Are They Today? series is Christine Peterson. Christine graduated with her 200 hour certificate last year and has been a roll ever since! She took on the virtual training during a pandemic and her story continues below!! FOLLOW here on instagram: @mschrstine71

When did you complete your YTT certification with Rise + Vibe school of yoga?

I completed my certification in June of 2020. I was able to complete 200 hours in about 4 months. One of the things that appealed to me about the program was that it was available online. I thought about in person training for a while, it was daunting because of the amount of time it would take to complete. I always want to blaze through things. When this opportunity came up and everyone was quarantined it was perfect. The other thing that made me want to take this training was that I knew the people teaching really knew their stuff and I was thrilled for a chance to soak up this knowledge.

• Where has your life taken you since then?

The biggest change is teaching yoga regularly which has been fantastic and helped me through a very uncertain time.

• What do you remember most from the YTT experience?

I remember how much I enjoyed learning every day from the teachers, the other students and my own self study. The program provided the space for everyone to explore the things that excited us. For me, it was accessible yoga because I want everyone to feel like there is a place for them in the yoga community. I found so much inspiration and made connections with incredible people.

• What does an average day in your life look like currently? What are your favorite things to do?

I have a full-time job and great friends that I am grateful to be able to spend time with. I teach a couple of yoga classes a week. I try to end the day with mantra practice which helps me slow down.

• Are you teaching yoga or meditation? Tell us More!

I have been lucky to have the opportunity to teach at studios, private events and for my co-workers. My focus is gentle yoga with a lot of breathwork throughout. I'm currently teaching at Rooted Yoga VT which is owned by a fellow Rise + Vibe YTT grad and amazing friend. It's a gift to be part of this community and to share yoga with people in person! When I see students who are relaxed and refreshed after class, it feels incredible.

• Are you practicing yoga or meditation?

Yes, I still take classes whenever I can. Every teacher provides perspective, knowledge or inspiration that I carry into my classes. I practice pranayama and mantra at home. They were some of my favorite parts of training and I need them to keep my mind from spinning out.

• Would you recommend this training to others? Why?

Yes, for all the reasons I mentioned. Even if someone doesn't necessarily want to teach, the benefits are well worth the investment. I was a regular yoga practitioner before YTT but my understanding of all the principles and the eight limbs was minimal. The Rise and Vibe program taught me how to live yoga not just do yoga. I learned so much about myself in the process.

• What's next? Any plans for 2022?

I received my certification in Chair Yoga earlier this year and I am hoping to start teaching it regularly in my area. I still do a lot of studying and learning and consider taking more formal training. Mostly I want to keep practicing and teaching and go where the journey takes me. It's been wonderful so far!

Who are they today? : Stephanie Smith

“It was challenging to force myself to report to my computer every day and commit to the self study at home while in lockdown, but it was also exactly what I needed to keep my mind sane and focused…”

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This month we feature Stephanie Smith in Who Are They Today… Stephanie completed all 500 hours of her training with Rise + Vibe, but she started with an in-person intensive in the Dominican Republic for her 200 hour training and finished with the online train-at-your-own-pace format for the 300 hour advanced training. She currently lives in the DR with her super sweet family, she is a published author and a super mom; keep reading to learn more about Stef and her journey since YTT!

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Who are they today? : Stephanie Smith

When did you complete your YTT certification with Rise + Vibe school of yoga? I completed the 200 HR YTT in April 2019 and the 300 HR YTT August 2020.

I did the 200 hr YTT in person, in Cabarete, during a 3 week intensive. I didn't stay overnight as I lived very close to the training center and have a young daughter, so I slept at home to be home with her at night. But I still loved the in person experience of connecting with Chrissy and other students during that intense 12-14 hr a day format.

I completed the 300 hr online, during COVID. It was challenging to force myself to report to my computer every day and commit to the self study at home while in lockdown, but it was also exactly what I needed to keep my mind sane and focused during the pandemic. I loved the flexibility of the online training because I could watch the modules when I could , and sometimes saved some of the yoga practices for at night after my daughter went to sleep… I would not have mentally coped well otherwise!

Tell a little about having multiple trainers during the YTT program...
I loved having multiple trainers with varied concentrations during the YTT program. I learned about specific types of yoga, like chair yoga and yin yoga from practitioners who teach those types of classes daily. I also loved the special mantra lecture by Bill Barry. Learning Sanskrit and the historical roots of various mantras was super interesting.

Where has your life taken you since then?

I am a much more grounded person. I've learned to manage my anxiety much better. I've learned to use my breath to help me tap into my steady state. I've been more loyal to my morning routine. I'm more positive and am more grateful for my life status as I was before. I still enjoy yoga. I still keep in touch with the people I took YTT with and I still live in the DR!

What do you remember most from YTT? The days we did yoga nidra. It was so relaxing for me, and allowed me to go to a different mental plane every time. I do the practice every night before I fall asleep as a reset for my brain after a long day.

What does an average day in your life look like currently?

My day is mostly writing-- I am an author and writer of children's books. I am currently co-writing two middle grade fiction series, so most of my day is in front of my computer. But, I start my day around 6:30, do a meditation on Insight Timer, then do my journaling. Then, breakfast with my family and send my daughter to school, then movement--which can be yoga or pilates, or running or weights. Then I write during the day until my daughter comes home from school, and of course a bit of play until dinner and bedtime!

Photo by @moraima_cp

Are you teaching yoga or meditation?

I want to get back into teaching in 2022. I have been pouring my knowledge into my children's books series--the books included scenes of the young characters doing yoga or meditation. Some have also have struggled with mental health issues and we show how those practices can help them cope.

Are you practicing yoga or meditation?

I practice yoga and meditation every day. They are part of my daily routine and they both help me stay focused and grounded during the day. If I skip these practices I can definitely see the difference in how I manage my day.

Would you recommend this training to others? Why?

Absolutely! Chrissy is an absolutely amazing teacher who truly "lives the yoga." The effect that yoga has had on my life has been truly life changing. Whether I'm teaching or not, the principals of the practice are great life tools for everyone.

What's next? Any plans for 2022?

I plan to get back into teaching for 2022, and to write and illustrate books about kids and yoga and mindfulness! CLICK HERE to download the HIPPO YOGA coloring sheet by Stef…

Here’s the link to Stef’s book Reindeer Yoga: https://www.amazon.com/dp/171103603X?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

FOLLOW Stephanie on Instagram: @stefsmith and @saltsandyoga

And VISIT her website: saltsandyoga.com

The Yoga of Nature

The Yoga of Nature:

Nature, Herbalism and Gardening as Yoga

by Lauren Priestap

In the year 2020, I began to surrender…

I was tired of trying to create moments, build my own ideals into my children, train for half marathons, control the dirt-to-Windex ratio in my kitchen. I had two children under 4, arthritic hips from running and mindless high intensity workouts, and a pointlessly clean house. 

I began to feel like I went through the motions of the day robotically, while the Self inside of me had excused itself, sat in a chair in the corner, and patiently waited for me to come looking for it. 

And one day, I did. 

In the Spring of 2020, I looked at a plant in my woods, and I wanted to know what kind of plant it was. Never before in my life had I cared about plants, but for some reason, on this day, with this particular plant, I wanted to know. Looking back on this moment, it was almost as if my Self had wandered up next to me, leaned over, and whispered, “Wonder what that is.” 

And from that moment, I looked up every plant that I saw. I spent the summer with my kids tagging along behind, walking through our forests and tramping down into the rivers, gathering plants, cross referencing nature guides, clicking photos. Plantain, bloodroot, coltsfoot, blue cohosh, trout lily, usnea. 

Then, I learned that plants can heal. I befriended herbalists and began taking in information, reading books about tinctures and teas, drying herbs and plants to create medicine, gathering leaves and roots for poultices. 

It felt, for the first time in a decade, as though I could breathe. As though there was purpose. And when I stepped back and looked at my days, I began to see patterns of continuous surrender beginning to appear. 

I forgot to wash my floors for weeks, and I didn’t feel anxious. I sat by the river and played with my kids for hours at a time, and stopped feeling unproductive and uncomfortable as the time melted away. Instead of devoting hours to running and working out, I was in the forest pulling stubborn roots and hiking miles to get to a patch of wild leeks. I felt connection. I felt my Self stand up out of its chair in the corner and slip back inside of my soul. 

Near the end of that summer, I went to my first Yin yoga class in a beautiful outdoor pavilion with a strong, intuitive teacher. I’d been practicing yoga for some time, but had never tried Yin practice before, because my old mindset had convinced me that it wasn't purposeful. I’d been using my yoga practice as a workout instead of a life change. After one Yin class, I felt another Self and soul change begin to occur. The same surrender that the plants had brought on began to evolve as I continued to practice Yin yoga. I started to understand that yoga was surrender in the same way that devotion to the plants was surrender. 

I decided to practice towards a 200 hour teacher training because I knew that I needed to continue this same surrender through the winter. The plants would be buried under three feet of snow, nature would be still and sleeping, but I couldn’t allow my Self to be dormant. 

As I began to deepen my yoga practice, the ties between the principles and practices of yoga and those of nature began to knot in my mind. Primarily, I became drawn to the practice of Bakhti yoga, that of devotion and recognition of higher Being. 

I found myself naturally falling into Bakhti practices, waking early to practice hatha yoga, reading various devotionals throughout the day, and observing higher Being (for me, God, but there are many other names and deities recognized as well!), in every element around me, whether it be the unique personalities of my children, the snow falling off the pine trees, the chickadees on the porch railing. 

I found that all of these practices not only elevated my existence and enlightened my mind, but particularly ishvara pranidhana (recognition of higher Being and surrendering to simply being), allowed me to move out of my own head space and allow a higher Being to establish control. Through continuous recognition and surrender, less became less and less about me and more about seeking beauty, going with the flow, and making space for more life. 

This spring, I see the fruit of the svadhyaya work that I’ve done in my Bakhti practice. Beyond more ability in my hatha practice, I find myself in constant commune with a higher Being. The plants emerging and blooming, patience and devotion to my kitchen garden, researching new herbs and medicines, solitary walks through the woods to feel the Spirit. 

Nature presents lessons and antidotes as the Source sees need. Good example, my daughter scraping her knee right next to a patch of healing plantain. During a particularly tough day this spring, I stumbled across a patch of bloodroot, a plant that I’d searched for but never had found. Nature presented me with joy and encouragement. There is a lesson in every plant and in every moment.

I am immensely grateful for the journey that I continue to travel in my practice. I know for certain that without the natural world, my path would have been far different. I am grateful to the plants for teaching me patience, curiosity, and surrender. I am grateful to my higher Being for breathing life into every piece of nature and communicating through the Earth. I find purpose beyond myself. I feel connection with the immense Consciousness, the vast Purpose. 

Who are they today? : Brian Chick

Who are they today?

Brian Chick

“I was not anticipating moving to Mexico, but Ashtanga turned out to be the best practice to move abroad with...”

— Brian

Brian graduated from the 200 hour teacher training program on April 19, 2019. He completed his training in Montpelier, Vermont, attending mostly local weekend studio trainings + classes in-person. This blog features our recent interview with Brian as a lot has changed since then… And of course, he’s still practicing yoga!

Can you reflect a bit on the format of your training and why it worked for you? And maybe also why/if it challenged you? 

The flexibility; having full weekends and getting to pick and choose courses is light years more convenient for me than having a rigid schedule. And it did challenge me! You’d think that with a “choose-your-own adventure” learning situation you would dodge the courses that seemed too difficult, but I found the opposite: the things I looked forward to most were the ones that were the most stimulating and challenging. 

Tell a little about having multiple trainers during the YTT program…

Having a team of teachers was great; all of the teachers put so much of themselves into their teaching, taught to their strengths and polished up another facet of the big jewel that is yoga. Of course, I was only learning to learn, but for those who were learning to teach I can see the added benefit of having all these teaching styles modeled.

Where has your life taken you since then?

I live in Mexico, and work remotely part-time instead of full time at the office. I have a better relationship with time and money, but my relationship with yoga and meditation have only changed in that I don’t get to practice them with others (I can’t wait for the pandemia to be over!). That’s not true: transitioning to yoga by myself, I also follow a routine instead of taking lead classes, and that has provided a bit of security in these uncertain times. 

What I remember most from YTT is the community; the people I learned from and studied with are all vividly in my mind, it’s like they are still here with me sometimes.

What does an average day in your life look like currently?

I have more time to do the things I love, and sometimes nothing much at all. I write and study my spanish a bit in the morning, then do some work, and in mid-afternoon I have time to take a siesta, read, clean, exercise, etc. It’s no longer about waking up at the crack of dawn, hurrying to work to occupy a desk for 8 hours, having yoga to destress and getting ready for the next day. I hope I never have to go back to that life full-time.

Are you practicing yoga or meditation?

Yes, of course! I still take 15 minutes every day to meditate.

And I'm practicing Ashtanga primary series about 3 times a week. I was not anticipating moving to Mexico, but Ashtanga turned out to be the best practice to move abroad with. It’s practiced and taught all over the world, is a fixed routine, and perhaps most importantly is taught mostly in sanskrit. 

I made sure to find a place near an ashtanga studio, it was easy enough to continue my practice in a culture whose language I was only just beginning to learn. Of course, my teachers here are bilingual, so they still give me assists and pointers in English, but it’s easy enough to follow a class when you know the routine and understand the Sanskrit. Of course after adapting to a mixed Spanish/Sanskrit routine, COVID happened, and I have not been taking many classes since. Now, as mentioned before, I practice ashtanga primary series 3 times a week in the comfort of my own home. 

Would you recommend this training to others? Why?

Of course! You will only get out of it what you put in, and some days will be more challenging and rewarding than others, but you have an excellent and varied team of folks to work with, everyone brings their best to their mat and to the classroom. 

What's next? Any plans for the rest of 2021?

I’m buying a house here in Mexico, and looking forward to returning to Vermont for a few months now that everything’s back to some semblance of normal. Then coming back to my new place in the magical city of Guanajuato, and seeing what 2022 brings me.

FOLLOW BRIAN’S JOURNEY on INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/fiercelyawkward

Who are they today? : Anna Matuszynska

Who are they today?

Anna Matuszynska

“Yoga is for everyone! It should be taught in schools! Rise + Vibe YTT is a must do training!!!”

— Anna

Anna + Joanna : Garudasana

Anna is from Poland and met Chrissy while they were both living in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. She then completed her 200 hour training with Chrissy + Bibby in Puerto Plata, DR at Yoga Kite Camp in January 2020. Her best friend from Poland, Joanna, also travelled across the ocean to complete the 3 week intensive by her side, it was super sweet! In our first edition of “Who are they today?” We catch up with Anna Matuszynska…

Where has your life taken you since then?

What has changed? I’m more free spirited, I breathe more consciously, I practice more yoga and meditation.

What has stayed the same? I still love traveling the world, by van this time **Anna is currently in Europe practicing yoga + kitesurf along the way!

What do you remember most from YTT? The positive vibes!!

What does an average day in your life look like currently? I try to find time every day for my yoga practice. I still enjoy the little things in life and spend most of my time in the nature!

Are you teaching yoga or meditation? Not yet, but I’m planning to teach yoga this summer :)

Are you practicing yoga or meditation? Yes, even when I am very busy I try to do some sun salutations at least. Yoga has changed my life, helps to clear my mind and focus on breathing deeply

Would you recommend this training to others? Yoga is for everyone! It should be taught in schools! It’s a must do training!!! And Chrissy is the best teacher!… I’d love to do the advanced training. Maybe next year, fingers crossed!

What's next? Any plans for the rest of 2021? For now, I’ll stay in France as my bf got his job here. I’ll try to start teaching yoga this summer! So excited about it!!!

FOLLOW ANNA’S JOURNEY on INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/girasolana

Parents, You Got This

By Stephanie Smith

Parents, You Got This. Here’s How Moms and Dads Can Find Peace While Parenting During COVID-19. 

This back to school season feels very different than year’s past. The decision on what to do around schooling for children this fall has no doubt been difficult in the time of COVID-19. I certainly can relate. 

I spent weeks debating whether or not I should send my daughter back to school. I read the statistics about coronavirus spread among kids. I analyzed data about cases in my community, on hospitalizations, on rates of infection. I asked parents and friends and bought masks and made pro and con lists and stayed up late at night thinking about the “what ifs”. And I made a decision as best I could. Then I doubted that decision 20 minutes after I dropped her off at school.  

The start of the school year marks about seven months of Americans living with coronavirus. And moms and dads are worn out—rates of anxiety and depression are rising among parents (and children), and the start of the school year may kick off a new level of angst. 

There are some tools--yoga and meditation being a few of them-- to help. Here are three things parents will need to helps us keep it together, and how yoga can help us find them:

--COMPASSION: We’re in the middle of a pandemic! These are unprecedented times. No one knows what’s going to happen. Not presidents, not doctors, not the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). No one. Not even you. So all you can do is go forth and go easy on yourself. You don’t have all the answers. You’re not supposed to have all of the answers because no one has all of the answers. Just like our yoga practice teaches us, be gentle with yourself. Lower your expectations to have it all together.  Lead with love for yourself.  As in yoga where just showing up to the mat is an effort worth recognition, give yourself credit for showing concern about your family’s health.

--RESILIENCE: Living through a pandemic is the ultimate test of our resilience, or the ability to bounce back after difficult situations. Change is the operative word when it comes to developing resilience. Remember that in these times, everything--like the CDC’s COVID-19 safety protocols--changes daily. Recognize change is inevitable, then stay adaptable to that change. Studies have shown exercise helps us stay more resilient in response to stress or challenges. Yoga teaches us to flow and bend and stay flexible, all things that help us deploy resilience in troubled times.  Remember your practice, and try to flow and bend into each new scenario.  

--REASSURANCE: Want to know if you’re doing the right thing? So long as you  lead with your heart, you’ve done the right thing. Sounds fluffy, but listening to your gut when making decisions about school or socializing is the only way through these times. It’s tempting to watch the news, analyze data, call your friends and ask your mom, and call the other parents on the block to get advice. But they’re not you, and they’re not parenting your child. Tune out the noise and tune in to what you really feel. If that means sitting alone for a few minutes, or meditating (the Loving Kindness meditation is a great one to practice for peace of mind and good vibe towards loved ones.)  or saying an affirmation that makes you feel grounded (I like repeating, “Let go and let it be.”).  Then, make your decisions. Feel good about them. And know you could change your mind at any time because---back that whole resilience thing--everything changes anyway. 

Take a breath. Listen to your heart. Move forward. Let go. That’s all you can do.

And, of course, wear a mask and wash your hands.

Below is the sweetest photo of Stephanie Smith and her daughter practicing Loving Kindness together!

May ____ be filled with loving kindness

May ____ be peaceful and at ease

May ____ be well

May ____ know happiness and the pursuit of all happiness.

We’re offering an online KIDS Yoga Teacher Training starting October 5th… CLICK HERE for more info on this training opportunity!

3 Misconceptions and 3 Fun Facts About Chair Yoga

3 Misconceptions and 3 Fun Facts About Chair Yoga

6/29/2020

By Stephanie Smith

During Rise + Vibe’s online YTT this spring--in the middle of worldwide quarantines during the coronavirus pandemic--- yoga instructor and DJ Catherine Hamilton, aka DJ Love Doctor led a chair yoga workshop with us to introduce us to the practice. I thought chair yoga was primarily for seniors or those with limited mobility and assumed the moves would be rather basic and stiff. I was wrong on all fronts. 

“I was drawn to chair yoga because some of my students couldn’t get down on the mat easily,” said Hamilton.  “Once I started practicing and teaching chair yoga, I discovered the true essence of yoga  - which to me is healing and transforming the body and mind through breath and positive intentions.”

Just like Ashtanga yoga, chair yoga is a multi-limbed practice that involves breathing, concentration, and physical movements to create a sense of balance between mind and body. Catherine’s soothing chair flow was relaxing and accessible to all levels, but she also showed us more advanced movements using the chair that would challenge even more advanced yogis. “Chair yoga is often labeled as “accessible yoga,” which it is,” she said. “However, chair yoga is also a complementary practice for “mat” yogis.”

Several yoga teachers in the R+V YTT signed up for Catherine’s certification program to learn more about chair yoga and integrate the techniques into their own classes. Many R+V teachers worked with specialized populations, such as those who are pregnant or injured, for which chair yoga could be a great option. 

Below are three common misconceptions about chair yoga, and three surprising facts about the practice that might make you want to learn more about the practice. 

Misconception 1: Chair yoga is for old people

Fact: Chair yoga is for anyone with a chair or couch. The postures and poses are adapted so that anyone with limited mobility or cannot get down to a mat can do the postures. But it can also involve more advanced poses, like crow and headstand, using the chair as a prop to assist. And chair yoga isn’t just about postures--mediation, mudras and pranayama can all be practiced while sitting in a chair. 

Misconception 2: Chair Yoga is easy!

Fact: It’s only as easy as you make it.  “In a level 2 and 3 chair yoga practice, the chair can be a wonderful prop for balances and inversion,” said Hamilton. For example, you can place your hands on the ground to set up for crow pose (bakasana), but give your legs some lift and support by putting your toes on the seat of a chair. And if you’re struggling with tortoise pose (kurmasana) or firefly pose (tittibhasana), see this fun way to get into both using a chair. 

Misconceptions 3: Any chair will work

Fact: Almost any chair will work for chair yoga. The best chair for chair yoga is one that has a sturdy back and is wide enough for your entire bum and legs to sit comfortably. Your chair should also be high enough so your feet can come flat to the floor and your legs are close to 90 degrees (if your feet aren’t flat to the floor, you can use yoga blocks or books underneath your feet). Avoid chairs with wheels so you don’t slip and slide during your practice.  Some ergonomic office chairs with curved backs also aren’t the best choice for a chair practice; many of these have wheels, and the flexible backs of some chairs might not be stable enough during your practice. Surprisingly, many couches work great for chair yoga-- they’re wide, sturdy, and allow your legs to be close to 90 degrees. 

Want to learn more about chair yoga? Find Hamilton on Instagram at @ChairYogaLove or ChairYogaLove@gmail.com for more information on her Chair Certification programs and free online classes. And check out Rise + Vibe.com’s Teacher Training Page for upcoming info on future chair yoga certification offerings. 

Meet: Bibby Burgos

“Yoga gave me a new knee…”

Yoga for Athletes

A series of interviews

With Bibby Burgos

Bibby Burgos is the founder of Kite Legend School and president of the Asociacion de Vela in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Bibby is a recent graduate of the 500 hour certfication with Rise + Vibe and the newest member of our YTT instructor squad. In addition to being an avid yogi, Bibby is a sponsored kitesurfer for Cabrinha, a dive master, has his STCW and enjoys sports of all kinds, but especially those that involve getting out in nature! His classes are full of Caribbean chispa, igniting, inviting and fun. Send Bibby an email to learn more about his private coaching (offered virtually + worldwide) or visit www.yogakitecamp.com to learn more about yoga classes + kitesurfing with us in the DR. We hope you enjoy the first of the Yoga for Athletes series in our blog and can leave your requests or suggestions for future topics in out comments. Thank you, Bibby and welcome to the Rise + Vibe Instructor Team!

Tell us a little about the sports you’ve practiced in the past and how they have impacted your body…

 When I was younger playing basketball was the first time I felt a little pain in my back. I moved too quickly and something tightened up, but I’ve always felt good in my body. As a kid I played baseball, basketball, and practiced skateboarding, biking or whatever I could get my hands (and feet) on. Now I’m a hiker, scuba diver, fisherman, boxer and I love all sports, so my body has been through a lot. I’ve always liked staying active to keep healthy, socialize, have some fun, stay busy and focus the mind. My knees have always felt OK until I was learning to kitesurf in choppy water. I had a hard board, my beginner’s technique and the build-up over my lifetime was a ‘perfect’ combo causing something to snap in my knee.

How did that feel?

I was doing a downwinder at the boulevard after a long session in the water and I was a little bit tired, but the adrenaline and good wind kept me going. Then I went upwind for a frontside turn in the lip but the chop in the wave pushed back against the board and twisted my knee in the opposite direction. I let some power out of my kite and stayed in the water before recovering my board. As a floated there I wasn’t sure how bad it was, I had heard a ‘crack’ so I took some time before I tried standing on the board again. When I did get back to my board, my knee actually felt fine.

How have you handled your knee injury?

Over time my knee would occasionally swell, feel weak and I could tell something was imbalanced in my knees. Sure enough, when I had my knees scanned the doctor told me my MCL was completely torn. While he was anxious to recommend I surgery, I decided to talk to some of my pro kiter friends and keep up with my newly found yoga practice.

When and why did you start to practice yoga?

I started practicing yoga 3 years ago but a few years earlier I had a membership at the gym and all I did was stretching. I was spending my time kiting anytime the wind was blowing and would get bored at home when the wind died. I spent my non-wind time cross training with a lot of side body stretching, lunges, core strengthening, bridging, twists and many dynamic movements. One difference I noticed as soon as I started yoga was that I felt energized. Sessions at the gym or in the water would leave me exhausted while yoga kept me feeling youthful, sharp and fresh. Any practice that can keep me healthy and enjoying the things I love most in life is worth investing in, so now I practice everyday.

Which practices in yoga have helped you the most?

I didn’t think much about how I was using my knees until I started practicing yoga and after my injury. With careful attention to my movement, little by little my knees would recover faster after sessions and within a few months I had found ways to move and stay pain free in my body. Some of the asanas that help to strengthen and balance my knees are basically all the postures in the Ashtanga series (I don’t practice lotus), but especially Janu Sirsasana, Virabhadrasana and balancing postures. Ujjayi pranayama and the bandhas have helped me with my posture and balance on the board. I feel more connected to my gear when I’m active in the water plus the simple practices add an intense level of mental focus. The breath has helped me build stamina, especially for going upwind and the increased lung capacity has helped my diving when I’m spearfishing!

How do your knees feel now when you go surfing or kitesurfing?

Now I feel like I have a new knee! It has been two years of practice, mindful attention to my movement on land + in the water and really listening to my body. When I go kitesurfing, surfing or engage in any other sports I have no problems in my knees. I’ve also learned that the reason I felt exhausted before was due to adrenaline. If I can keep my nervous system in check with breathing and concentration while I kite it’s much more efficient and enjoyable!

Do you have any advice for athletes seeking longevity in their sport + life?

Don’t wait to get injured to start yoga! Yoga is there for you now and there are classes for all levels. Be able to enjoy your sports with focus, relaxation and wisdom while taking yourself to the next level. Yoga will help you progress in sports but it will also help you through life, relationships, transitions, etc. It opened my mind to this light or energy that made me realize we can be a part of nature if we let go a little bit. I want to be able to kitesurf for as long as I’m standing on this planet and swimming in the Caribbean Sea… I feel so lucky that yoga is the practice that can gives me that guarantee (and a new knee!).

**Please note yoga is a great supplement to healing and cross-training for athletes. In the case of injury you should always consult a doctor first, especially before starting a new activity! We hope to hear from you soon. Here’s a postures you can try to build stability in the mean time…

Virabhadrasana

Warrior 2 - This posture is so powerful! Keep your shoulders soft, your neck long and your core drawing in and up from the pelvic floor. The knee should be stacked strong and stable directly over the ankle! Breath deep in and out the nose…

Self-Study, and more Practice!

The Best Way to Improve Your Practice is Self-Study

By Stephanie Smith

During Rise + Vibe’s Online Yoga Teacher Training currently in session, one of the exercises we were given was to take photos or videos of ourselves in the Ashtanga standing sequence. The goal was to capture what our poses looked like at the beginning of training, and help us memorize information about each posture. 

Admittedly this was not my favorite assignment. I am actually quite shy and don’t like seeing myself on camera. I don’t post a ton of myself in poses on my Instagram feed. In fact, most pictures I take of myself in yoga are from far back, so I look like a small gnat in a vast space.  But, homework is homework, so I pressed on. 

Boy, was it helpful. After viewing the clips, I saw things about my postures that I’d never discovered. I saw how much I slam weight into my heels when I’m in a forward fold, and how much closer I can get my hands to the ground if I rock more weight forward into the balls of my feet. I saw where I needed to extend my arm in triangle pose to hold it at 90 degrees. And I studied and refined my downward dog, working on my feet placement, my back extension and even where my drishti point should be. 

Though I found things I could refine, I also simply noted what my postures looked like, and how my body felt when I was in them.

Filming yourself isn’t about finding flaws, it’s about awareness of your body.   When I’m teaching, I’m focused on everyone else’s posture. When I’m at home doing online classes with other instructors, I’m looking at my instructors, not myself, on a screen. But to film and study my own practice was a great way to note where in space my body is as I’m flowing. 

So the next time you come to your mat, see if you can record yourself or take photos of yourself while practicing. Pay attention to a sequence or two and check out your form. Record and review it, but avoid criticizing every part of each posture (in fact, here’s a challenge: write down or note two positive things and one or two elements to work on in your postures or sequence). Maybe you do this routinely every few months or so to check in with your form. Or once a year. Or never again! Either way, you’ll be surprised what you find about your practice. 

Remember, the goal is awareness, not criticism, for this exercise. It’s also a great mantra for any type of self-study.  

Oh, and don’t forget to smile in your photos--there, that’s one positive thing you can note in your clips!

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OM parama prema rupaya namaha

A mantra for self-love + confidence

A mantra for divine truth

Teaching Online?!

Teaching Online?

These Tips Will Help You

Teach Amazing Virtual

Classes That Really Connect 

By Stephanie Smith

For the first part of 2020, the global coronavirus pandemic  has forced most of the world indoors. Health officials and governments have recommended quarantines and social distancing practices in an effort to stop the spread of the deadly illness. That means people are staying home and away from large public places, including yoga studios. In response, more yoga teachers are offering classes online, even if they hadn’t done so before coronavirus. 

Now more than ever, it’s easy to start teaching yoga online--if you've got a stellar internet connection and a smartphone, you're good to go. But how do you create classes that actually connect with people and make them want to tune in repeatedly? 

Like many other yoga teachers, I started offering online classes as I was quarantined at home. I have also taken a bunch of online classes from other teachers (including Chrissy and Bibby from Rise + Vibe!) and have been studying what makes a great teacher online. A lot of the same things you’d do to create a fun studio class still apply, like being mindful of various skill levels of students in your class and adding some storytelling and personality to your teaching. But here a few additional things I’ve learned as I’ve started to teach online that might help you: 

---

--Do a dry run. Before you go online, do a dry run of your entire class with a friend or small audience. Make sure your camera or smartphone is in focus and the microphone can pick up your voice. Check out your space--is your background plain and clutter free? Is your mat lined up in the center of your shot, and with enough space to allow for poses that may extend beyond your mat? Is your voice clear, or do you have interference from outside noises, like air conditioners, traffic or other people? Is your wifi strong enough to stream the video (this was my biggest flub: I kept forgetting to test my wifi connection the night before and twice now I’ve scrambled to switch the phone I was using to stream my classes at the last minute!). Try to record yourself in the same setup you will use for your online class before you go live.

--Keep it short. Try teaching shorter classes over your trial runs that allow for a sample of your regular classes. Play with a workshop style class or themed class based on an idea or mantra or certain part of the body. These specific-style classes will help you differentiate yourself from more general classes available online. If someone is looking for, say, a hip opening sequence, you can pop up higher in a Google search if you have a 10-minute hip opener class available on your website.  

--Keep it personal. Some of the best online yoga classes I’ve taken have a personal touch. I’ve taken classes where the teacher’s dog cuddles up with them on their mat, or their kids join them for savasana. I’m also amused by seeing a teacher in their well-appointed bedroom or den with fluffy sofas and warm candles. I also like when teachers share their real feelings about our current health crisis--what they’ve been doing during their quarantine or what feelings have popped up and how they’re managing. Seeing and hearing the personal side of a teacher’s practice reminds students that we’re all in the same boat-- we’re all at home, we’re all trying to get by, we’re all figuring out our new way of life day by day. 

--Remove all distractions or prepare for them.

Home is where the heart is, but also where distractions are. It’s where our families are, our noisy neighbors and our dirty laundry are. Try to remove as many distractions as possible during practice. Set up in a quiet, uncluttered room in your house or apartment and lock the door to prevent unwanted interruptions. Got an active child who loves to sing and dance naked through the house (like me?) Maybe you set them up with breakfast and their favorite cartoons in another room while you do your practice. When I teach classes from home, my dear husband will take our daughter outside for breakfast al fresco so I’m not interrupted (bless him).  

--Stay flexible: Despite best laid plans, sometimes things still interrupt the flow of a class. When I asked Chrissy what’s been key to teaching classes online, she said staying flexible is a must. If the internet goes out in the middle of a class or if your phone dies, adjust, acknowledge the disruption to your students if needed,  and keep going. “Make sure it doesn't interrupt the flow of your teaching,” Chrissy said. “Maintain cool.” 

Remember, your students understand if things are a bit on the fly. Life right now is a bit on the fly--we’re in the middle of a global pandemic!  What’s cool about this time is that we can discover new ways to teach and learn with no expectations and plenty of room to make mistakes. So experiment, play and have fun with whatever form of teaching you choose.  Remember, we’re all in this--at home, staying safe, and flowing online--together.

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Yoga Alliance has modified it’s best practices to include digital teaching in accordance with local regulations re: COVID 19. To read more about these updates on yoga teaching policies and ethical standards click here to visit their website.

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If you’re looking for online yoga resources, fill out the easy form below so we can hook you up with what you need:

NOW is the Perfect Time...

Photos below: by @lo.storer from our January YTT… ENJOY!

Footage of Stef teaching her FIRST ever Online Class thru Instagram for Elevation Tribe

Chrissy, taking Stef’s LIVE class thru Instagram.

Now is the Perfect Time to Do Yoga Teacher Training. Here’s Why. 

By Stephanie Smith

I’m back y’all! Things have certainly changed since the last time I checked in. Here in the Dominican Republic, like many around the globe, we are on a nationwide quarantine as we struggle to contain the deadly coronavirus that has become a global pandemic. Businesses are closed, people are staying at home, and we are all social distancing. Many people are anxious, scared, and uncertain about the future. 

All the more reason to take a yoga teacher training program. 

Yes, it’s expensive. And time consuming. But if you’re looking to deepen your practice or understanding of yoga, or wanting to refine your teaching skills, YTT could be a great option for you--particularly now when you may have more time on your hands. If YTT is something you’ve been on the fence about, I’m going to walk you through my decision to pursue my 300 hour YTT with Rise + Vibe while under quarantine this spring. These are questions I asked myself (and my husband) many times, but came to the same answer each time: no time like the present!

I’m more anxious than ever, and could use my time at home to deepen my practice. 

“Deepening your practice” is why many people pursue a YTT especially if they have no intention to teach—that was my main reason to take YTT last April with Chrissy. Additionally, my mental state back then after moving to DR was similar to how many may be feeling during the current global crisis: anxious and stressed. Yoga is a great way to manage both, and a YTT will give you a deep dive into how the physical, mental and breathwork aspects of the practice impact your body. 

I have always wanted to do a YTT, but never had the time. 

Well, you certainly do now! Social distancing measures and international quarantines mean everyone is at home (or at least, home more often). Why not use your time in your house to pursue training?

I’ve wanted to do a YTT, but there wasn’t a program offered when and where it was convenient for me. 

Due to the current social distancing guidelines issued worldwide for people to avoid crowds and close contact with others to stop the spread of COVID-19, yoga instructors are now encouraged to teach their classes, and their teacher trainings, online. That means you can do your YTT in the comfort of your home and those hours will in fact be recognized by Yoga Alliance towards your certification. Rise + Vibe has begun offering a YTT training online beginning next month, which I have signed up for (whoop whoop!). For more information, check out their training page. 

I’m already a 200HR RYT, and have been considering a 300HR YTT. But with the world shut down and every yoga teacher I know teaching online, do I really need to continue my training at this time?

This was my personal dilemma. I had always assumed that I would do the 500HR when I was ready to host my own retreats or create my own kids yoga teaching program. But at a time when my income from yoga has been decimated and no one is traveling for yoga retreats, was now the time to invest in even more training hours? 

I have decided to pursue my 500HR because I believe once the international economy is back up and running, people will want to travel again. Until they do, they’ll need yoga more than ever to help them cope with the uncertainty and anxiety of living life during a global pandemic. My desire to run retreats and create my own kids program hasn’t changed, and now, the method in which to earn my advanced certification just became more convenient. So why not go for it? 

If you’re on the fence about your training, consider your purpose of taking a YTT. Ask yourself why have you always wanted to pursue a yoga teacher training program. Then, consider if that “why” would still hold up after the coronavirus crisis is over, or at least until social distancing norms ease up enough so the public can travel or gather in studios and public places once again. 

I’m excited to dive deep into my practice during this time. Yoga has saved me during other challenging times, and it will help me be mentally stronger for myself and my family through this current COVID-19 situation. If you’ve ever considered a YTT, I encourage you to look into one now while it’s possible to pursue training online.  But of course, if you want to just find a yoga instructor you like, follow their online classes while you work from home and binge watch Netflix during your social distancing, that’s a perfectly fine plan, too. 

Namaste, whichever path you choose. 

Xo

Meet: Mindy Pistacchio

Mindy is one of three Rise + Vibe teacher trainers. In addition to her dedication to the practice + teaching of yoga, she is a body worker, nature lover and an inspiration to each of her students. Thanks, Mindy!

For the first part of my twenties, I was bopping around the country working seasonal jobs as an environmental educator, snowboard instructor, and as a summer camp guru.  I loved every minute of it, and I lived in some pretty sweet places; California, Colorado, the Cape and coastal North Carolina to name a few.  However, none of these jobs gave me any stability; financial, emotional and actual physical stability.  So when I first stepped on my mat in 2004, I knew this practice was for me.  

Immediately, there was a sense of grounding and community I hadn't really had before.  While it was wonderful to create this sense of stability; my wanderlust eventually won over and I took off to New Zealand and Australia for a few months.  I mention this only because, my goal while overseas was to learn to surf; and yoga helped me do it.  I swam a few times a week at the resort pool and did a lot of chatarungas and pop ups to warrior 2.  The first time out on my surfboard, I stood up.  My instructor didn't believe that I had never surfed before.  But yoga, the breathing, the strength and the patience allowed me to do this, and I've been hooked ever since.  

Eventually my travels led me to the Caribbean and after the financial downturn in 2008, I started waiting tables full time.  For the first time in my life I had money.  

I met my first mentor, Kate Dunne, also an American expat living in Grand Cayman, on the plane.  She is a massage therapist and yoga teacher and has the most magical space I've ever received bodywork in.  I told her I've always wanted to be a massage therapist and thought about teaching yoga, and she convinced me that there's no time like now.  So with this new found financial freedom, I started my first of many yoga trainings at Bodyworks in Grand Cayman.  My first teacher training was taught over the course of two years, so I had lots of time to digest the material, reflect on what I had learned and decide whether or not I wanted to teach yoga.  Since then, I accrued another 525 hours of training in hot yoga, sequencing, yin and ashtanga.    

My mentor, Kate, is a mixture of factual knowledge and pure intuition.  She has studied extensively, and I always felt like I learned something new from her both as a yoga student and as a teacher. 

Next I discovered Kathryn Budding, who I haven't actually met... but I love her playfulness on the mat.  I love her sequencing, I love her silliness.  She is a combination of grace, strength and FUN!  I hope to someday get to practice with her.  

Finally, Kathy McNames is my current mentor and role model.  She also makes me laugh.  She has demonstrated what it means to be a good human.  She is also a wealth of knowledge... but completely different from Kate.  Kate knows anatomy, functional movements, and ways to heal certain areas of the body.  Kathy knows the myths of the asanas, the kleshas, pranayama, things about yoga that I feel like I've just scratched the surface of.  I love being around Kathy.  I feel good just by being in the room with her.  

One of the things I love about teaching yoga, is the way people's postures/demeanors change from when they walk in the room to when they walk out.  I love seeing that change and knowing that I have helped in some small way to bring them a degree of release.  Teaching teachers is another wonderful aspect of teaching because I get to deep dive into a lot of different topics while prepping for for the classes.  This aspect peaks my curiosity.

And yes, one of the most challenging things about being a yoga teacher, is honestly finding time to practice!  When I essentially just taught yoga and swimming, I was at the studio a lot, and there were TONS of classes, so I had no problem practicing... but coming back to a small town, where all the classes start at the same time, and my schedule is sort of random... It's hard to get on my mat as much as I'd like.      

Honestly, the thing that has always struck me about yoga is the age defying aspect of it.  

During my first teacher training, my teacher's teacher came down to visit.  She was in her mid 70's and her hair, although silver was thick and shiny.  She was still giggling when she stood on her head.  Diane, my teacher was in her mid 50's and move with grace and strength.  Kathy, also in her 50's, plays daily.  She stands on her hands, reads us stories, and dresses in tutus.  One of my classmates from my second teacher training had her third child when she was 43, and practiced power yoga the whole time.  Yoga to me is medicine.  It keeps our minds and bodies alive and well.  

How I see yoga changing the world comes from knowing Kathy.  I just want to be able to cultivate that much love and acceptance for everyone.  If we could all learn that from yoga, I think the world would be a much better place. 

Positive Thinking

              This morning I woke up early to watch the sunrise, it’s raining. Last week I planted basil and tomato seeds in cute pots outside my front door, they were stolen. Two days ago I was cleaning my beloved bong, it broke… I could easily spend time thinking; Why? Who? HOW!? Or I could laugh a little, repeat a mantra (maybe swear a couple times, thanks Mom, I owe that habit to you) and move on with my life. Everything in this life is fleeting and I believe that the moment we forget how incredibly blessed we are to inhale + exhale, right now, is that moment we start to lose ourselves. The rain may be falling, but the birds are still singing!

              Question, have you ever had that feeling where you just can’t get a certain thought out of your head? It keeps coming back, shows up daily, before bed, on the toilet… When thoughts begin to take up territory in our mind space (chitta), we must hold them with awareness and personal responsibility. When “real” things happen in life we are quick to think “Why me?” or “I hope that doesn’t happen again…” and may even adapt our behavior for self-protection (be gentler when you’re cleaning the glass slide of your bong). Meditation + yoga philosophy tell us to treat our thoughts, our mind, the exact same way. In fact, that’s the first step (ahimsa), non-harming thoughts, actions and words.

              In Buddha’s Brain* by Rick Hanson PhD, we use the simple conclusion that “the mind is what the brain does.” Our highly developed human brain is capable not only of controlling the things we do + say, but also the content + quality of our own thoughts and mental patterns. “Only we humans worry about the future, regret the past, and blame ourselves for the present… This kind of suffering – which encompasses most of our unhappiness and dissatisfaction – is constructed by the brain. It is made up. Which is ironic, poignant – and supremely hopeful.”

              Try this simple practice:

·       Think of something that bothers you. Replace that thought with something that makes you smile or warms your heart.

·       Even now, again, you may find negative, or I like to call them “grumpy”, thoughts coming to mind… Replace them immediately with positive thoughts.

·       Repeat.

·       Forever.

I would like to be clear that this is a practice, not a state of perfection. We all have grumpy thoughts sometimes and now we know it is the nature of our human brain. We also know that we have control over our human brain should we choose to accept this huge personal responsibility (yoga). I’ll also be the first to admit that sometimes it is most challenging to find a positive thought in the darkest of times; ENTER: mantra, asana, pranayama and every other meditative practice that’s out there. These practices help focus the mind, soothe the nervous system, increase overall health and bring about positive sensations (body, mind + spirit). That’s just science.

If you’ve been watching my experimental online classes, or if you’ve ever been to class with me, you know how much I love experiments! So in the name of science why not try this experiment for yourself:

·       Experiment with some yoga + meditation techniques (if you’re not sure where to start ask me or a trusted friend/family member!)

·       When you decide to try a technique and then think, “Nevermind, this is stupid” or “WTF” or “actually I’m going to sweep the floor”, DO THE PRACTICE.

·       Substitute this practice for even just 5 minutes of screen time. Maybe practice outdoors!

·       Remember the first practice, change your negative thoughts to positive. When it’s difficult, practice again.

A great Ashtanga teacher and amazing human, David Williams**, says “The key is being able to continue practicing Yoga for the rest of your life. From over 40 years of observing thousands of people practicing Yoga, I realize that those who continue are the ones who are able to figure out how to make it enjoyable.” Keep that in mind. Find teachers who inspire you, read books you can’t put down, try new techniques, do the work and enjoy practice.

When we train the brain to first recognize thoughts and actions that are truly non-harming to ourselves or others, the light begins to shine. The choices we make for ourselves (internal + external) have a profound connection to something bigger than ourselves, this is the Yoga. That one day we are here, and the next we’ll be somewhere else. Enjoy this inhale, that exhale. Turn up the music, dance in the rain, smile more often and seek the joy in every moment.

*The full title is worth reading (if not the whole book!!!): Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love & Wisdom by Rick Hanson, PHD with Richard Mendius, MD. This book is great because it is written by western medical professionals who also practice meditation + loving kindness.

**David Williams also has a new book out, My Search for Yoga, which is available on his website: www.ashtangayogi.com where you’ll also find his Open Letter to Students which I quoted above. I could gush about how much I love David or you could just visit his website and fall in love with him yourself (personal responsibility). He’ll also be at Yoga Vermont this Summer, CLICK HERE for details.

Yoga chitta vritti nerodaha.

“Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.”

Yoga Sutras, 1:2

Photos in this post by @lo.storer - www.laurenstorerphotography.com

Meet: Chrissy Lefavour - Part 1

As I venture into a professional transition from Grateful Yoga to Rise + Vibe, I’ve realized it’s time to tell the world a little bit about me; where I came from, how I got here and what’s next. Reflecting on my personal passions; they have always been writing, nature, travel and yoga. There was a time where I did not know being nice to others, speaking/acting honestly and working hard towards your goals are all elements of yogic philosophy. So while I say I’ve been practicing for 7.5 years, I’ve really been practicing yoga my entire life.

I was born in Central Vermont, USA, in 1987. My dad still lives in the house I was brought home to from the hospital. When I was maybe 5, my parents got divorced and I went from 1 home to 2. My older brother and I spent equal time with each parent for the rest of our childhood and I always enjoyed 2 Christmases, 2 birthdays and having 2 bedrooms (one was bubblegum pink and the other a bright lavender). Less enjoyable was the process of understanding my parents new search for new love. They each remarried, and then they each got divorced, again. This is why I call myself a child of 3 divorces, but if you count my extended family that number easily bumps up over a half dozen. Love + marriage never equated in my mind. For this deeper understanding of Love from my family, I am grateful.

Life in VT was great growing up. Snowboarding and horseback riding really kept me in my nature element and grounded me to the earth. School was always fine, I like learning (and writing) and finding ease and straight A’s throughout my high-school career. While I have ALWAYS been a loner, school forced me out of my bubble and into a social life with friends I’m still close with today. Community is the word that sticks out in my mind, especially when your horseback riding instructor comes to your yoga class 15 years later after her retirement. Or when the photographer who sent my brother into national snowboarding competitions and even a sponsor from Red Bull shows up to photograph me in my yoga studio. Growing up in Vermont taught me that we are all together, always.

After high school I took a year off. I have always worked hard since my first jobs as a teen in retail and restaurants, so this was a way to spend my hard-earned cash and follow another passion. I started to travel in high school, visiting Mexico, Nicaragua and the US Virgin Islands on school trips or with family. Naturally, my first pick was a return to the Caribbean. In 2006, I traveled to Maho Bay, St John (with one of my best childhood friends) returning to the USVI as housekeeper at an eco-friendly resort. We lived in screened bungalows in exchange for changing sheets, doing laundry and cleaning everything. I remember floating in the bay at Little Maho on one of my last days thinking, “I’ll be back. The Caribbean feels like home.” I’ll never forget that feeling of true peace and ultimate freedom.

A Euro-trip and many hours of working when I was home between made me question a lot about my future. I had deferred my enrollment to Emerson in Boston for that year after being accepted into their Writing, Literature and Publishing program. Ultimately, I decided to go to UVM because of a more sustainable financial offer. I started at UVM in January 2008 as a Civil Engineering major, because I figured why get a degree that wouldn’t guarantee a job? One semester of engineering school proved that being surrounded largely by mathematical minded men was not the place for me so I switched to a liberal arts major in Classical Civilizations. During the summer of 2009 I really wanted to drop-out. The university scene is a microcosm of the larger systems in place in this society: politics, capitalism, racism, sexism, etc. Seeing other parts of the world had exposed me to different worldviews and lifestyles, again, super grateful!

Instead of dropping out… Here’s a photo of me in San Francisco. I traveled solo by train to get here from Portland, OR. This was the pinnacle of the cross-country adventure!

Instead of dropping out I took another semester off and accompanied a friend driving cross country to Montana. I stayed in Montana for a month and then planned my trip on to the West Coast visiting family in Portland and taking a solo trip to San Francisco. Without a return plan, I somehow ended finding an ad on craigslist asking someone to drive their 1996 Subaru Legacy from Oregon to South Carolina. The owner of the car was a pilot and he was flying across the country in his small plane. Naturally he didn’t want to pay for car transport. Instead, the agreement was that I could take my time to travel the distance (Washington State to South Carolina) and he would cover all gas/car expenses. I still can’t believe my family let me do this…

I survived the duration of my time at UVM and crammed in online classes and summer classes to graduate in December of 2011 (7 semesters rather than your typical 8). Jumping right back into the world of work to spend, consumption, debt, etc., I had a serious boyfriend who had a real job and we lived together in Montpelier, VT. It wasn’t long until I was itching for more; more learning, more travel, who knows? I had been to a few yoga classes and met a few yoga teachers in my life and decided yoga teacher training would be a great way to learn the practice myself. This investment, I thought, would support my health and wellness forever. Check.

In 2012 I started training with Kathy McNames at Yoga Vermont. I fell in love with Kathy, in love with Ashtanga Yoga and for the first time ever, I really started to love myself; body, mind and spirit. I started teaching 1 class a week at a fitness studio in town, which snowballed into many more classes at many more venues. I was teaching kids yoga, yoga with horses, private clients, afterschool programs for teachers… Pretty much anything and everything I could get my eager yogi hands dirty with. This eventually forced me into less and less restaurant working. Late nights bartending simply didn’t match up with my new schedule. I continued training to the 500-hour level with Kathy until my graduation in Spring 2014.

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2…

Meet: Stephanie Smith

Hello all! Welcome to Rise and Vibe Yoga! So glad you’ve come to visit, as I believe this space right here will change your life! Well, it changed mine. 

I’m Stephanie Smith and I’m a Rise and Vibe YTT graduate and yoga teacher living in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. I've been teaching yoga for about a year, but I practiced yoga for 15 years before finally becoming a teacher. I knew YTT could be transformative, but training with Chrissy, who is an amazing yoga guru and who I would describe as walking sunshine, was particularly special.

I'm going to be sharing some of my thoughts on yoga philosophy over the next few months here on the Rise and Vibe blog, but first, I wanted to share why I became a yoga teacher. It has a lot to do with my daughter, Quorra.

After 20 years of living in New York City, my husband and I moved to the Dominican Republic in January 2019. We were tired of brutal East Coast winters and wanted to spend more time outside in warmer temperatures. I was up for the move, but underestimated what a big change it would mean for me. For the first time in my adult life, I would not have a regular 9-to-5 job to both keep me busy during the day and align my identity to. Instead, I would be a stay at home mom in an unfamiliar town where I didn’t speak the language. But I didn’t let that deter me--I said goodbye to my friends and family, to high heels and power suits and to 24-hour Seamless delivery to move to the island.

The first few months, I felt lonely, nervous and had anxiety over adjusting to my new surroundings.  I went to a few yoga classes where I found some refuge from my frustrations, and jokingly thought of becoming a yoga teacher if only to help me feel more chill throughout my days. But off the yoga mat, I felt lonely, unsure of my surroundings and unhappy. None of this made me a great role model for my daughter.

During my funk, I remember one dinner we had as a family. Quorra sat in her high chair, my husband on the other side of me. I felt unbearable sadness, it was like my heart was breaking in my chest. I could barely hold my head up, but when I did, I got a glance of my daughter looking at me with her almond shaped, hazel eyes. She looked sad, too. Then, she slowly looked back at her food, her head hanging heavy. It was at that moment that I knew I had to make a change. I could not let my daughter see me in this state or feel that sort of sadness in her home. 

I blurted it out almost immediately, “I’m going to yoga teacher training.” 

My husband immediately answered, “I think you should. I’ll do whatever it takes to support you.”

Just a few weeks later, Chrissy was scheduled to host a 200 hr YTT at The Yoga Loft at Extreme Hotel in Cabarete. We quickly arranged to meet, and after one conversation with her I felt better. Chrissy has a way of changing the energy in a room for the better, no matter how harried you might be feeling. I signed up for the training, taking what I felt was a proactive move to bring calm and control to my anxieties. 

For three weeks, I woke up at 5:30 and hopped on a guagua, or the DR’s version of a public bus, to get to training by 7 am. I was gone for 12 hours a day and only saw my daughter long enough to kiss her goodnight. Each day that passed, I felt happier, like the fog around myself was lifting. I spoke softer, I felt lighter, I smiled, and felt more hopeful. 

Once I graduated YTT, I started teaching classes at The Yoga Loft. I also practiced yoga with Quorra at home, and she quickly mimicked my downward dogs and plank poses. My heart melted when she smiled and said namaste and brought her hands to prayer at her heart center. I felt like I was influencing her for the better, to being a more mindful, calm child. And I was a more calm and mindful mother for Quorra--I was less reactive to stressful situations such as  when she had tantrums, and I had more patience and forgiveness towards her. 

Teaching yoga to others has given me purpose in my new home and given me an outlet to be helpful to others. And I’ve experienced such joy teaching yoga to Quorra, I earned a certification to teach kids yoga and started teaching kids yoga classes here in Cabarete. I also produced a yoga coloring book for the holidays, Reindeer Yoga, and am working on my own kids yoga curriculum with Chrissy, and a line of books, games and other merchandise to help little ones have fun with yoga.

I love teaching yoga, and I love learning more about the practice each day. Over the next few months I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the principles of yoga and how you can apply them to your life. I’ll also share other fun things Chrissy and I are up to, from learning to kite surf to other adventures around DR. Visit us here and keep in touch, and if you haven’t already, come on down to the DR and visit us! 

Stephanie Smith is an author, editor, illustrator and 200 HR YTT graduate of Rise and Vibe Yoga. She is currently teaching yoga at Natura Cabana in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. Her yoga schedule, products and other musings can be found at Salt Sand Yoga.