“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!