I love teaching yoga.

Honestly.

I learn more every time I step into the room.

I greet the students as they walk in, I log them into class, I show them the practice room. And I sometimes wonder if they are thinking, “That older, rotund lady does not look like a yoga teacher!”

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not particularly self-conscious. Been there, done that, and worked it out for the most part. I believe in loving my body, being empowered, and shining as brightly as possible from a place of love and acceptance. You have to play with the cards you were dealt, and I was dealt curves.

In Boulder County, there are a lot of fit people. We’re famous for that. And I feel lucky that most of the “athlete”-style students gravitate to the big studios that can give them what they are looking for: a workout. The smaller boutique studios give a flavor of the other aspects of yoga for those who are ready to receive it.

All types of students walk through our doors: skinny, fat, athletic, or out of shape. They come here for a reason. We are family.

That’s where I come in. I can be the role model for “Anyone can do yoga!” (just look at your teacher; she’s not young, she’s not skinny, but she’s here and shining bright and helping you get into postures, even if she can’t show the full expression of the posture herself). I offer modifications for people who need them.

I believe strongly in the benefits of yoga. I wish to convey that to anyone who walks into the studio. Establishing a consistent yoga practice is so good for your body, your mind, and your soul. From the asana practice, students can begin to go deeper into meditation, chanting, and self-study if they so desire. It is indeed a journey that starts on the mat, which is our studio’s philosophy. And I feel so honored to be a part of that.

So if you are feeling old, fat, and tired, guess what? So is your teacher! And it makes it even more important that you make that commitment to come into class and breathe, move, and sweat.

I’m up there breathing with you. We’re in this together.