MEET THE TEACHER WITH BECCA
How did you first discover yoga, and what inspired you to become a yoga teacher?
Becca: A psychiatrist who was treating me for my anxiety recommended it as a way to try to gain greater control of my thoughts. I was skeptical at first, but as soon as I settled in to my first class I found that for that hour, I thought of nothing outside of the room I was in. This led me to become a yoga teacher as I wanted to help others find this sense of freedom, even if only for the length of a class.
What role does mindfulness and meditation play in your personal yoga practice and teaching?
Becca: I'm a chronic over-thinker and struggle to be fully present, with my thoughts jumping around and often worrying about the past or the future. Due to this I've found that instead of trying to force my mind to be "empty", I'm drawn to meditation such as Shikantaza where the meditator is encouraged to be aware of all around and within them, let thoughts come and go, but to not to become attached to a certain train of thought. This is something I try to bring into classes, allowing students to simply be aware yet unattached. In addition, I encourage students to be mindful of the connection between their body and the earth, their mind and their breath, in order to create a sense of stability and grounded-ness both on and off the mat.
Do you have any favorite mantras or affirmations that you find particularly meaningful?
Becca: I particularly like the Buddhist mantra Om Mani Padme Hum, which has no solid translation to English, however is often translated as "The jewel is in the Lotus". It's 6 syllables each represent a stage or quality one must uncover within themselves in order to reach enlightenment, which happens gradually over time with each repetition of the mantra. I have heard this gradual revealing of compassion and love within us compared to a lotus flower needing to emerge from the mud in order to show it's beauty, it's inside all of us by nature, but it takes time and work to emerge.
How do you handle challenges or disruptions in your own practice, and what advice can you give to students facing similar hurdles?
Becca: I've been injured in the past which has challenged my practice, and often struggle to find time for my own practice, but setting a intention to practice a certain amount of times a week usually helps keep me on track. This doesn't have to be in the form of physical yoga, it could be meditation, a mindful walk, or even reading something that relates to your practice that you find interesting on a commute or in down time. These practices also don't need to be long each time, a 3 minute meditation or 10 minute set of sun salutations can be just as beneficial as an hour long Vinyasa class.
Are there any books, teachers, or resources that have had a significant impact on your yoga journey?
Becca: I'm currently reading The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Soygal Rinpoche which gives amazing insight into meditation, mindfulness, and life in relation to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition which very much aids in bringing your yoga practice off of the mat. Additionally I would recommend Roots of Yoga by James Mallinson which is extremely informative to the history of yoga and meditation and how physical posture in yoga came to be, and The Science of Yoga by Ann Swanson is very helpful in understanding yoga anatomy.
Thank you Becca!