A certified yoga instructor since March of 2010. Born and raised in Ohio and a recent L.A. transplant found yoga in her early twenties and has been at it ever since. She loves the history and philosophy of yoga and enjoys watching it intermingle with all other aspects of her life.
Outside of yoga Aryn is a mother of one precocious boy, a wife, a writer and a food fanatic.
She is currently shopping her first book series, and maintains a blog called “The Weekly Adventures of an Ordinary Girl”.
What made you interested in yoga?
I began practicing yoga when I was in my early 20’s due to back
problems. My doctor sent me to physical therapy, but my insurance ran out and I
found Rodney Yee’s Back Care Yoga. I fell in love, even though I was terrible
about practicing, when I did I felt amazing.
Do you have any special stories about yoga or anyone you’ve
worked with?
My favorite thing about being a yoga instructor is who I’ve had
the honor of meeting. I’ve made some amazing friends and heard some amazing
stories about life and I’m a better person for it.
Do you have a style of yoga you feel drawn to?
I mainly practice vinyasa flow, but I really like iyengar. I’m
also open to trying all sorts of yoga – you never know what you’ll find if you
don’t at least give it a chance.
A lot of people will say, "Yoga changed my life." Do
you feel with that way? Why or why not? Yes. It showed me how to look inside.
Do you think yoga benefits people with mental and physical
handicaps? Why or why not?
I think the benefits of yoga are limitless. I think
that if you believe in yourself and you’re willing to work hard you can accomplish
many things, in and out of the yoga world.
I also think every "body" is different, something that may work for me, may not work for you. Stay open to the idea that there is a right yoga for you, and you will find it.
What are the advantages of practicing yoga?
Physically: balance, keeping your body in shape and flexible.
Mentally: balance, stillness, patience.
What are the disadvantages of practicing yoga?
Yoga is very popular right now, that means people “practice” for
the wrong reasons. I hate when I see a person saying they’re a yogi and then
spreading hate. Life isn’t about
hate, it isn’t a contest at all, it’s about being happy.
What is your favorite thing about being a yoga teacher?
The people.
If your students could walk away with one message from you that
is close to your heart, what would it be?
Life is funny, laugh more.
For more information on her writing visit www.ArynYoungless.com
Contact: Aryn.Youngless@gmail.com
A yoga teacher in the Cleveland area, Marcia enjoys all things yoga. Although her training was Jivamukti & Anusara inspired, she draws from the many different styles & considers herself to be a "yoga mutt".
Off the mat, Marcia enjoys life in general. Whether it is time spent with her family & friends, music, cooking, writing, gardening or just walking her beloved dog, George, she tries to soak up every moment and fill it with love & laughter.
What made you interested in yoga?
My old roommate in college had an old yoga book that I would look through and try to do the poses. Back then, yoga wasn't as common as it is today, I am not even sure if there was a yoga studio in Kent back then to tell you the truth. I would try to do the poses, not sure if I was doing them correctly at the time, but the meditation and breathing intrigued me. I also was just looking for something a little "deeper" in life and liked to read the more "spiritual" side of it all.
Do you have any special stories about yoga or anyone you've worked with?
I had wanted to take a teacher training for a number of years before I actually did it because I hadn't felt like I had met the teacher that really went beyond the asana in classes. My husband and I moved back to the Cleveland area in 2007 and the first class that I took with Marni Task, I knew that was who I wanted to train me. I hoped that she offered a teacher training, and lo and behold she did! She was in the midst of one when I met her, so I had to wait, but it was worth it. It completely changed my life.
Do you have a style of yoga your feel drawn to?
My teacher training was a combination of elements of Jivamukti and Anusara. I do feel very drawn to the Jivamukti style, but I enjoy all sorts of yoga classes. The last couple of years, I have also really been enjoying the Ashtanga practice.
A lot of people say, "Yoga changed my life." Do you feel that way? Why or why not?
Of course I feel that way! Not only is it now my career, which fulfills me in more ways than any job I have ever had, but it has personally made me physically, mentally and spiritually more fulfilled and healthy.
Do you think yoga benefits people with mental and physical handicaps? Why or why not?
I do think that yoga can help both. I believe that a consistent yoga practice can help everyone, disabilities or not, with gaining focus, mental clarity, and calm. It can also help with breathing through a pranayama practice. People with physical disabilities can still do some things and it can be a great confidence builder to have them do what they can, they may realize they are capable of more than they thought.
What are the advantages of practicing yoga?
There are so many. Physically, you gain flexibility and strength in the body, which is important for everyone, especially as we start to grow older. Mentally, it can change your perspective on life, not just on the mat in a yoga class, but allowing you to have more focus, a more open mind and heart in everyday life with the people you meet. Spiritually, it can teach you new things. I was never one to say "God" in anything, but nowadays, I feel more spiritual in my life than ever before.
What are the disadvantages of practicing yoga?
I think that people, especially in Western culture, feel like they have to push their way through to the end point without enjoying the process. With the popularity of yoga on the rise, more and more people are doing it, which is great, but it also leads to more of a yoga "competition" in some studios. People want to get up into a headstand in their first class for example, but are kicking their legs up and possibly twisting their neck in the process. I just think that most injuries in yoga are caused by students rushing into postures that their bodies aren't ready for without learning the proper steps to getting there. And injuring oneself is definitely a disadvantage.
What is your favorite thing about being a yoga teacher?
Helping people find some calm in their crazy life and also allowing them to see their own power and inner light.
If your students could walk away with one message from you that is close to your heart, what would it be?
Keep an open heart and mind and you will get there. Slow down and enjoy the ride.
For a schedule of classes or more information on Marcia, visit: www.3omsyoga.net
Contact: marcia@3omsyoga.net
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