I’m not flexible… Can I still do Yoga?

This is such a misconception, that you have to start out flexible or strong to have a Yoga practice! When in fact, it is by just starting - wherever you feel you are at physically, emotionally, or mentally - that will lead you to gain flexibility and strength over time. Yoga also doesn’t have to be all about the physical body and movement at all! Seated meditation or breathwork are Yoga too! ANYONE and I mean ANYONE regardless of their shape, size, race, gender, etc. can do Yoga!

I’ve never tried Yoga before! Are your classes accessible for beginners?

How exciting and thanks so much for coming to me and my classes as your entry into the world of Yoga! My short answer is YES. All of my classes, no matter the style, are accessible for beginners and first-time yogis. I do this in a number of ways. Please see the differences below between how a teacher may instruct an all-advanced Yogi class VS one who teaches to all levels, like me!

A YOGA TEACHER INSTRUCTING ALL ADVANCED STUDENTS MIGHT: ‍

• only state the name of the poses for you to move into

• prompt poses quickly, one after the other, so the pace of your movement is fast

• offer more advanced poses like handstands, scorpion, etc.

A YOGA TEACHER INSTRUCTING ALL LEVELS OF STUDENTS MIGHT:

• state the name of a pose and then break it down, step by step, so you know how to move your body into it

• allow enough time to fully enter and exit every pose, even if the pace is still fast

• offer a variety of seated, prone and standing poses, avoiding intense inversions

• thoroughly explain how to use props and use them often

• give options meaning you can pick one of a few ways to do the same type of movement

Do you use essential oils or scents?

Unless otherwise stated in the name and description of the class, I do not use scent. For example, some classes may be labeled “Aroma ___” or say “sensory exploration” in the description. In my classes that do include them, I use therapeutic grade essential oils that are pure and safe. I may also burn incense or Palo Santo. For the oils, I place a few drops on a cotton ball for you to inhale. I never apply, nor do I recommend you apply essential oils onto your skin unless you are informed about which oils can be administered topically and how you can safely do so.

Do you provide props or a yoga mat for me?

All of the studios I work at offer the use of mats and props. Props do vary from studio to studio, so if you know you love a certain prop, I recommend bringing your own to class!

I love physical guidance! Can you assist me throughout class?

I am trained in offering assists when I observe that a body can shift or deepen into a pose, and I enjoy offering them since I believe that they can be a beautiful method of connection and healing for some people. However, I firmly adhere to consent-based touch and will ask prior to giving any assists if you would like that in your current pose.

I don’t want to be touched! How do I know you won’t assist me?

Similar to how the class description can indicate scents will be included, it may also include “hands-on assists” or some similar language. At the trauma-informed studio, Sukha Somatics, this is the case. With that precursor in place, I still ask consent from every student at the top of class, ensuring that physical touch is ok or not ok. If a class at Sukha does not include that language, then I do not offer hands-on assits. At my other two studios, Dragonfly and Main Street Yoga - Oregon, this info is not included in my class descriptions, and instead, I simply ask for consent from each my students before class begins. If you indicated “no,” then, of course, I will not provide this hands-on support.

What are your credentials?

I am a Registered Yoga Teacher with a 200-hour certification, as well as a certification in Teaching Trauma-Informed Yoga & Somatic Embodiment.