Yoga is a practice that transcends physical exercise, offering profound benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. As a yoga teacher, you have the unique opportunity to share these benefits with others, whether through paid classes or volunteering your time and expertise. Both approaches have their merits, but volunteering can bring a special kind of fulfillment that goes beyond financial gain.

The Joy of Volunteering
Volunteering as a yoga teacher allows you to connect with your community in a deeply meaningful way. It provides a chance to cultivate authentic relationships with empathy, honesty, and integrity. When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to promote the health benefits and joy of movement and mindfulness. Sharing your passion creates a community filled with love and support.

This is how I, Oma, feel about volunteering:
"Volunteering as a yoga teacher at a senior center is a beautiful way to cultivate authentic relationships with empathy, honesty, and integrity. It helps seniors connect, preventing isolation and loneliness, while promoting the health benefits and joy of movement and mindfulness. Sharing my passion creates a community filled with love and support. Every class brings me immense gratitude and joy, knowing that I am making a positive difference in their lives. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share these moments with them, and I do it all with love."

A Personal Story
One of my favorite moments from teaching yoga at the senior center happened during a warm-up session. Most of the time, we start our classes with dancing and laughter, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection. On this particular day, everyone joined in, moving to the rhythm and sharing smiles. The room was filled with energy and happiness, and it was a beautiful reminder of the power of movement and community.
I volunteer twice a month at the senior center, and each session is a chance to bring a little more light into the lives of the seniors. These moments of dancing and laughter are not just warm-ups; they are opportunities to build bonds and create lasting memories.
In addition to my in-person volunteering, I also offer a free weekly live virtual yoga class via Zoom. This allows me to reach even more people, providing them with the benefits of yoga and a sense of community from the comfort of their own homes.

Earning Money Teaching Yoga
Teaching yoga professionally offers the opportunity to earn a living doing what you love. It allows you to reach a broader audience and invest in your own growth and development as a teacher. Paid classes can provide financial stability and enable you to dedicate more time and resources to your practice.
However, the financial aspect can sometimes overshadow the intrinsic rewards of teaching. It's important to balance the pursuit of income with the genuine desire to help others and share the transformative power of yoga.

Finding Balance
Ultimately, the choice between earning money and volunteering as a yoga teacher depends on your personal goals and values. Many teachers find a balance by offering paid classes while also dedicating time to volunteer work. This approach allows you to enjoy the benefits of both worlds—financial stability and the profound fulfillment that comes from giving back to your community.

Conclusion
Whether you choose to teach yoga for money or volunteer your time, the impact you make on your students' lives is invaluable. Volunteering, in particular, offers a unique opportunity to create a supportive and loving community, fostering connections that can prevent isolation and loneliness. It's a beautiful way to share your passion and make a positive difference.
As Oma beautifully expresses, the joy and gratitude that come from volunteering are unmatched. Every class is a chance to spread love and support, creating moments that are cherished by both the teacher and the students.

So, you’ve heard the buzz about yoga—inner peace, a solid core, and the promise of finally touching your toes. But before you commit to the mat, you might be wondering: is yoga really for me? Spoiler alert: it’s not all serene chanting and gravity-defying poses. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or just tempted by the stretchy pants, I’ve got the lowdown on what to expect and what you need to know before you strike your first pose. Let’s dive into the tips that’ll help you decide if yoga is your new happy place—or just not your jam.

What should I know before I attend my first yoga class?
Have you made the decision to sign up at a Yoga studio or Fitness center, but have no clue what to expect?
This article will provide a few tips and tricks to ease the first-time jitters. Before I get into the specifics, there is a difference between practicing yoga at a studio versus a fitness center. At a yoga studio, in general, you will be in a very serene space surrounded by likeminded practitioners. At a fitness center you will be amid a busy gym. Depending on where the yoga room (most likely the multi-purpose room) is located, you may hear weights clanging, basketballs bouncing, people chattering, etc.
At a studio, most of the practitioners come to find space to meditate, go inward, practice breathwork, and spend time in their sanctuary.
At a fitness center many attendees see the yoga class as another fitness class on the schedule. There’s nothing wrong with that. You just need to decide what YOU are looking for.
If you are looking for a deeper dive into yoga practice, beyond the poses and your mat, a studio may offer you just that. Yoga has a rich and fascinating history. Studios may offer workshops on yoga philosophy and the meaning of yoga.
Once you have decided between studio or fitness center, it’s time for action. The following tips should help you feel at ease (written for the studio choice but can apply to fitness center too).

 What to wear? There’s no yoga uniform, thankfully. You should wear comfortable clothing you can move in. Whether you choose tight- or loose-fitting pants, they shouldn’t restrict any movement at all. Check with a trusted friend or family member if the pants are opaque. To find out that your pants are sheer or see through when you walk into class is not the best time. Same goes for the top; whether you choose tight- or loose-fit, you should be able to stretch, bend, lean forward, etc. comfortably. The outfit should not restrict your movement physically or because of embarrassment. Pro tip: the new outfit you bought to work out in, may not be the best choice if you haven’t tested it at home first. You don’t want to deal with a nagging tag in your shirt or pants or constantly having to adjust your clothing. This will take away from the yoga experience.

Do I have to take my shoes and socks off? Traditionally, yoga is practiced barefoot and 95% of people do. Most studios prefer to keep shoes in the lobby area or designated area close to the studio (yoga room) entrance. You may want to look for signage in the lobby, or info on the studio website.  By removing your shoes, you are helping to keep the studio clean, and you are respecting the space that is cherished by others. This leads perfectly to the next point.

Personal hygiene? You may wonder why do we have to talk about this? Some folks, more observed at a fitness center, join a yoga class as a cooldown after a rigorous workout. The rest of the class is subjected to their post workout scent. The same goes for the opposite, perfumes, oils, and colognes. For either side of the spectrum, just remember the practice should be a pleasant experience for all.

What time should I arrive? For your first class I would suggest 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. It will give you enough time to sign waivers, complete payment, look around in the lobby, and familiarize yourself with the studio space (locate restrooms, lockers, props). You also have enough time to chat with the instructor prior to class if you have any concerns or limitations (will get into those further down the line). For any future classes, the arrival time is based on how much time you need to check-in, put away your miscellaneous items, roll out your mat and get the needed props for class. If you have a few minutes to spare before class begins, perfect! You can sit quietly and focus on your breath or do some gentle movement.

Mobile devices? Yoga class is an opportunity to take a digital break and to be fully present in the moment. Besides silencing your phone and/or putting it on ‘do not disturb’ mode, you could leave it with your miscellaneous belongings outside the yoga room. We all have been expecting an important call or text, or maybe been ‘on call’, this may be a time you consider skipping class altogether. For many studios, the practice room is a device free room, and you and/or your device may get asked to leave if you are not following their rules!

Where should I put down my mat? For your very first class, in my opinion, as close to the front of the class (no obstruction of view of instructor) as possible and to your comfort level. All will be new; you will rely on hearing and seeing the instructor. If you are concerned about others judging you during your first practice – they don’t! All students are focused on their personal practice and space. Speaking of space, classes can get packed and when the ‘down to the wire’ stragglers come in, they are looking for a spot to roll out their mat. If available, make room for them. If the class isn’t as packed, students like to spread out and often stagger the mats, so everyone has a clear view of the teacher. Mind your step, it is a no-no to walk on a fellow yogi’s mat.

To speak or not to speak? The studio can be seen as a sanctuary (I briefly talked about it at the beginning of the article). Practitioners come to reflect, self-study, and focus. Therefore, a quiet atmosphere is preferred to support this frame of mind. Some places have a more ‘social happy hour’ air before class begins. If the studio is more on the quiet side, it is polite to keep it that way and it may be beneficial to your own practice.

Do I disclose that I am recovering from injury? You don’t have to share this personal information with the entire group, but the instructor should know. This is another reason to arrive a little early to catch the instructor before class begins.

Can I leave early? Should you need to leave early (can’t stay for savasana), the respectful thing to do is to let the instructor know before class. Try to have your practice space close to the door and be ready to leave before savasana starts. When it’s time to leave, try to leave as quietly as you can. We all have full calendars and to-do lists, totally relatable. But many practitioners are looking forward to the highlight of their practice, savasana. Traditional benefits of savasana are said to restore the nervous system and provide your mind a chance to move into meditation. Savasana is the perfect time for you to do ‘nothing’, rest on the floor with your eyes closed, and breathe. Why wouldn’t you want to stay for the R&R experience?

Do I need to tidy up? Any props (mat, bolster, blanket, blocks, strap) used from the studio, please return them to their home. Please follow the studio’s rule of cleaning props after use. The best rule to follow, leave your space as you found it. The instructor and practitioner after you will appreciate it!
 
Rapid fire

-Mirror(s) can help students experience the shape of a pose by allowing them to draw information from their own reflection and that of others.
-Hands-on adjustments yes, or no? Your decision! You can ask the instructor before class begins if they offer hands-on adjustments. You should let the instructor know if you prefer not to be touched and they will be respectful of your personal space.
-Props are a huge part of yoga practice at a studio. The instructors will explain how to use each prop correctly. Good news, most studios have a prop room, you don’t need to buy the latest and greatest.
- Virtual vs in-person is a preference. Some like the convenience of being able to practice in the privacy of their home, some prefer community and practice at a studio.
- Sanskrit is regarded as the ancient language in Hinduism. It is still used in yoga to define poses and practices. So, if your instructor references a foreign-sounding word during class, that’s usually why.
- Chanting in yoga is a spiritual practice that is believed to have many benefits, including: calming the mind and reducing stress. The repetitive nature of chanting can help to quiet the mind and focus attention on the present moment.
- Is Yoga a Religion? Yoga does not adhere to any particular religion, belief system, or community. Anyone who practices can reap its benefits, irrespective of one’s faith, ethnicity, or culture.
- Namaste is a greeting of respect, often used at the end of class (praise to you, honor to you, salutations to you, bow to you).

Yoga is more than just a workout—it's a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Whether you're looking to enhance your flexibility, find inner calm, or simply have fun, the right guidance makes all the difference. As the instructor, I’m here to ensure your yoga experience is approachable, enjoyable, and tailored to your goals. So, if you’re ready to explore the world of yoga with someone who’s passionate about helping you succeed, let’s roll out the mat together! Your journey starts here.

 Namaste!

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Listening to Your Inner Voice in Yoga Practice and Life

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it is easy to lose touch with our inner selves, to ignore the profound wisdom that resides within us. Yet, in the practice of yoga, we find a sanctuary a sacred space where we can reconnect with our intuition, listening to the guidance of our inner voice.

Discovering wisdom within

Yoga is not just a physical practice; it is a journey inward. Through mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation, we create the conditions to hear our inner voice more clearly. This voice, often referred to as intuition, is our innate ability to understand something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning.

How to Listen to Your Inner Voice
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1. Create Stillness: In yoga, we often begin with stillness. This could be in the form of seated meditation or simply taking a few deep breaths. Stillness allows us to quiet the external noise and tune into our internal world.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Being present in the moment is key to accessing your intuition. Whether you are on the mat or going about your daily life, try to stay fully engaged with what you are doing. Notice the sensations in your body, the rhythm of your breath, and the flow of your thoughts.
3. Trust Your Feelings: Intuition often speaks to us through our feelings. Pay attention to how you feel in different situations. If something feels right, it probably is. Conversely, if something feels off, trust that feeling too.
4. Reflect Regularly: Take time to reflect on your experiences. Journaling can be a powerful tool for this. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and any intuitive insights you receive. Over time, you may start to notice patterns and gain deeper insights into your inner wisdom.

Applying Intuition in Life
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Listening to your inner voice is not just beneficial in yoga; it can also guide you in your everyday life. Whether you are making a big decision or simply navigating your daily routine, your intuition can provide valuable guidance. By cultivating a regular yoga practice and making space for stillness and reflection, you can strengthen your connection to your inner voice and live a more authentic, fulfilling life.

If you attended any of my classes in November, you heard me talking about self-care. The holiday season is here, and we are busy! From holiday parties to shopping, cookie exchange, secret Santa, decorating, the list goes on. What's usually the last item on the to do list? Or completely forgotten and neglected? YOU!

You may say "I'll start taking care of myself in January". Then January comes around and you're too exhausted from all the holiday hustle and bustle or have new responsibilities and push yourself back to the bottom of the list. My advice, start now, create little moments of self-care, like a 5-minute breathing exercise, a 10-minute walk, a 5-minute stretching break, etc. Then build from there, add an exercise class once a week. By the time January comes around, you already have momentum and may be able to add more or at least keep the pace.

If you interested in starting your yoga journey, but don't know where to begin, please read attached blog article

Wherever you are in your self-care journey, keep going, and don't forget to give yourself grace if you skip a few sessions. You can practice yoga with me in-person at the studio (Elements Yoga in Surprise, AZ) or virtually, weekly live on Wednesdays via Zoom.

Here's to a mindful holiday season, full of joy, happiness, and self-care!

With Gratitude,
Oma

My recent vacation inspired me to write about Rest and Introspection. I was fortunate to take 3 weeks off from my fulltime job, my yoga teaching, my hobbies and other responsibilities. Taking a vacation around my birthday (June 30) gives me the opportunity to reflect on the past 6 months and allows me to correct course for the remainder of the year.  
 
To rest on vacation – check. I was able to travel to places I haven’t been before. Meeting some old friends and family, as well as making new friends. I was actively resting by singing and dancing barefoot in the grass. My feet were grass stained for a week. If you know me, you know that’s a big deal! I was fortunate to lead a yoga class in a 13th century church at a castle in Italy. What a humbling experience to guide a group of athletes through a restorative sequence in such a historic and sacred space. I was able to watch sunrises and sunsets on the hilltop of Perugia. Relaxed by the pool, surrounded by breathtaking views of the country’s green heart and the neighboring medieval hill towns. Practiced yoga under olive trees and found time to go within.
 
Introspection on vacation – check. I completely unplugged from technology, no social media or TV. The breathtaking views invited to sit and be still. I spent time with myself and my thoughts. I was able to reflect on the past 6 months, reflect on my professional life (career), my personal life (my relationships), my passion (teaching yoga), and my hobbies. Mid-year is a good time for me to check in and calibrate the direction I am going. It is usually around my birthday when I am looking back at the past year, and start to manifest (ask, believe, and receive) for the new year. Visiting Assisi, one of the biggest historically important towns of Italy had a profound impact on my self-reflection. I was able to kneel at the tomb of St. Francis, feeling the powerful energy. Followed by viewing the frescos by Giotto – all masterpieces in this beautiful basilica.
 
So many emotions and impressions were experienced during this vacation. But the essence of this trip and my direction for this new year is so beautifully expressed with the St. Francis prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

This prayer, or mantra goes along the same lines of yoga philosophy. Being renewed and refreshed I am looking forward to sharing my passion for yoga. I am excited to announce on July 27th, I am leading a yoga practice at the West Valley Arts HQ Gallery. Their current exhibition is titled “Introspection”, and my yoga sequence is based on this theme. The sequence will promote mental clarity and focus and cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being. Mark your calendar and keep an eye out for the event flyer and invite.
 
With gratitude,

​Oma

How do you observe Earth Day?

2024 Earth Day theme is planet vs. plastics


I thought I would share one option, a yogic way, to honor our planet.

Ahimsa, the very first of the yamas (yogic principles), encourages non-violence in thought, word, and action. Each year, on April 22, we can share our desire to create a world where ahimsa is at the center of how we treat our planet and all of the living creatures inhabiting it.

I created a 30-minute yoga sequence, fitting for Earth Day, to be practiced outdoors. If you don't have an outdoor space to practice, maybe you can practice in a room with a window. Or, have a houseplant at the top of your mat to look at.

Wherever you are to practice this short sequence, feel the connection to the earth. Observe your breath and practice gratitude towards our planet, others, and yourself. This Earth Day yoga sequence is grounding and one of many ways to observe Earth Day and practice ahimsa!

Link to sequence:
https://www.tummee.com/yoga-sequence/wGi9g

With gratitude,
Oma

that I am a Well Me Right Wellness Expert. Click on the badge above, it will take you to my profile and available virtual sessions. I continue to share my passion for yoga with the local community and look forward to sharing it virtually across the country. 

This opportunity presented itself during a time when I wasn't necessarily looking. I had to decide if I wanted to go for it or pass. Every opportunity I had so far, sharing my passion for Yoga has brought me so much joy. Therefore, I went for it. Here we are, a new beginning.

I talk about new beginnings during March Yoga sessions "blooming like spring". In spring, we emerge from the dark period of winter and return to the budding of new life. As the days become longer, we have the opportunity to restore ourselves physically and energetically. Whether moving through a transition from one yoga posture to the next, or from winter to spring, lingering in the moments in between encourages us to slow down, move mindfully, and find the yoga beyond the asana. 

I am excited about this new beginning and hope to practice Yoga with you soon! 

With gratitude,
Oma

Stay tuned for exciting news, regarding more ways to practice Yoga with Oma!

I hope that 2023 ended well for you and that you are off to a good start! 

"Yoga with Oma" continues to learn and grow, as I am in my 4th year as yoga teacher. 

2023 I taught over 100 classes, most in person, some virtually. led a One-Day-Yoga-Retreat, hosted a workshop and offered several hours of free yoga to my community. This will continue along with the offering of my handmade products (eye pillows and keychains), and a few additions. 

As mentioned above, the phrase 'learn and grow' will be my mantra for 2024. What does that mean for you? 

I am planning to host more workshops. My lofty goal is a workshop per quarter, preferably in person, but also available virtually. 

The first in person workshop 'Hip Mobility and Balance' was a success, which lead to the decision to make it available virtually. If you want to attend, please RSVP via contact form below. The workshop will be on Saturday February 3, 2024, starting at 9 AM MST. No prior experience is necessary, all are welcome. (If you have hip or knee replacement, or suffer from pain, please consult with your healthcare provider. This workshop is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions.) 

I am working on my next one already, 'Mindfulness and Grief' - how Yoga and Mindfulness can make a difference in your grieving process. I haven't decided on a date and time (TBD). Come back to my website to check for the announcement.

This means 2 more to plan, and I am kindly asking for your assistance. What yoga related workshops would you like to see? Leave me a comment, reach out to me via contact form, or send me a private message. I am looking forward to your input.

With Gratitude,
​Oma

A yogi is someone who practices yoga. There is no particular way to look or act, but there are a few universal qualities of a yogi. 

*In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna tells Arjuna what is required to become a yogi, “Fearlessness, purity of heart, perseverance in acquiring wisdom and in practicing yoga.”  He goes on to describe the traditional ethical and moral rules of yoga, the yamas, and niyamas. In essence, a yogi strives to be the best human possible and to embody the virtues of kindness, truthfulness, compassion, and patience towards others.

Anyone can practice yoga regardless of their age, gender, body type, or ethnicity. In fact, yoga is a practice that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. It is a way to connect with your inner self and find peace and balance in your life. This is why I love yoga; we come together as individuals, as different as our yoga mats, but practice to achieve the same. In my "intro to yoga" class you can find a retiree right next to a college student. And I, the instructor, a fulltime healthcare working, martial arts practicing grandmother. 

If you are attracted to the practice of yoga, and would like to become a yogi, here are a few tips:

• practice - preferably 2-3 times a week for an hour.
• commitment - yoga is a journey, usually (not always), you are a yogi for life.
•  find a good instructor - it will help you get started on your yoga journey. 

Ultimately, it is your journey, the path that only you can take. With the help of a good yoga instructor who can awaken your curiosity about the practice and philosophy of yoga, you are off to a good start. 
There is no one “yoga body” and that yoga is truly a practice for everyone. The important thing is that they are all practicing yoga.  This ancient practice can benefit your mind, body, and soul. Ready to become a yogi? 

With gratitude,
Oma

*Read the full article What is a Yogi? And How Do You Become One? • Yoga Basics