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Aleessa

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From an early age, I have always clung to the idea that if you work hard, read all the books, invest in a thorough plan, you can achieve any goal you set. Preparation and planning gave me a sense of security and certainty that I could control and predict a successful result. At some point, I became so hyper-focused on the outcome and fruits of my labor and at the same time, grew more trepidatious about taking risks if I could not secure a win or approval.

I applied this same approach to yoga in the hopes of executing all the gravity-defying poses. I decided and placed a bet with myself that a handstand would be my gateway pose to the more complex ones. Handstand would be that seal-of-approval to being a brilliant yoga teacher. And yet, even with all my practice at the wall, my effort in vinyasa classes, and completing my teacher training, I could not do a handstand in the center of the room. If I could not land a handstand, did that determine the level of yoga accessible to me? Did a handstand depict my degree of knowledge, my dedication, my strength, my capabilities as a yoga practitioner and teacher?

Nowadays, I understand that yoga is a practice not limited to postures and shapes. And that even with dedication and effort, there are a myriad of factors (i.e. skeletal variations, proportions, hypermobility - to name a few) that make those poses inaccessible to a vast majority of people. I can still practice and teach yoga even if the future does not hold the promise of landing a handstand.

Yoga philosophy has helped me build my capacity to be more comfortable in the uncertainty and shift my attention to the process - to dive inward rather than narrowing in on the results. But I still have a loooooong way to go. I now try to shift my focus on building trust in myself. Betting on the certainty that I can pivot, adapt, pause, and discern what is best for me.

Have you ever placed value on a yoga pose to determine if you were “good” at yoga?

#yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy #yogaeveryday

From an early age, I have always clung to the idea that if you work hard, read all the books, invest in a thorough plan, you can achieve any goal you set. Preparation and planning gave me a sense of security and certainty that I could control and predict a successful result. At some point, I became so hyper-focused on the outcome and fruits of my labor and at the same time, grew more trepidatious about taking risks if I could not secure a win or approval.

I applied this same approach to yoga in the hopes of executing all the gravity-defying poses. I decided and placed a bet with myself that a handstand would be my gateway pose to the more complex ones. Handstand would be that seal-of-approval to being a brilliant yoga teacher. And yet, even with all my practice at the wall, my effort in vinyasa classes, and completing my teacher training, I could not do a handstand in the center of the room. If I could not land a handstand, did that determine the level of yoga accessible to me? Did a handstand depict my degree of knowledge, my dedication, my strength, my capabilities as a yoga practitioner and teacher?

Nowadays, I understand that yoga is a practice not limited to postures and shapes. And that even with dedication and effort, there are a myriad of factors (i.e. skeletal variations, proportions, hypermobility - to name a few) that make those poses inaccessible to a vast majority of people. I can still practice and teach yoga even if the future does not hold the promise of landing a handstand.

Yoga philosophy has helped me build my capacity to be more comfortable in the uncertainty and shift my attention to the process - to dive inward rather than narrowing in on the results. But I still have a loooooong way to go. I now try to shift my focus on building trust in myself. Betting on the certainty that I can pivot, adapt, pause, and discern what is best for me.

Have you ever placed value on a yoga pose to determine if you were “good” at yoga?

#yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy #yogaeveryday

Time is a funny thing. I’ve heard that it is a social construct and yet the more lines etched on my face remind me of the years that have passed.

As a mom, I often feel time deficient – never having enough hours in the day to shut down my juggling act. Adding more to rather than crossing off all the items on my to-do lists. Postponing the fun - work hard, play later. I cling to the promise that once I get to a certain financial status, career level, intellectual clout, sense of security, then and only then will I take a break, relax, do the things I love, and enjoy this life.

But yoga reminds me that life is happening right now. Life is a daily experiment through action and curiosity. Deep breaths. Take the next step. See what unfolds. Go for it. Have some fun in the mystery.

#yoga #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy #yogaeveryday #breathwork #motherhood

Time is a funny thing. I’ve heard that it is a social construct and yet the more lines etched on my face remind me of the years that have passed.

As a mom, I often feel time deficient – never having enough hours in the day to shut down my juggling act. Adding more to rather than crossing off all the items on my to-do lists. Postponing the fun - work hard, play later. I cling to the promise that once I get to a certain financial status, career level, intellectual clout, sense of security, then and only then will I take a break, relax, do the things I love, and enjoy this life.

But yoga reminds me that life is happening right now. Life is a daily experiment through action and curiosity. Deep breaths. Take the next step. See what unfolds. Go for it. Have some fun in the mystery.

#yoga #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy #yogaeveryday #breathwork #motherhood

When I first started my yoga practice, I remember several teachers highlighting specific health benefits associated with the yoga postures. I had been dealing with some health issues at the time and I wasn’t completely satisfied with my doctor’s recommendations. I grew excited about the possibility of healing through yoga as teachers linked postures as a way to address certain health concerns. Fitness and remedies available in a one hour yoga class - sign me up for a lifetime membership please!

The pose that became a promise I clung to was shoulderstand pose. In numerous yoga classes at the time, shoulderstand was lauded by teachers as a posture that could help calm your nervous system, stretch your shoulders and neck, and help your thyroid. So many birds - one stone. But every time I tried to get into the pose, I was uncomfortable and would feel as if my airway was blocked. I didn’t feel the stretch in my neck and shoulders. Each time I’d get into the pose I’d grow more frustrated and would end up more tense as I stayed in the pose. I became more critical about myself, pointing blame to my short torso and my inability to relax. And based on my blood work, not much had changed in my thyroid hormone levels. I made an oath to myself to give it the old college try until I landed the pose “correctly” and felt the promise of the benefits. It was so innocent as I developed my attachment to this pose as a marker of health and progress.

What I know now is yoga poses cannot guarantee a cure nor uniformly address health issues. My yoga practice these days is not tied to the performance of poses nor pulled towards the notion that a pose will elicit a certain feeling or external outcome.

Our yoga practice should help us tune into our intuition, listen to our bodies, and feel confident in deciding what is best for our bodies - even opting out of a pose. Yoga is an inside job that gives us the opportunity to let go of all the external input that no longer serves us.

Is there a yoga pose you aspired to perfect in order to unlock the promised benefits?

#yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy #yogaeveryday

When I first started my yoga practice, I remember several teachers highlighting specific health benefits associated with the yoga postures. I had been dealing with some health issues at the time and I wasn’t completely satisfied with my doctor’s recommendations. I grew excited about the possibility of healing through yoga as teachers linked postures as a way to address certain health concerns. Fitness and remedies available in a one hour yoga class - sign me up for a lifetime membership please!

The pose that became a promise I clung to was shoulderstand pose. In numerous yoga classes at the time, shoulderstand was lauded by teachers as a posture that could help calm your nervous system, stretch your shoulders and neck, and help your thyroid. So many birds - one stone. But every time I tried to get into the pose, I was uncomfortable and would feel as if my airway was blocked. I didn’t feel the stretch in my neck and shoulders. Each time I’d get into the pose I’d grow more frustrated and would end up more tense as I stayed in the pose. I became more critical about myself, pointing blame to my short torso and my inability to relax. And based on my blood work, not much had changed in my thyroid hormone levels. I made an oath to myself to give it the old college try until I landed the pose “correctly” and felt the promise of the benefits. It was so innocent as I developed my attachment to this pose as a marker of health and progress.

What I know now is yoga poses cannot guarantee a cure nor uniformly address health issues. My yoga practice these days is not tied to the performance of poses nor pulled towards the notion that a pose will elicit a certain feeling or external outcome.

Our yoga practice should help us tune into our intuition, listen to our bodies, and feel confident in deciding what is best for our bodies - even opting out of a pose. Yoga is an inside job that gives us the opportunity to let go of all the external input that no longer serves us.

Is there a yoga pose you aspired to perfect in order to unlock the promised benefits?

#yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy #yogaeveryday

How do we filter through all the noise, all the information, all the feels?

In our information-overload world, with all the distractions and contradictions, I find it difficult at times to see the dial of my internal compass. Where is my true north?

My thoughts are my constant companions through this journey. They identify and stick to patterns that keep me comfortable and safe. At times, these thoughtful companions can be loud, bothersome, and repetitive. Yoga and breathwork have helped me sift through some of the mental clutter and external noise. In moments of doubt and confusion, I have learned to pause and ask:

“At this moment, is this thought kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?”

Yoga and breathwork have been the breadcrumbs to my return home, to my North Star. Both have helped guide me to the next step that is best aligned with my true self.

What helps you chart your course through this life and remain authentically you?

#breathwork #breathworkfacilitator #yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy

How do we filter through all the noise, all the information, all the feels?

In our information-overload world, with all the distractions and contradictions, I find it difficult at times to see the dial of my internal compass. Where is my true north?

My thoughts are my constant companions through this journey. They identify and stick to patterns that keep me comfortable and safe. At times, these thoughtful companions can be loud, bothersome, and repetitive. Yoga and breathwork have helped me sift through some of the mental clutter and external noise. In moments of doubt and confusion, I have learned to pause and ask:

“At this moment, is this thought kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?”

Yoga and breathwork have been the breadcrumbs to my return home, to my North Star. Both have helped guide me to the next step that is best aligned with my true self.

What helps you chart your course through this life and remain authentically you?

#breathwork #breathworkfacilitator #yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy

I have thoroughly practiced the art of “compare and despair” for most of my life. As a trained dancer and the first born of an immigrant family, I quickly learned to perform a certain way to gain acceptance and validation for taking up space on a stage or for being in the US. My body, my decisions, my actions, and my words were judged, scrutinized, and at times devalued in comparison to my peers and to what society deemed as the ideal.

When I started practicing yoga, I followed this same pattern of comparing my “performance” to others in the studio and would despair when I could not execute an advanced pose. I knew deep down that yoga was not a competitive sport (or at least was not considered a discipline in the Olympics). But in these group classes, I became so hyper-focused on pushing my body through the poses to prove that I was advancing as a student. I’d choose to do more vinyasas whenever a teacher offered, “you can either stay in downdog or do another vinyasa” to show that I was dedicated and more than capable.

In our society, we are bombarded with so many ads and messages that highlight our flaws, our shortcomings, and why we are not good enough. Our yoga practice should not be another space where we are judged by our outward appearance and performance. Yoga can instead help us pivot away from seeking external validation and acceptance. Our yoga practice can redirect our attention inward where we can rediscover how amazing we are by being uniquely ourselves.

After gaining a better understanding of yoga philosophy, I am more conscious of my compare and despair tendencies. Yoga is an internal practice that reminds me of my inherent self-worth. When I remember this, I let go of the need to perform or conform to what other students are doing. I hope with more practice, more grace, and a steady gaze inward, I can do the same off the mat.

Do you ever find yourself measuring up your poses or decisions to others in class?

#breathwork #breathworkfacilitator #yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy

I have thoroughly practiced the art of “compare and despair” for most of my life. As a trained dancer and the first born of an immigrant family, I quickly learned to perform a certain way to gain acceptance and validation for taking up space on a stage or for being in the US. My body, my decisions, my actions, and my words were judged, scrutinized, and at times devalued in comparison to my peers and to what society deemed as the ideal.

When I started practicing yoga, I followed this same pattern of comparing my “performance” to others in the studio and would despair when I could not execute an advanced pose. I knew deep down that yoga was not a competitive sport (or at least was not considered a discipline in the Olympics). But in these group classes, I became so hyper-focused on pushing my body through the poses to prove that I was advancing as a student. I’d choose to do more vinyasas whenever a teacher offered, “you can either stay in downdog or do another vinyasa” to show that I was dedicated and more than capable.

In our society, we are bombarded with so many ads and messages that highlight our flaws, our shortcomings, and why we are not good enough. Our yoga practice should not be another space where we are judged by our outward appearance and performance. Yoga can instead help us pivot away from seeking external validation and acceptance. Our yoga practice can redirect our attention inward where we can rediscover how amazing we are by being uniquely ourselves.

After gaining a better understanding of yoga philosophy, I am more conscious of my compare and despair tendencies. Yoga is an internal practice that reminds me of my inherent self-worth. When I remember this, I let go of the need to perform or conform to what other students are doing. I hope with more practice, more grace, and a steady gaze inward, I can do the same off the mat.

Do you ever find yourself measuring up your poses or decisions to others in class?

#breathwork #breathworkfacilitator #yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy

Can we let go of the expectations as to what our experience should be and look like?

We don’t really know how it will all work out. No matter how much we prepare for the experience or situation. No matter how well we seal off all the cracks or anticipate all the potential pitfalls.

I have a tendency to hold on (a little too tightly) to the illusion that if I study all the material, follow all the rules, create watertight plans, I could avoid pain or judgment. I ultimately become immensely hyper-focused on the results. This mindset usually leads me through a precarious, narrow, and very rigid path. Perfectionism and obsessive preparation are my armors to conceal any of my insecurities and to avoid the sense of failure or rejection.

Yoga and breathwork have helped me lay down my heavy shield and instead notice and be curious about my tendencies to force the outcome of an experience. Yoga reminds me to pay attention to the present moment and to surrender to the unfolding of the moment. Can we leave some room for discovery and wonder without so much weight on the results? Because ultimately we can’t predict or control what will happen. And just maybe the mystery of how it will all unfold is part of the magic of this human experience.

#breathwork #breathworkfacilitator #yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy

Can we let go of the expectations as to what our experience should be and look like?

We don’t really know how it will all work out. No matter how much we prepare for the experience or situation. No matter how well we seal off all the cracks or anticipate all the potential pitfalls.

I have a tendency to hold on (a little too tightly) to the illusion that if I study all the material, follow all the rules, create watertight plans, I could avoid pain or judgment. I ultimately become immensely hyper-focused on the results. This mindset usually leads me through a precarious, narrow, and very rigid path. Perfectionism and obsessive preparation are my armors to conceal any of my insecurities and to avoid the sense of failure or rejection.

Yoga and breathwork have helped me lay down my heavy shield and instead notice and be curious about my tendencies to force the outcome of an experience. Yoga reminds me to pay attention to the present moment and to surrender to the unfolding of the moment. Can we leave some room for discovery and wonder without so much weight on the results? Because ultimately we can’t predict or control what will happen. And just maybe the mystery of how it will all unfold is part of the magic of this human experience.

#breathwork #breathworkfacilitator #yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy

When I started taking yoga classes, I felt a sense of satisfaction as to how easily I could get into the yoga poses. I left classes with a sense of achievement after manipulating my limbs and torso into several poses without modifications or props. Based on the ads used on studio websites and yoga apparel stores, I immediately associated flexibility and alignment with yoga. I believed yoga was achieved once I got my body into a pose. And there was potential to level up if I could execute the “full expression” of the pose. As long as I stuck to the alignment cues and had a dedicated practice, I could avoid injury and soon be able to execute any pose to my heart’s desire.

And then I became a mother. And with motherhood, I had to quickly adjust to this new body that I didn’t recognize. With the demands of motherhood, I didn’t have the time and energy to build up my strength and commit to a dedicated practice. I noticed my body didn’t have the same range of motion, the same muscle strength. I couldn’t twist my body with the same seamlessness and flow I once had. If I didn’t have the same flexibility and alignment with this new mom bod, would I no longer be able to achieve all the yoga poses? Especially the fancy poses that could elevate you to the status of an advanced yogi. After becoming a mother, I started to question if progress as a yoga student was only available to prior dancers and gymnasts… if yoga was solely accessible to young healthy bodies.

Thankfully, I have learned and truly believe that yoga is not sanctified by the ability to execute these poses. We live in a society composed of people with varying skeletal structures, mobility ranges, and physical limitations. With this in mind, can we sift through the emphasis on poses in our yoga classes and instead, redirect our focus on discovering and being more curious about what feels right for our body in that moment? Can we allow for more variations to poses based on what our gut tells us? Can yoga truly be for everyone?

#breathwork #yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy #motherhood

When I started taking yoga classes, I felt a sense of satisfaction as to how easily I could get into the yoga poses. I left classes with a sense of achievement after manipulating my limbs and torso into several poses without modifications or props. Based on the ads used on studio websites and yoga apparel stores, I immediately associated flexibility and alignment with yoga. I believed yoga was achieved once I got my body into a pose. And there was potential to level up if I could execute the “full expression” of the pose. As long as I stuck to the alignment cues and had a dedicated practice, I could avoid injury and soon be able to execute any pose to my heart’s desire.

And then I became a mother. And with motherhood, I had to quickly adjust to this new body that I didn’t recognize. With the demands of motherhood, I didn’t have the time and energy to build up my strength and commit to a dedicated practice. I noticed my body didn’t have the same range of motion, the same muscle strength. I couldn’t twist my body with the same seamlessness and flow I once had. If I didn’t have the same flexibility and alignment with this new mom bod, would I no longer be able to achieve all the yoga poses? Especially the fancy poses that could elevate you to the status of an advanced yogi. After becoming a mother, I started to question if progress as a yoga student was only available to prior dancers and gymnasts… if yoga was solely accessible to young healthy bodies.

Thankfully, I have learned and truly believe that yoga is not sanctified by the ability to execute these poses. We live in a society composed of people with varying skeletal structures, mobility ranges, and physical limitations. With this in mind, can we sift through the emphasis on poses in our yoga classes and instead, redirect our focus on discovering and being more curious about what feels right for our body in that moment? Can we allow for more variations to poses based on what our gut tells us? Can yoga truly be for everyone?

#breathwork #yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat #yogaphilosophy #motherhood

“Inhale salami, Exhale peace.”

That used to be my go-to mantra when I was anxious, stressed, or in the overwhelm of juggling the unsustainable demands of motherhood, work, and life. At the very least, it reminded me to laugh in the moment. But little did I know as to how influential my breath can be.

My first breath started my journey here.
My breath was the auditory coach that helped me bring my two children into this world.
The cadence of my breath informs my nervous system whether I should run from impending danger or stay and remain steady because all is safe and sound.

Most of the time, I forget to observe the rhythm of my breath, especially in those key moments when I am in self-doubt doused with high anxiety. I let all the cues and distractions of the world influence the quality of my breath, which ends up being shallow or constrained. When I remember to bring my attention back to my breath, I try to slow down and listen to myself take deeper inhales and exhales.

I hope the next time the reason my breath is constricted is because I am cackling on the floor, trying to catch my breath from deep belly laughter with my close friends. Or when I hold my breath for just a second longer after inhaling the sweet scent from the top of my 3-year-old son’s head. Or the times I get to witness my 8-year-old daughter chase her joy, write her short stories, and share them with her class… all while I suppress my breath so as not to ugly cry and scare off her friends.

Nowadays, I try to pay a little more attention to my breath. In those moments, I try to extend my inhales and exhales to trick life into giving me a few more seconds that will hopefully add up to a couple more minutes, a handful of extra hours, a bit more days, and maybe even an extra year.

May your next inhale remind you of how expansive your life can be.
May your next exhale nudge you to let go of the idea that you need anything else outside of this moment.

This is my journey to make each breath count before it becomes air.

#breathwork #breathworkfacilitator #yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat

“Inhale salami, Exhale peace.”

That used to be my go-to mantra when I was anxious, stressed, or in the overwhelm of juggling the unsustainable demands of motherhood, work, and life. At the very least, it reminded me to laugh in the moment. But little did I know as to how influential my breath can be.

My first breath started my journey here.
My breath was the auditory coach that helped me bring my two children into this world.
The cadence of my breath informs my nervous system whether I should run from impending danger or stay and remain steady because all is safe and sound.

Most of the time, I forget to observe the rhythm of my breath, especially in those key moments when I am in self-doubt doused with high anxiety. I let all the cues and distractions of the world influence the quality of my breath, which ends up being shallow or constrained. When I remember to bring my attention back to my breath, I try to slow down and listen to myself take deeper inhales and exhales.

I hope the next time the reason my breath is constricted is because I am cackling on the floor, trying to catch my breath from deep belly laughter with my close friends. Or when I hold my breath for just a second longer after inhaling the sweet scent from the top of my 3-year-old son’s head. Or the times I get to witness my 8-year-old daughter chase her joy, write her short stories, and share them with her class… all while I suppress my breath so as not to ugly cry and scare off her friends.

Nowadays, I try to pay a little more attention to my breath. In those moments, I try to extend my inhales and exhales to trick life into giving me a few more seconds that will hopefully add up to a couple more minutes, a handful of extra hours, a bit more days, and maybe even an extra year.

May your next inhale remind you of how expansive your life can be.
May your next exhale nudge you to let go of the idea that you need anything else outside of this moment.

This is my journey to make each breath count before it becomes air.

#breathwork #breathworkfacilitator #yoga #yogateacher #accessibleyoga #yogaforeveryone #yogaoffthemat

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