When did you go to teacher training?
I graduated from Bikram’s Teacher Training in Fall 2001.
What was your first class like?
My first class was on August 11, 1998, and I remember it vividly. My mom passed away in March of that year. My friends suggested that I try yoga to help with my stress and sorrow. I came back from opening two restaurants in the Denver area and looked up yoga in the Yellow Pages. I found a yoga studio on Filbert Street, near my apartment in San Francisco, and went the next morning; August 11, 1998. It was Tony Sanchez’s studio, Yoga Challenge. I knew nothing about him or yoga, except it was an hour-long, and it was stretching. At Yoga Challenge, it was 42 postures in a warm room. Halfway into the class, my heart was racing; I knew that I stumbled onto something HUGE for me and my life, my working life.
What do you love most about the yoga?
There is so much I love about this yoga. If I had to narrow it down to one thing, I’d say the security and confidence I have in it to keep me healthy. I’m so blessed to have had this tool over the past 20+ years. The value it brings is immeasurable. I lean on it for health in every area of my life – I’m grateful.
What do you love most about teaching?
Overall, teaching is one of the most incredible vocations. Teaching this yoga is both a privilege and a responsibility. I love how, when on the podium, I witness a diversity of people working hard together to improve, confront, heal, restore, validate, and best yet, self-realize. Being in a community that genuinely wants more out of themselves and their lives is the best place on earth to be. I love that I get to teach in this environment. I learn, and I’m inspired.
One thing you might not know about me is…
I used to ballroom dance as a hobby, and I’m picking it back up again. I’m also very intrigued by baking and am pushing myself to learn more and loving it!
Favorite quote about yoga:
“Yoga maintains youth long. It keeps the body full of vitality, immune to diseases even at an old, old age,” said Bishnu Charan Ghosh. I love this quote as I age. I often think of how Bishnu knew this, as it’s so full of hope to those of us moving into the second half of our lives. This quote is almost 100 years old, and it’s so profound, regardless of the times in which we live. I love it; I hope others read it on our wall and let those words soak in every day.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Full of compassion with tons of energy, and completely present for you!
I discovered Bikram yoga through one of my best friends. After my first class at age 50 I felt I may have just discovered another form of workout to pursue. I committed myself to explore and practiced as much as I could over the two-week introductory package and I was hooked. 4 yrs later now, I am committed to be a yoggie for life and I cherish every 90 min I have on my magic carpet. Every practice is a journey of me – my body, mind, heart and soul. It has become so much more than just a workout option, it is a practice of life. I am so thankful to have Bikram San Jose the sanctuary to practice and the teachers from Michelle and all to guide me through my journey.