October 2014 Teacher Feature - Courtney Snyder

It's been quite a while since we’ve published a Teacher Feature and it’s LONG overdue.  So much has happened since June 2013.  This area (Bay, Walton, Washington counties) has experienced an implosion of growth in the number of yoga instructors and available venues for students to practice in.   And, there are so many up & coming instructors who have made themselves available to students from county to county by traveling between the various venues, primarily at their own expense, in order to spread the yoga love and build a sense of community.

Courtney is one of these instructors!  I can’t tell you how long I waited to have this fine lady become part of the “The Studio at Zen” team.  Her reputation preceded her and I waited (mostly patiently) until her time opened up so that we could experience her passionate Ashtanga practice at our studio. 

And what a lovely practice!!  She has this voice, sweetness, and a megawatt smile that would brighten anyone’s day, but there’s so much more wrapped up into this tiny, energetic package.  She is dedicated, determined and (did I already mention this??), passionate about yoga!  

PCBYC:  Courtney, tell us a little about initially brought you to yoga? 

In high school, I was on my school’s wrestling team in Texas. I first started yoga as a way to deepen my flexibility and to “get in the zone” with breath control practices and turning inward. Once I was “Zen”, I would slam girls on the mat!!

PCBYC:  Somewhere along this “student” path, you were called to become an instructor.  Can you tell us more about that? 

Being a big sister, I have always been an “instructor”. I can remember sitting my brother down in my room when he was 4 and giving him “class work” and “homework” teaching him math and writing. I think that instinct came natural because my mom was a daycare director and is now a schoolteacher. She was always teaching us fun things and I have always loved learning. So when I began my yoga path, it naturally transitioned into wanting to share it with others. I had this dream of moving to the beach and being a yoga teacher… and here I am!!

PCBYC:   Having talked to you in person, I know that once you became an instructor you weren’t willing to stop there.  You have a calling to make yoga a permanent career and have taken some serious steps to make that happen.  Can you tell us more about this path and what your vision is?

I have taken some steps in my own life, including starting another 200 HR certification to deepen my knowledge of Ashtanga and going part time at my day job. Eventually, Pete and I would like to open up a non-profit studio for yoga and meditation. We would like to host meditation and yoga retreats. I also have a desire to put together a festival possibly in the Panama City Beach area.

PCBYC:  You also have a life partner with you on this journey…. would you care to share a little about Peter’s path and how you integrate your separate pursuits into your lives?

My husband, Peter, is a yoga teacher and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher. He has his Bachelor’s in Social Work and is currently working on his Master’s Degree. Peter volunteers at Second Chance teaching yoga to people with traumatic brain injuries. Peter began Zen Meditation in 2007, took his 5 precepts in 2008, and took his 10 precepts (to become a Dharma teacher) in 2012. He received his training in MBSR by the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Peter is the only person in the region that has currently completed his teacher training in MBSR. He volunteers teaching an MBSR program to inmates at the Holmes Correctional Institution. Since we both are on the same path of giving and helping others, our dreams and pursuits are intertwined. We both have our own styles and ways of helping, but we are very like-minded in many of our beliefs and goals.

PCBYC:  We know that you love Ashtanga!  But you are also very versatile…. what other types of yoga do you enjoy instructing or practicing? 

In my first 200 Hr Certification, I studied various styles of yoga including a style of hot yoga very similar to Bikram’s style, Flow, Yin, and of course Ashtanga. With that mix as my foundation, I have really enjoyed playing with different ways to express my practice and myself. I teach a weekly black light class that is a lot of fun and almost trance-like. I also really enjoy being on the water for SUP yoga.

PCBYC:  How does your yogic path integrate with or enhance the other aspects of your lives?

My yogic path is integrated into most aspects of my life. Noticing my breath as often as I can and even using my Ujjayi breath when it is totally inappropriate!! Most people look at the loud breather weirdly, but I find it very soothing and a great way to calm myself! Yoga helps me to be more centered and aware of my responses to situations. It reminds me of the divinity in us all. That is why at the closing of most practices I end with a quote from Gandhi that says, “I honor the places in you where the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you that is of light. I honor the place in you that is of love, peace, happiness, and of truth. And I honor that when you are in that place in you and I am in that place in me, we are one.”

PCBYC:  What inspires you about or what do you learn from your students? 

Everything!! I love watching their growth and their “ah-ha” moments! They remind me to be humble and to always continue learning with all of their questions and inquiries to go deeper into their practice, which in turn helps me to also go deeper and learn more.

PCBYC:  What about yoga makes you laugh?  What touches you most deeply?

I have a fear of public speaking and that makes me laugh. I picked a life path that includes a lot of public speaking and maybe one day I will get past it, but maybe not. I just take it one class at a time and enjoy the jitters and butterflies that I get when I’m teaching to a group of people I don’t know. I am deeply touched by people experiencing their truth. Whether that’s good or bad that day doesn’t matter, but being able to be with them on that journey of self-discovery and peeling away the layers is a deeply gratifying feeling. I am so fortunate to have this opportunity and am very grateful to all the people who allow me to be a part of their practice.

PCBYC:  Most yoga instructors also remain lifelong students.  What do YOU look for in a yoga instructor or program?

I look for someone living a yogic life when looking for someone to study long term with, like Caroline San Juan Czubaj, Ally Ford, and Laura Lynn Jansen. Someone that is humble, has integrity, and is “walking the walk”. I enjoy learning from everyone though. I feel like every time I take someone else’s class I learn something new and adopt it as a part of my practice. I have learned and say things I’ve learned from several of our local teachers. Every teacher is unique and beautiful opening up his or her heart and practice to share with the world.

PCBYC:  What would you say has been the most gratifying part of your yoga journey?

The most gratifying part of my journey so far has been watching the transformational powers that yoga has on people. Watching people find themselves either for the first time or again is a beautiful thing.

PCBYC:  Where are you currently teaching?

I currently teach at Studio at Zen, Studio by the Sea, Yoga Elements, One Heart Yoga, and Phoenix Performance. 

PCBYC:  Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

In 5 years, I see myself still deepening my personal yoga and meditation practices. I see myself continuing sharing my practice and love with as many people as possible. I may even have a festival in the works, but we will just have to see how it all comes together!

Many thanks, Courtney for sharing a little bit of your life with us!  We are blessed to have you here in the Panama City area as part of OUR yoga journey!

June, 2013 Teacher Feature - Addison Arthur Wakeford IV

 

 

 

 

 

 

PCBYC:  Addison, tell us a little about your “yoga history”….how did you get started, and what drew you to yoga?

For the past several years I've been drawn to fitness, and challenging the body; and once I heard from my mother how difficult her yoga classes were it peaked my interest. After going through just one amazing class I was hooked. So for a couple of months I would go to two yoga classes a week and then practice what I learned on my own. Until that blossomed into me wanting to have yoga apart of my daily life. 

PCBYC:  So, once you became a serious yoga student, how long before you decided to pursue yoga instruction as a path?  How did you choose your YTT training – what was the criteria?

I never decided to become a yoga instructor, it sort of just manifested itself. I went on vacation in Costa Rica with my sister and my nephew, and while I was there I stumbled upon a teacher training course that was starting while I was there. My intentions were to deepen my physical practice, but midway through the month-long course I grew into an instructor. It felt so natural and rewarding to me that it just made sense to continue on the path as a yoga instructor.

PCBYC:   Once you became certified, how did you go about breaking into instructing here in the Panhandle?   

Initially I was a bit nervous about applying to places to instruct at, but then I realized that I wasn't applying for a job but applying to share with others what I had learned. Once I changed my outlook it felt extremely natural and effortless. I started off at Yoga For You and then eventually was asked to sub classes at other studios and gyms, which led me to teaching regularly in several wonderful spaces. 

PCBYC:  What would you say a typical day of yoga looks like for you?

I feel that yoga is a very intuitive practice, because your body tells you what need and when you need it. Key is to listen to those signals that your body is sending. So my days vary on what postures I flow from. I do take time each morning when I wake up and dedicate it towards some breath-work and some mellow yoga postures. The rest of the day is usually filled with some sort of yoga, whether it be a class I teach, a class I take, or just some casual breath-work on the beach during the sunset. 

PCBYC:  Do you have a favorite pose?  Why?

Favorite is a tricky word. I tend to go through phases of poses I like more than others, but overall I love the challenge of them all. I do think it's important to practice the poses you favor less than others though. There's a message to be learned through all of the poses, so if you have resistance towards any certain pose probably means you should spend more time on it.

PCBYC:  What about yoga makes you laugh?

I think yoga should always have room for laughter. It should be fun and comfortable enough for laughter and any given moment. 

PCBYC:  Do you feel there is a difference between studio yoga and classes conducted in other venues?

I think there's a difference in the aesthetics, or appearances of yoga studios compared to other venues, but do feel that the overall message is the same. Yoga is yoga, whether it's in a yoga studio, a gym, an airport, or even just in your own room. Taking the time bring awareness to your body and breath is important regardless of the setting.

PCBYC:  How does your yogic path integrate with or enhance the other aspects of your life? 

It's integrated with everything that I do. I don't think initially I had the intention of letting yoga guide my life, but over time my personal experiences have led me to correlating yoga with everything that I do. I think yoga is an experiential practice, you can't really describe what you're supposed to feel from a yoga class but you can experience it for yourself and subjectively look at the results.

PCBYC:  What do you learn from your students?

I learn how to be a better instructor as well as how to maintain my own personal practice. My students inspire me to continue my training as a instructor and help me stay focused on the goals I have. Each class is different, with different ages and body types, so having different people to work with helps me identify what certain people might be needing out of a class. I'm constantly learning from my students and am so grateful to have them.

PCBYC:  How have you remained a student yourself?

I still love attending classes any chance I get. Especially when it's a style of yoga I haven't tried before. There's so much knowledge out there that I'll remain a student for the remainder of my life, which really excites me. Endless knowledge is a great thing, because I'm constantly learning new ideas and methods and applying them to my life. 

PCBYC:  What would you say is the most gratifying part of being a yoga instructor?  

Being able to share with other people what I've been taught. Everything that I teach I have experienced myself and have seen the benefits. So being able to share this knowledge with others is extremely gratifying. Seeing people challenge themselves is a wonderful thing, and being the one to help them do that is even better.

PCBYC:  What inspires you about yoga?  How have you developed your style?

The challenge of bringing balance to your mind and body, to your whole life. Life isn't always easy, and having yoga to come back to is extremely comforting. I've developed my style based on harmony. Just like with music our lives have a harmony or a melody that flows us through our day to day. Sometimes the melody might have a wrong note in it, but just being aware of when the wrong notes are being played is key. So I've developed my style into trying to maintain the balance, to keep the harmony flowing in your life so that you can dance through your life with ease. 

PCBYC:  Where do you see yourself as an instructor five years from now?

The future isn't definite or carved in stone, so trying to imagine where I'll be is difficult to me. I do know that I'll still be helping others and continuing my personal education to enhance my teaching skills.

April 2013Teacher Feature - Jacqueline Bell

From PCBYC..... I heard about Jacqueline Bell long before I had the privilege of meeting her.  Coming out of my teacher training, I was looking for a place to start….although the Visual Arts center was a long way from where I live, I heard they were going to start offering yoga.  Upon inquiry, I found that there was one other instructor they were waiting on – but she was in India getting her training!  Turned out it was Jackie!!  Fast forward a few months and I hear that we have a newly-certified 500 RYT instructor coming to our gym (what a coup)!  My first thought….here is someone we can really LEARN from!  Voila - again, it was Jackie...and I wasn’t wrong….she is lovely, an amazing teacher but more than that, an energetic go-getter who takes yoga to new heights!  If you don’t already know her, you should….Meet Jacqueline Bell!

PCBYC:  Jackie, tell us a little about your “yoga history”….how did you get started, and what drew you to yoga?

I have been teaching yoga close to 5 years now and have completed three teacher trainings through Frog Lotus Yoga International.   I attained a 500hr advanced yoga teacher certification studying in the rainforest – Calhuita, Costa Rica, the jungle- Sayulita, Mexico, and Kerala, India, overlooking the Arabian Sea. I am continuously studying J I offer my students new techniques and information, while staying in-tune with the original practices and principles of Yoga.

I have been at peace at the dance studio(s) for as long as I can remember. At 22  I was taking a modern dance class when my teacher Hope’ Harris told me the studio (at that time) needed a third teacher for the younger classes. I had 7 classes that year and LOVED my immersion into teaching! The next year Hope’ and I danced and taught at a different venue where a yoga class was offered at the studio and I fell in love. Slowing down, breathing deeply and consciously, combined with moving in new ways was so blissful. I needed more knowledge of this beautiful practice and to travel deeper within myself. Infinitely I wanted to share with others.  The first yoga class I took I was 18. On that day I had no idea that some day I would be here holding space for others. Enjoying my profession as greatly as I do has been an incredible gift!

PCBYC:  So, once you became a serious yoga student, how long before you decided to pursue yoga instruction as a path?  How did you choose your YTT training – what was the criteria?

I  went online and searched many different schools. I found many different styles, studios/places and teachers. I was drawn to Frog Lotus Yoga. Vidya  Jacqueline Heisel and Jennifer Yarro.  My three trainings were with FLY and I would go back to them in a heartbeat. They taught me care and understanding,  safety and ethics,  but most of all True love and light.

PCBYC:   You teach just about everywhere….how do you go about putting that schedule together?

Our Teacher Training gave us insight into the business of yoga.  I am a social person and I love the different aspects of teaching different groups and types of students.  It is fun!  Through all of this, I have gained a permanent following.   I am now hoping to channel my energy into a few select spaces that allow me to focus & reflect.

PCBYC:  Do you have a favorite pose?  Why?

All yoga poses are my favorites, but I especially love Dancer…but,  actually if I chose a true favorite it would be Crane/Crow because it is very empowering for me.  I have a long torso and long arms….this made it difficult for me to find my Crane, so having mastered it gives me a sense of joy.

PCBYC:  What about yoga makes you laugh?

I smile to myself when I’m practicing and I become clear and the inner voice says “Everything’s Perfect.” But my favorite is most likely when that voice says “it’s not that serious” whatever or however serious “it” had seemed.

Smiling and laughing is very healthy , and especially with yoga!   “a happy mind is medicine”-Unknown

PCBYC:  Do you feel there is a difference between studio yoga and classes conducted in other venues?

Hard question J Yes and no.  The vibe at an “all yoga all the time” studio to me is a little extra electric. If the space to practice is welcoming, the atmosphere seems to have a whimsical secret waiting to be heard by those who’ve come to listen J

PCBYC:  What do you learn from your students?

Everything!  The teachings of Yoga work on a grand level by being able to, see, hear, feel and know the light and loving intentions shared with others. I am so lucky to learn every single day from one or maybe more enlightening students. The students also learn from each other. I believe the yoga community is very giving in this way!

PCBYC:  How have you remained a student yourself?

Yoga is a lifelong learning experience!  I learn by traveling, taking other people’s classes, going to workshops to learn new styles & disciplines, reading books, magazines and Yoga Journal emails.  I like to keep up on the exciting new styles and innovations.

PCBYC:  What would you say is the most gratifying part of being a yoga instructor? 

The energy!  The sharing of feelings with people from all walks of life.  Seeing the transformation tools that reside within the students ….the change that happens within 1 hour….the radiating eyes, the color in the face and the inner smile whether it is visible to the human eyes or not!

PCBYC:  What inspires you about yoga?  How have you developed your style?

My private personal practice has been a source of inspiration for me.  At home, I can play with a flow, develop something that I know my students will really enjoy!  I also use meditation.   I have a dancer’s background, so I like to get up in the morning and just dance & flow and see where the yoga takes me.

PCBYC:  Where do you see yourself five years from now?

With a few more stamps in my passport, a You Tube Channel video, maybe some DVDs to share with people who want to practice but whose schedules don’t allow them to come to class.  I will be healthy, learning & growing and on my way to longevity on a happy & enlightened path.

PCBYC:  It has been a pleasure getting to know Jacqueline, working with her, taking her classes, and having her as a dear friend!  Come out & enjoy her instruction – and check out her website http://yogabyjackie.com – she really is one of the best instructors in the area!  And I have a feeling the universe is going to deliver big things for her in the near future!

March 2013 Teacher Feature - Melissa Davis

From PCBYC…..I have had the pleasure of knowing Melissa for several years.  She is one of my favorite yoga instructors…beautiful inside and out, and although that phrase is a somewhat overused cliché, it truly applies to her.  An artist at heart, there is something ethereal that she brings to her instruction.  Make no mistake, if you take one of her classes, you will be challenged!  But, there is something more that draws the student to this teacher.  It’s her true connection to what she is offering to each student, her sense of humor, the buoyancy that results within the student, that makes a practice with Melissa something to look forward to…..and to return to.

Here is our resulting conversation…..

PCBYC:  Melissa, can you share with us what your initial yoga path was?  What was your first experience and how did you come to that point?

Melissa:  Yoga came to me when I was small.  We had 9 kids in our family, growing up in California…yoga was available all around with incense, the whole bit.  I had a brother who practiced; I knew early on that yoga was something special.

PCBYC:  After you’d been a student for a while, how did you come to decide on yoga as a career? 

Melissa (a little laughter):   It’s funny because I really didn’t decide that yoga was going to be a “career” for me.  The way I look at it….it’s something I have been  called to do….it is a service….or a gift to share….not something that I consciously decided I would make money with. 

PCBYC:  Where did you begin your Teacher Training?  It seems as though you are a perpetual student….how have you made your subsequent choices for Teacher Training? 

Melissa (has been teaching since 2003)  I took my first formal 200-hour teacher training at Dragonfly in Fort Walton with Laura Tyree.  Then, went on to pursue my 500-hour designation with JJ Gormley. 

PCBYC:  Curious, I then asked Melissa about 500-hour programs since I am in the process myself and I know of others who are trying to decide where to go next.  Her answers were enlightening…..

I think I might have pursued my 500-hour program a little earlier than I should have.  Looking back, I was a little restless, not as grounded as if I had waited awhile. And I went to many, many different types of workshops over the next few years.   In retrospect, the instruction (through JJ Gormley) was exactly what I needed, but I wasn’t as ready to fully receive it as I would have been later.  What I am currently doing is following the inner teacher, going where my heart draws me, exploring a lot of self study.  I look for authenticity in a teacher or program.

PCBYC:  What would you say a typical day of yoga looks like for you?

Melissa:  I have 4 set (types of) classes….I am an instructor in the 2013 YTT program at Balance and I also teach there, in addition to 2 classes at Rosemary Beach.  A typical day?  On a good day, I get up in the morning and walk for an hour.  I do a walking meditation – praying on the trip out and meditating on the trip back.  Then, I take a shower, and afterward, sit for 10 minutes & meditate & plan my practice, then, I go and teach.  I try to do a small (maybe 20-minute) home practice a day.

PCBYC:  What would you say is the most gratifying part of being a yoga instructor? 

Melissa:   Seeing people get excited about yoga!

PCBYC:  What do you learn from your students?

Melissa:  That every person is a different image of God….I try to see them that way and meet them there…and experience their joy!

PCBYC:  Do you feel there is a difference between studio yoga and classes conducted in other venues?

Melissa:  I’ve taught in both studios and gyms for years….I have to say that I feel  more free in the studio to share more….less restrained than I do in a gym.

PCBYC:  Do you have a favorite pose?  Why?

Melissa:  Standing Forward Fold ….because it’s easy for me!!

PCBYC:  What about yoga makes you laugh?

Melissa:  Farting & snoring make me giggle!

PCBYC:  How does your yogic path integrate with or enhance your life as a wife & mother?  As an artist?

Melissa:  It has already integrated – it isn’t separate – yoga is in everything.

PCBYC:  Where do you see yourself as an instructor five years from now?

Melissa:  I see myself still teaching…but maybe less classes….always teaching but maybe not as much.

PCBYC :  THANKS more than I can express for sharing your thoughts and insights….we who have been your students and who may become your students have been very blessed….namaste….Melissa J

January 2013 Teacher Feature: Paul Zipes

PCBYC:  Paul, in one of your informational profiles, you say that you began your yogic path on a dare from your wife.  Can you elaborate?

PZ:  She was doing a Bryan Kest Power Yoga tape and I did not act  impressed so she suggested I try it.  It was a while before I started a regular practice but that day was the beginning of my journey. 

 PCBYC:  Why did she dare you and did you immediately jump in and decide to become an instructor and studio owner?    How long would you say it was before you felt called in that direction? 

 
PZ:    It was about 5 years of dabbling with yoga before I became certified to teach and then about 5 years after that I opened a yoga studio.

PCBYC:  Once you felt yourself going down that path, how did you determine what type of instruction you would take? 

PZ:   Initially, I just wanted yoga that was really physically challenging but that changed over time as I learned there was much more to yoga than just being able to do a headstand or tricky balance pose.

 PCBYC:  How did you come to study with a Guru in South Florida?  What were the benefits of that type of training versus others you evaluated? 

PZ:   A lot of serendipity led me to find my teacher.  Initially I was actually signed up to take teacher training at Dragonfly Yoga Studies in Fort Walton but right after I registered I tore my ACL playing soccer and withdrew from the training.  Months later I still really wanted to attend a teacher training course and found one near Miami that taught  basic yoga and space was available.  I got lucky in many ways because the experience far exceeded my expectations and gave me a solid foundation from which I continue to grow from.

PCBYC:  When you completed your training and opened your studio, what were your initial expectationsHave the expectations and goals changed over the years?  

PZ:  After teaching at local gyms for many years I felt like Panama City needed more than the few yoga studios that existed at the time.  I thought I could open a studio that would attract teachers and students from our local community.  That desire is reflected in our name Yoga For You.  What I realized since opening the studio is that it won’t be able to attract all yogis because we don’t teach certain types of yoga that some people like, such as Bikram and Iyengar.  So, now my goal is to simply make sure people know that Yoga For You is here for anyone who wants a yoga studio to practice in with highly qualified teachers to safely and authentically teach them yoga. 

PCBYC:  What would you say is the most gratifying part of being a yoga instructor? 

PZ:  When a student smiles after class and feels great or when a student finds relief from an injury or stress. 

PCBYC:  What do you learn from your students? 

PZ:   Humility is a biggie and so is tolerance.

PCBYC:  How have you remained a student yourself? 

PZ:   I practice with other teachers whenever possible and practice on my own.

PCBYC:  How does your yogic path integrate with or enhance your life as a husband & father

PZ:   They may disagree at times but I think I am happier, calmer and more in the moment.    

PCBYC:  Do you and your family practice together?

PZ:  No but sometimes my wife and I will take a class together.  

PCBYC:  Tell us a little about Yoga for Vets?  In what ways can others become involved? 

PZ:   Yoga For Vets is a not-for profit organization that I started 5 years ago.  Our website lists over 600 locations that offer 4  free yoga classes to any combat veterans.  If you know a combat vet, tell them that they can take 4 free classes at my studio or go to www.yogaforvets.org for more info.  It is our way of telling vets Welcome Home.

PCBYC:  Where do you see yourself five years from now? 

PZ:   I have no idea; I try to live in the moment. : )