The latest installment for Tayoga Conversations is with the one and only Sam Wiesner. Sam is well-known throughout the Modesto Yoga community. In my opinion, her knowledge of the restorative side of yoga is unparalleled in the area. I have enjoyed learning from her. I consider her a true friend and a beautiful person both inside and out. Sam and I started this conversation back in June. It is safe to say that life became busy, and now we are just now finishing this conversation late in August - better late than never! Much has happened during this time. You may not know this, but Sam will be leaving the Modesto yoga community to start a new adventure – which includes more yoga training (no surprise there!). While she may be leaving Modesto, Sam’s impact on this community will never leave. We wish you the best of luck, my dear! Know that you always have a home here in Modesto. With that said, the following conversation is quite lengthy, but well worth the read. Namas(tay) friends.
Tayoga: How did you get started with yoga and at what point did you decide to complete teacher training?
Sam: My first experience with yoga was with my mom's VHS tape when I was young. I remember thinking, "snore! This is boring!" Fast forward to college, when I began P90X DVDs! Wednesdays were "Yoga X," and it quickly became my favorite. I invited my "yoga friend" over to do it with me, and she shared that I needed to go to a class to experience "real yoga," whatever that means. I was intrigued. I went to a hot yoga class and I’ve been a dedicated student ever since. That was 2009. By 2013, I was in search of a vinyasa yoga training. I found a 200-hour vinyasa intensive in Costa Rica with Frog Lotus Yoga and simply felt called to go. I met some of my lifelong friends, learned a ton, and have continued on this yoga path.
Tayoga: VHS... what's that? Haha! Just kidding! I am starting to see a trend, though. Anita also became interested in yoga through a video she did at home. It seems like a "safe" way to get into yoga, because going to a studio can be intimidating. My first time doing yoga was actually your community yoga class in downtown Turlock. I went with friends, though, so it wasn't as intimidating. It was also considered a hot yoga class (but really wasn't that hot). Since I was an amateur, I remember wearing my old volleyball spandex shorts with breakaway pants over the top with the idea that I would take the pants off when we got there. Ha! When we showed up late and no one had shorts on, I just left them on! I felt embarrassed at the time, but now I know nobody cares.
Sam: Oh yes, I remember when we met :) I absolutely related. When I first started attending yoga classes regularly, I would wear running shorts and bring my beach towel to use as a "hot yoga towel." As a college student at the time, I couldn't afford all the yoga "gear." After a year of practice, I purchased my first pair of yoga pants! Still, the yoga practice doesn’t care what you wear!
Tayoga: What advice would you give to someone interested in yoga, but is too intimidated to try it - whether it be on a video or in a studio?
Sam: I feel that I've gotten better with this over the years. I no longer give "advice" to someone who is obviously intimidated or fearful. It's ultimately up to them to understand why that fear is there and choose to move through it anyway. Once you make that choice, you're already a yogi! The practice will ask you to move through your fears over and over again. Every time, it will be worth it. For those who are interested in yoga but not sure where to start, I let them know that there are so many ways to practice. I joke, "there is the yoga where you can break a sweat or the yoga where you can take a nap.” My advice is to give yoga a fair chance and try all of the styles. One will surely resonate.
Tayoga: Your yoga journey has evolved quite a bit since 2009. Can you tell me a little more about this journey? You are well-known in the Modesto yoga community as being an amazing teacher, and I'm sure others would love to hear how much work you have put in to be the teacher you are today. I know it has included hours and hours of training, travels, and even a change of style. Why did you follow the path that you did?
Sam: Ahh yes, okay. After just a few months of consistent practice, I felt a shift. I remember noticing that I no longer was experiencing road rage while in traffic. Instead, I was breathing. I had a moment with myself, "woah, I think this yoga stuff is working!" There was an inner knowing that yoga was going to be a big part of my life. I never expected to be teaching or making a "career" out of it, but here I am! You could say that the path showed itself to me and I've simply been following it. In the beginning, I was a dedicated Bikram student. After some time, I began practicing vinyasa flow, which led to my first training in vinyasa with Jennifer Yarro in Costa Rica. I spent my adolescent years in dance, and loved choreography, so teaching vinyasa has always been a creative outlet for me. During my travels, I would attend any style that was available including: Sivananda, Iyengar, Barkan, Baptiste, Kundalini, and more. I encourage all practitioners to try out various styles, especially in the beginning. It's been my experience that it's easy to try one class and say, "no, yoga isn't for me," or the opposite, "yes, this is THE only way to practice," but have you explored? That's just me, though. I've always been curious and wanting to see the big picture. I love learning, and I feel grateful to have familiarity with many styles of yoga. I feel comfortable subbing almost any class. In truth, yoga may appear to come in many forms, but for me it's all the same. You've heard me say before, "Restorative yoga and Ashtanga yoga aren't that different!" To me, the yoga disciplines are not in conflict. I can compartmentalize the styles and take pieces from each of them, depending on what my body needs or what may work for a particular student on that particular day.
Tayoga: I have heard you say that about Restorative and Ashtanga yoga before! That’s just crazy to me. I hope I feel the same way one day. Continue!
Sam: In 2015, I experienced a back injury where I could no longer practice Hatha styles for some time. Instead, I began practicing Restorative Yoga. I found it to be incredibly healing on both a physical and emotional level. I developed a deeper understanding of the nervous system and the mind-body-spirit connection. I then began to train in Therapeutic Yoga and The Big Relax was born! My trainings in restorative yoga, hands-on healing, and bodywork led me to practice one-on-one with clients who are in chronic pain or suffering from injury, illness, or grief.
Around the same period, I was visiting London, where a friend of mine asked me to join her for an Ashtanga workshop weekend with Tim Miller. Ashtanga was a style I hadn't practiced yet, and I had no idea who Tim Miller was, but joined anyways! I was in a state of awe while in Tim's presence. I remember thinking, "this guy is chill AF and I want whatever he is having." During my asana practice, I experienced a comforting feeling of having landed at home. Ashtanga has been my daily practice ever since. Within a year of practicing, I booked my trip to Mysore in India to study. The Mysore style of Ashtanga especially rocked my world and woke me up to something new. I felt a true sense of ownership and authenticity in my practice. It was no longer about whatever music, flow, or style the teacher or studio was offering that day. That's not to say there isn’t value in a collective flow practice. However, I appreciate the strong teacher-student dynamic in Ashtanga. There is an individualized approach when practicing asana, so developing a teacher-student relationship is intentional. Your practice and needs will change over time. The teacher knows where you've come from and will offer adjustments because they can see where you are going. Even in the Mysore room under the umbrella of Ashtanga, I sometimes will offer either restorative postures or take from the Iyengar system if that is what best serves the student at the time. Some Ashtanga teachers would say this is wrong. Luckily, my teachers are not fundamentalists, but maintain the integrity of the practice which is what Krishnamacharya taught, "teach what is appropriate for the individual."
Tayoga: You certainly seem more drawn to one-on-one teaching as opposed to the group setting. Can you elaborate more on this?
Sam: I used to be a social worker, so the one-on-one practice in yoga makes sense to me. Social work teaches us that our individual behavior in light of our environments shapes our reality and perspective. In working one-on-one with clients, we explore what's working and what's not working within the context of the individual’s environment. We’re then able to make deliberate efforts and adjustments for the betterment of their well-being. It is my belief that our bodies are indeed the environment in which Spirit or God lives. Since I was a child, this verse from the New Testament has inspired me, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own." (1 Corinthians, 6:19) Therefore, being willing to do the work in peeling back layers of one's own environment (i.e. one’s mind and body) can lead to a deeper experience with Spirit or God, guiding one towards truth, transformation, and peace. Interestingly enough, the yoga practice founded in India was always taught to the individual. The West seems to have developed and popularized the group yoga class. I see the beauty in both!
Tayoga: Amen sista!
Sam: Yoga is vast. The yoga path teaches us there is no wrong or right way. There is no "one size fits all" approach. I have trusted where the path of yoga has taken me and will continue to do so. Trust where it takes you, too - one breath at a time. All yoga leads to the same place... connection. It's pretty simple. This is just my narrative.
Tayoga: I want to be like you when I grow up! Oh wait… I’m pretty sure I’m older than you! Ha! How did you wind up in Modesto?
Sam: Haha! I want to be like you when I grow up! Your confidence and love for sharing your practice is truly infectious. Your vulnerability in creating and sharing Tayoga inspires me in many ways. To your question: I was in Grad school (which, errr, never finished) and working in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is where I met Brennen. He got a job at Gallo Glass, and 7 years later, we're still here!
Tayoga: I am so glad you moved to Modesto! It’s been so fun hangin’ out and going to Concert in the Park with you and Brennen. I know Brennen was not into yoga when you first started. How did you help guide him to the yogi way? (Um... asking for a friend, if you are reading this, husband.)
Sam: Haha, this may be a better question to ask Brennen! Going along with my advice being, “don't give advice!” I gave up trying to convince him that yoga would be good for him (dude couldn't even sit crossed-legged). Once I gave up trying to convince him, that's when he found yoga on his own. I do like to think that me being a yoga teacher may have had something to do with it! ;)
(Side-note: he's been bitter that the criss-crossed legged posture is named Sukhasana, which translates as "easy pose" because for him, it's still not easy!)
Sorry Tay, I know you're thinking, "WHAT? That's it? I was hoping for more." What can I say? Maybe consider that he is already on the yogi path and see what happens. :)
Tayoga: I actually did chat with Brennen about this. He was very helpful and based on what both of you have said, I think it is best to just leave my husband, Andrew, alone about it - which is what I already had resigned myself to do. When I first started teaching he said there were 4 more yoga classes he would attend:
1. The first class I ever taught (check)
2. Classic Rock Tayoga - which was his idea (check)
3. Game of Thrones Tayoga (check)
4. Beer and Tayoga (check)
Fingers crossed that, one of these days, we will do yoga together again!
Tayoga: What is your favorite Modesto [Area] spot?
Sam: Downtown, for sure! We lived in Hughson for the first 5 years, in the middle of orchards; which was beautiful and grounding for me, but I also became kind of a hermit. 2 years ago, we moved to Northern Downtown. Being able to ride my bike to my favorite local restaurants, the Virginia Trail, and my favorite spot (Elevate Community Yoga) has been a joy! Life is a little faster and a little louder than in the orchards, but it’s also super convenient, and I feel more involved in our community.
Tayoga: I know you are big into travel. What are some of your favorite places you have traveled to and which ones are still on your bucket list? Why?
Sam: Hmmmm... Favorites are difficult, because each place holds special memories in my heart. I am grateful that I had the privilege to spend most of my 20s traveling. The travel bug bit me on my first trip, which was road-tripping across the U.S.A. (I highly recommend it!) It was then that I set my intentions towards travel. I began my bucket list that grew to 20+ countries. Each one has been crossed off. I've spent a significant amount of time in SE Asia. The area and its people will always be very special to me. About 2 years ago, I visited both India and Italy. If I have to choose favorites, those are it! Quite polar opposite places indeed, but both felt, again, like home! I'm actually planning on returning to India to study this coming winter! With that, I have not made a new bucket list as I no longer feel propelled to travel to new places. I'm enjoying my inner exploration more now. I want to return to the places I call home. A wise and older friend once shared with me, "return to the places that you learned." For now, that's what I intend to do.
Sam: My turn! So you know I'm a big fan of Tayoga! Love everything about this. I remember when you first started practicing in my class. There are students you meet and immediately you witness their love and connection to the practice. I saw that in you. What kept bringing you back to your mat?
Tayoga: Initially, yoga started out as a way to exercise with my knee injury. I knew my leg had become atrophied from lack of use, and yoga was a great way to build my strength back up. At first, I didn’t realize what kept bringing me back to yoga. It just made me feel good, so I wanted to keep doing it; later, I got hooked on learning new things and becoming more proficient at others. I have a vivid memory of the first time I really started to master my Ujjayi breath. It was when I was still going to The Studio in Turlock. Andrew would wait for me at 10-East Tap Room down the road and I would walk there after class. As I was walking there one evening, I caught myself still doing my Ujjayi breath - without even thinking about it! I thought it was the coolest thing, and still today I love that you never finish learning with yoga. That’s why I keep coming back to my practice… well… that, and it helps keep me sane in this crazy life!
Sam: True!!! How people stay sane without yoga, I don’t know. Haha. I was thrilled to learn you had signed up for Elevate's Teacher Training last year. I'm curious, after one full year of teaching, what are 5 things you have learned?
Tayoga: I have learned sooooo much, so let’s see what I come up with first.
1) I have never thought of myself as a creative person, but apparently I have been saving all my creativity for yoga. I didn’t think I would love creating new flows or poses or playlists as much as I do. It is just the best!
2) My confidence has grown tremendously. Confidence has been something I struggle with on occasion. I have learned to start saying things with confidence, because I know what I’m talking about. On the other hand, I now understand that it is ok if you do not know something – asking questions are not a sign of weakness, but just a way of learning.
3) This goes along with confidence, as well, but I have started branching out, which I never thought I would do. I liked my safe place at Elevate, teaching Friday morning 75 minute Vinyasa. Since teacher training, I have taught at 2 other studios, at an elementary school, and started my free lunchtime yoga in downtown Modesto. I have taught 60 minute classes, as well as different styles which include: heated, slow flow, Yin, and gentle.
4) My cueing for poses has significantly improved. I feel like my cues were non-existent when I started.
5) I have learned to “read the room” better. Before, I would just teach what I had planned. Now, I am a little better at interpreting how the room feels, so I can tailor the flow to them, rather than what I am comfortable with.
Sam: I truly wish you the best. You are a wonderful teacher and I can’t wait to see how Tayoga grows. Throwing this one back atcha. You and Andrew are always on the go and having fun around California and the States! You've recently returned from your trip abroad. I know the travel bug has bitten you. What are the top places on your bucket list? Why?
Tayoga: I can’t believe you hit all 20+ places on your bucket list already. That is impressive! And yes, the travel bug has bitten me. Andrew and I had such a great time in Belize and a Europe trip is on the way! My bucket list has always included Italy, Switzerland, and Portugal, since that is where my grandparents were from. Andrew and I will be going to Italy and Switzerland this year, so we will be able to check those off the list. We have multiple other travel destinations and goals. Here is the current list:
World Trips:
Dubai
East/South Coast Australia
Belgium
Singapore
Rio
Paris
Portugal
Monaco Grand Prix
Wimbledon Tourney in London
Summer Olympics
Oktoberfest in Munich
USA Trips:
All 30 Baseball Stadiums Trip
All 61 National Parks Trip (Probably broken up into yearly regional trips of varying lengths).
All 50 States + DC + 5 Populated Territories (We're nearly halfway to this one)
Tayoga: Last question. What are you going to miss most about Modesto…besides me, of course? J
Sam: Oh, that’s easy. The people, of course! I may come across as an extrovert, but truly, I lean mostly introvert. It took me a while to form connections in Modesto. I had to break through the fear of putting myself out there. It 100% paid off. I owe it mostly to the yoga community that’s grown in the area over the last 7 years. It’s been pretty remarkable to witness the opening of the many yoga studios in the area and the support they have gained. There was definitely a need and it’s being met! I have so much love for all of my studio owners, students, colleagues, and clients. I am forever grateful for their support.
Yoga is connection to all. Connecting to people has been my favorite part of Modesto. I feel connected to my favorite grocery store clerks, restaurant owners, my trainers and fam at Get Fit Modesto, and the singing lady downtown. I often can get stuck in my own head or get lost in my screen - true talk, disconnecting from wifi and my monkey mind is the best way to connect to the present! I have to remind myself to look up and witness what is around me. Connecting to others is what day-to-day living is all about, even if it’s simply offering a smile or making deliberate eye contact. SEE people. LOVE people. Connect.
Tayoga: I couldn't have said it better myself! Thank you for everything, my dear. I think everyone would agree with me when I say that this community would not have been the same without your love and support. Good luck. Have fun. Be safe. Love you.
Tayoga: How did you get started with yoga and at what point did you decide to complete teacher training?
Sam: My first experience with yoga was with my mom's VHS tape when I was young. I remember thinking, "snore! This is boring!" Fast forward to college, when I began P90X DVDs! Wednesdays were "Yoga X," and it quickly became my favorite. I invited my "yoga friend" over to do it with me, and she shared that I needed to go to a class to experience "real yoga," whatever that means. I was intrigued. I went to a hot yoga class and I’ve been a dedicated student ever since. That was 2009. By 2013, I was in search of a vinyasa yoga training. I found a 200-hour vinyasa intensive in Costa Rica with Frog Lotus Yoga and simply felt called to go. I met some of my lifelong friends, learned a ton, and have continued on this yoga path.
Tayoga: VHS... what's that? Haha! Just kidding! I am starting to see a trend, though. Anita also became interested in yoga through a video she did at home. It seems like a "safe" way to get into yoga, because going to a studio can be intimidating. My first time doing yoga was actually your community yoga class in downtown Turlock. I went with friends, though, so it wasn't as intimidating. It was also considered a hot yoga class (but really wasn't that hot). Since I was an amateur, I remember wearing my old volleyball spandex shorts with breakaway pants over the top with the idea that I would take the pants off when we got there. Ha! When we showed up late and no one had shorts on, I just left them on! I felt embarrassed at the time, but now I know nobody cares.
Sam: Oh yes, I remember when we met :) I absolutely related. When I first started attending yoga classes regularly, I would wear running shorts and bring my beach towel to use as a "hot yoga towel." As a college student at the time, I couldn't afford all the yoga "gear." After a year of practice, I purchased my first pair of yoga pants! Still, the yoga practice doesn’t care what you wear!
Tayoga: What advice would you give to someone interested in yoga, but is too intimidated to try it - whether it be on a video or in a studio?
Sam: I feel that I've gotten better with this over the years. I no longer give "advice" to someone who is obviously intimidated or fearful. It's ultimately up to them to understand why that fear is there and choose to move through it anyway. Once you make that choice, you're already a yogi! The practice will ask you to move through your fears over and over again. Every time, it will be worth it. For those who are interested in yoga but not sure where to start, I let them know that there are so many ways to practice. I joke, "there is the yoga where you can break a sweat or the yoga where you can take a nap.” My advice is to give yoga a fair chance and try all of the styles. One will surely resonate.
Tayoga: Your yoga journey has evolved quite a bit since 2009. Can you tell me a little more about this journey? You are well-known in the Modesto yoga community as being an amazing teacher, and I'm sure others would love to hear how much work you have put in to be the teacher you are today. I know it has included hours and hours of training, travels, and even a change of style. Why did you follow the path that you did?
Sam: Ahh yes, okay. After just a few months of consistent practice, I felt a shift. I remember noticing that I no longer was experiencing road rage while in traffic. Instead, I was breathing. I had a moment with myself, "woah, I think this yoga stuff is working!" There was an inner knowing that yoga was going to be a big part of my life. I never expected to be teaching or making a "career" out of it, but here I am! You could say that the path showed itself to me and I've simply been following it. In the beginning, I was a dedicated Bikram student. After some time, I began practicing vinyasa flow, which led to my first training in vinyasa with Jennifer Yarro in Costa Rica. I spent my adolescent years in dance, and loved choreography, so teaching vinyasa has always been a creative outlet for me. During my travels, I would attend any style that was available including: Sivananda, Iyengar, Barkan, Baptiste, Kundalini, and more. I encourage all practitioners to try out various styles, especially in the beginning. It's been my experience that it's easy to try one class and say, "no, yoga isn't for me," or the opposite, "yes, this is THE only way to practice," but have you explored? That's just me, though. I've always been curious and wanting to see the big picture. I love learning, and I feel grateful to have familiarity with many styles of yoga. I feel comfortable subbing almost any class. In truth, yoga may appear to come in many forms, but for me it's all the same. You've heard me say before, "Restorative yoga and Ashtanga yoga aren't that different!" To me, the yoga disciplines are not in conflict. I can compartmentalize the styles and take pieces from each of them, depending on what my body needs or what may work for a particular student on that particular day.
Tayoga: I have heard you say that about Restorative and Ashtanga yoga before! That’s just crazy to me. I hope I feel the same way one day. Continue!
Sam: In 2015, I experienced a back injury where I could no longer practice Hatha styles for some time. Instead, I began practicing Restorative Yoga. I found it to be incredibly healing on both a physical and emotional level. I developed a deeper understanding of the nervous system and the mind-body-spirit connection. I then began to train in Therapeutic Yoga and The Big Relax was born! My trainings in restorative yoga, hands-on healing, and bodywork led me to practice one-on-one with clients who are in chronic pain or suffering from injury, illness, or grief.
Around the same period, I was visiting London, where a friend of mine asked me to join her for an Ashtanga workshop weekend with Tim Miller. Ashtanga was a style I hadn't practiced yet, and I had no idea who Tim Miller was, but joined anyways! I was in a state of awe while in Tim's presence. I remember thinking, "this guy is chill AF and I want whatever he is having." During my asana practice, I experienced a comforting feeling of having landed at home. Ashtanga has been my daily practice ever since. Within a year of practicing, I booked my trip to Mysore in India to study. The Mysore style of Ashtanga especially rocked my world and woke me up to something new. I felt a true sense of ownership and authenticity in my practice. It was no longer about whatever music, flow, or style the teacher or studio was offering that day. That's not to say there isn’t value in a collective flow practice. However, I appreciate the strong teacher-student dynamic in Ashtanga. There is an individualized approach when practicing asana, so developing a teacher-student relationship is intentional. Your practice and needs will change over time. The teacher knows where you've come from and will offer adjustments because they can see where you are going. Even in the Mysore room under the umbrella of Ashtanga, I sometimes will offer either restorative postures or take from the Iyengar system if that is what best serves the student at the time. Some Ashtanga teachers would say this is wrong. Luckily, my teachers are not fundamentalists, but maintain the integrity of the practice which is what Krishnamacharya taught, "teach what is appropriate for the individual."
Tayoga: You certainly seem more drawn to one-on-one teaching as opposed to the group setting. Can you elaborate more on this?
Sam: I used to be a social worker, so the one-on-one practice in yoga makes sense to me. Social work teaches us that our individual behavior in light of our environments shapes our reality and perspective. In working one-on-one with clients, we explore what's working and what's not working within the context of the individual’s environment. We’re then able to make deliberate efforts and adjustments for the betterment of their well-being. It is my belief that our bodies are indeed the environment in which Spirit or God lives. Since I was a child, this verse from the New Testament has inspired me, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own." (1 Corinthians, 6:19) Therefore, being willing to do the work in peeling back layers of one's own environment (i.e. one’s mind and body) can lead to a deeper experience with Spirit or God, guiding one towards truth, transformation, and peace. Interestingly enough, the yoga practice founded in India was always taught to the individual. The West seems to have developed and popularized the group yoga class. I see the beauty in both!
Tayoga: Amen sista!
Sam: Yoga is vast. The yoga path teaches us there is no wrong or right way. There is no "one size fits all" approach. I have trusted where the path of yoga has taken me and will continue to do so. Trust where it takes you, too - one breath at a time. All yoga leads to the same place... connection. It's pretty simple. This is just my narrative.
Tayoga: I want to be like you when I grow up! Oh wait… I’m pretty sure I’m older than you! Ha! How did you wind up in Modesto?
Sam: Haha! I want to be like you when I grow up! Your confidence and love for sharing your practice is truly infectious. Your vulnerability in creating and sharing Tayoga inspires me in many ways. To your question: I was in Grad school (which, errr, never finished) and working in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is where I met Brennen. He got a job at Gallo Glass, and 7 years later, we're still here!
Tayoga: I am so glad you moved to Modesto! It’s been so fun hangin’ out and going to Concert in the Park with you and Brennen. I know Brennen was not into yoga when you first started. How did you help guide him to the yogi way? (Um... asking for a friend, if you are reading this, husband.)
Sam: Haha, this may be a better question to ask Brennen! Going along with my advice being, “don't give advice!” I gave up trying to convince him that yoga would be good for him (dude couldn't even sit crossed-legged). Once I gave up trying to convince him, that's when he found yoga on his own. I do like to think that me being a yoga teacher may have had something to do with it! ;)
(Side-note: he's been bitter that the criss-crossed legged posture is named Sukhasana, which translates as "easy pose" because for him, it's still not easy!)
Sorry Tay, I know you're thinking, "WHAT? That's it? I was hoping for more." What can I say? Maybe consider that he is already on the yogi path and see what happens. :)
Tayoga: I actually did chat with Brennen about this. He was very helpful and based on what both of you have said, I think it is best to just leave my husband, Andrew, alone about it - which is what I already had resigned myself to do. When I first started teaching he said there were 4 more yoga classes he would attend:
1. The first class I ever taught (check)
2. Classic Rock Tayoga - which was his idea (check)
3. Game of Thrones Tayoga (check)
4. Beer and Tayoga (check)
Fingers crossed that, one of these days, we will do yoga together again!
Tayoga: What is your favorite Modesto [Area] spot?
Sam: Downtown, for sure! We lived in Hughson for the first 5 years, in the middle of orchards; which was beautiful and grounding for me, but I also became kind of a hermit. 2 years ago, we moved to Northern Downtown. Being able to ride my bike to my favorite local restaurants, the Virginia Trail, and my favorite spot (Elevate Community Yoga) has been a joy! Life is a little faster and a little louder than in the orchards, but it’s also super convenient, and I feel more involved in our community.
Tayoga: I know you are big into travel. What are some of your favorite places you have traveled to and which ones are still on your bucket list? Why?
Sam: Hmmmm... Favorites are difficult, because each place holds special memories in my heart. I am grateful that I had the privilege to spend most of my 20s traveling. The travel bug bit me on my first trip, which was road-tripping across the U.S.A. (I highly recommend it!) It was then that I set my intentions towards travel. I began my bucket list that grew to 20+ countries. Each one has been crossed off. I've spent a significant amount of time in SE Asia. The area and its people will always be very special to me. About 2 years ago, I visited both India and Italy. If I have to choose favorites, those are it! Quite polar opposite places indeed, but both felt, again, like home! I'm actually planning on returning to India to study this coming winter! With that, I have not made a new bucket list as I no longer feel propelled to travel to new places. I'm enjoying my inner exploration more now. I want to return to the places I call home. A wise and older friend once shared with me, "return to the places that you learned." For now, that's what I intend to do.
Sam: My turn! So you know I'm a big fan of Tayoga! Love everything about this. I remember when you first started practicing in my class. There are students you meet and immediately you witness their love and connection to the practice. I saw that in you. What kept bringing you back to your mat?
Tayoga: Initially, yoga started out as a way to exercise with my knee injury. I knew my leg had become atrophied from lack of use, and yoga was a great way to build my strength back up. At first, I didn’t realize what kept bringing me back to yoga. It just made me feel good, so I wanted to keep doing it; later, I got hooked on learning new things and becoming more proficient at others. I have a vivid memory of the first time I really started to master my Ujjayi breath. It was when I was still going to The Studio in Turlock. Andrew would wait for me at 10-East Tap Room down the road and I would walk there after class. As I was walking there one evening, I caught myself still doing my Ujjayi breath - without even thinking about it! I thought it was the coolest thing, and still today I love that you never finish learning with yoga. That’s why I keep coming back to my practice… well… that, and it helps keep me sane in this crazy life!
Sam: True!!! How people stay sane without yoga, I don’t know. Haha. I was thrilled to learn you had signed up for Elevate's Teacher Training last year. I'm curious, after one full year of teaching, what are 5 things you have learned?
Tayoga: I have learned sooooo much, so let’s see what I come up with first.
1) I have never thought of myself as a creative person, but apparently I have been saving all my creativity for yoga. I didn’t think I would love creating new flows or poses or playlists as much as I do. It is just the best!
2) My confidence has grown tremendously. Confidence has been something I struggle with on occasion. I have learned to start saying things with confidence, because I know what I’m talking about. On the other hand, I now understand that it is ok if you do not know something – asking questions are not a sign of weakness, but just a way of learning.
3) This goes along with confidence, as well, but I have started branching out, which I never thought I would do. I liked my safe place at Elevate, teaching Friday morning 75 minute Vinyasa. Since teacher training, I have taught at 2 other studios, at an elementary school, and started my free lunchtime yoga in downtown Modesto. I have taught 60 minute classes, as well as different styles which include: heated, slow flow, Yin, and gentle.
4) My cueing for poses has significantly improved. I feel like my cues were non-existent when I started.
5) I have learned to “read the room” better. Before, I would just teach what I had planned. Now, I am a little better at interpreting how the room feels, so I can tailor the flow to them, rather than what I am comfortable with.
Sam: I truly wish you the best. You are a wonderful teacher and I can’t wait to see how Tayoga grows. Throwing this one back atcha. You and Andrew are always on the go and having fun around California and the States! You've recently returned from your trip abroad. I know the travel bug has bitten you. What are the top places on your bucket list? Why?
Tayoga: I can’t believe you hit all 20+ places on your bucket list already. That is impressive! And yes, the travel bug has bitten me. Andrew and I had such a great time in Belize and a Europe trip is on the way! My bucket list has always included Italy, Switzerland, and Portugal, since that is where my grandparents were from. Andrew and I will be going to Italy and Switzerland this year, so we will be able to check those off the list. We have multiple other travel destinations and goals. Here is the current list:
World Trips:
Dubai
East/South Coast Australia
Belgium
Singapore
Rio
Paris
Portugal
Monaco Grand Prix
Wimbledon Tourney in London
Summer Olympics
Oktoberfest in Munich
USA Trips:
All 30 Baseball Stadiums Trip
All 61 National Parks Trip (Probably broken up into yearly regional trips of varying lengths).
All 50 States + DC + 5 Populated Territories (We're nearly halfway to this one)
Tayoga: Last question. What are you going to miss most about Modesto…besides me, of course? J
Sam: Oh, that’s easy. The people, of course! I may come across as an extrovert, but truly, I lean mostly introvert. It took me a while to form connections in Modesto. I had to break through the fear of putting myself out there. It 100% paid off. I owe it mostly to the yoga community that’s grown in the area over the last 7 years. It’s been pretty remarkable to witness the opening of the many yoga studios in the area and the support they have gained. There was definitely a need and it’s being met! I have so much love for all of my studio owners, students, colleagues, and clients. I am forever grateful for their support.
Yoga is connection to all. Connecting to people has been my favorite part of Modesto. I feel connected to my favorite grocery store clerks, restaurant owners, my trainers and fam at Get Fit Modesto, and the singing lady downtown. I often can get stuck in my own head or get lost in my screen - true talk, disconnecting from wifi and my monkey mind is the best way to connect to the present! I have to remind myself to look up and witness what is around me. Connecting to others is what day-to-day living is all about, even if it’s simply offering a smile or making deliberate eye contact. SEE people. LOVE people. Connect.
Tayoga: I couldn't have said it better myself! Thank you for everything, my dear. I think everyone would agree with me when I say that this community would not have been the same without your love and support. Good luck. Have fun. Be safe. Love you.
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