This portion of our blog is dedicated to our teacher trainees as individuals. Here they discuss the how and why they found yoga and decided to teach. Each person comes to yoga and the realization they’d like to teach differently and we love to share their stories. These selections of work are not edited by us and are shared voluntarily. If you want to share your experience with us please email courtney@hothouseyogi.com with your story!
We hope you love the stories as much as we do!
Laura’s Story
Three months ago, I was a stay-at-home mom.
Since I first moved to the Richmond area two and a half years ago I had been searching for the right yoga studio. I tried many, but could not find the one that worked best for me – they were too hot, too cold, or too impersonal.
In June 2011, I was browsing online for yoga studios and found Hot House Yoga was opening a new studio in Richmond. The unique website drew me in and I thought this might be the place. Plans were underway to open in November or December. I frequently checked the website for information on the grand opening when I noticed they were looking for part-time employees. A few days later I visited the studio and met Jimmy and Kristen Yax. Within minutes I was convinced this studio was perfect for me. The studio is warm, welcoming and so accommodating – just like Jimmy and Kristen. They offered me a part time job time and two days later I was greeting folks from the front desk and rolling my first towel. My time at the studio, as both a practitioner and an employee, inspired me to try to become a hot yoga instructor. In late January 2012 my training began.
I just finished the first ten days and will complete the last ten days in early March. It was an intensive ten days with ten other students of very diverse backgrounds. Our group was made up of three men and eight women; we come from all walks of life: two bartenders, a mixed martial arts instructor, waitress, artist, active duty military, fitness instructor, burlesque performer, retail manager, barista, massage therapist and me – mother of 4 and former social worker.
Our ages were diverse as well, young twenties up to late forties … I am pretty sure I am the oldest of the group at 47. On our first introductions, I thought yoga was our one common thread but after ten days together, I have discovered many common threads amongst us. We are really more alike than we are different. I feel like I have ten new very good friends who will remain in contact with one another for years to come. That in itself is a true blessing. Also the blessing of the training we received from John, Chris and Sarah Yax is immeasurable. They are inspirational teachers whose passion for yoga and life shines through with everything they say and do. I feel so lucky to have been given this opportunity to be a part of Hot House Yoga.
I look forward to completing my training this spring. With the support of my family, the deepening of my practice, and the positive energy I am infused with each time I step foot into the studio; I am at a place I never thought I’d be three months ago.
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi