Teacher Feature: LINDSAY

What's your name?

• Lindsay Joy

What brought you to yoga? What keeps you coming back to yoga?

• I remember at the end of my very first yoga class the teacher said, “Take this time to thank yourself for making it through this class today ” and it struck me that I had never shown myself any gratitude in my life, or positive reinforcement at all for that matter. And all of a sudden I thought, “Yeah! I am pretty awesome for making it through this! Thank you Self!” I felt proud and empowered, and I can truly say that that was the moment my life started to change, all thanks to yoga. It’s simple eye-openers like these that always keep me coming back. Oh and the Savasanas ;)

What pose(s) are you currently working with (favourite, challenged by etc.)?

• Surprisingly enough, Downward Facing Dog! It’s such a complex pose when you really get into it, and I find that I can never fully master it, which I love! I always seem to loose myself from one cue to the next. Do I focus on keeping my navel in towards my spine? Or separating my shoulder blades onto my back? Oh wait, now my low ribs are sticking out! If only you could hear the commentary that constantly runs through my head in DWD. This is why I love it; A simple “resting posture” can be so interesting with a curious mind.

​Why Liberty Life Yoga?

• I saw them posting photos of red wine on their Instagram with captions like, “treat yo-self” and knew it was a match made in heaven haha! LLY embodies realness and promotes living a balanced lifestyle, which I think is so important. I also love that this company feels like a boutique studio, where you’re not pumped in and out of a yoga factory, but that you can actually connect with the students and teachers on a more intimate level. It makes yoga feel approachable and personal, especially for beginners who may be intimidated by what they see on social media from seasoned practitioners.​

Words of Wisdom for someone thinking of trying (Liberty Life) Yoga?

• Give it one month. You may be hooked after one class, but if not, give it one month. At first you’ll likely be really sore, but good sore. Then you’ll feel like you’re walking taller and your posture feels more open. And then after a while (this is my favourite part), you’ll start to notice the effects of yoga translate into your personal life, your emotional life, perhaps into a better state of mental health. All the patience you’ll be learning in class, all the breath work you’ll be practicing, has a funny way of creeping itself into your everyday life to help you better interact with others and to assist you in dealing with unfavourable situations. Instead of reacting out of heated emotions like you used to, you’ll find yourself standing there with a silly smile on your face thinking, “Yoga is working”. That moment definitely makes it worth a try :)

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Lindsay teaches our Power Flow and Core Flow classes at 75 East Liberty. Check out the condo schedule to book a class with her!