What have you learned or how have you grown since becoming a YCC instructor?

Having taught students of different levels of abilities and backgrounds, I have learned to incorporate and communicate the different variations and modifications of poses to accommodate the students' levels and needs. As a result, I believe my aspiration of approaching yoga teaching from the place of mindfulness has enhanced my communication with the students when I guide them through the poses and sequences effectively. I have also learned that qualities such as patience, empathy, loving-kindness, and compassion through a welcoming and supportive environment can enrich a student's learning and motivate them to continue their yoga practice. Although there'll always be challenges, I've learned that taking care of myself physically and mentally, whether that be keeping a regular personal practice of yoga and meditation along with continuing education of yoga philosophy and training, and maintaining a healthy diet, can help me to better navigate through life as both a teacher and a student.

What are your most memorable experiences relating to your practice?

I've always felt seen, valued, supported and cared for by the level of nurturing environment the teachers created in their meditation and yoga classes.  I am grateful for the safe and peaceful space the YCC is and continues to provide to the students and teachers.  

What to expect in class: Mia compassionately focuses on alignment, breath, and mindfulness of movement and is dedicated to supporting the well-being of mind, body, and spirit through the practice of yoga and meditation

Mia has been a member of the YCC community since 2015 and began teaching in 2021. She believes that if given accessibility and with regular practice, people's lives can be positively transformed not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.