She is a multi-talented artist behind the beautiful pottery that you see in the studio
boutique, as well as being the musician playing the lovely sound in our weekly Yin Soundbath and she instructs our Monday noon Yin class. She is a deep fount of knowledge, creativity and power. Learn more about Payten’s art, her spirit and what drives her in our Instructor Spotlight this month. Read on to learn more…
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
If someone wrote a book about my life “Spinning in a trance like state” would be the title. My life is full of spinning, between playing the singing bowls and making pottery on the potters wheel.
How long have you been practicing yoga?
I have been practicing yoga since I was a teenager, around 13 years. Yin has been my favorite class to take because it allows me to relax my mind and body. The rejuvenation of yin is a lovely reversal to the yang of using my body for lifting and throwing clay.
What made you want to become a yoga instructor?
The opportunity to become a yoga instructor kind of came to me. I feel inspired to cultivate an excepting and caring space for our students to let go of the outside world in exchange for tending to their inner world.
What yoga pose(s) makes you happy?
Reclined pigeon and bird of paradise are yoga poses that make me happy! Reclined pigeon is such a nice release on the low back and bird of paradise makes me feel strong!
Describe yourself in three words.
I would describe myself as artistic, intuitive, and whimsical. I’m an artist of many modes, my favorite being pottery. As a Pisces, I feel my insight beyond the physical reality is strong. Whimsical because of my ability to get lost in the woods for hours looking at all the little critters and mushrooms.
What three items would you bring with you on a deserted island?
I would bring my favorite book Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, a machete, and a water purifier. The book to transport myself into an old world. A machete for utility purposes. Water purifier for that high quality H2O, water is the best from my berkey water filter.
What's a pet peeve that you would make illegal if you could?
Chewing with your mouth open should be illegal. Please just don’t.
If you were to DJ your own life, what song or songs would you play in the background as you made your way through the day?
I love music from the 1960’s. I’d play Ufo by Jim Sullivan because of the abstract perspective of the song encouraging me to think differently and the instrumental easy to groove to. Also, anything funk, psychedelic, groovy and in the evening jazz.
What is your most used emoji?
😌 a zen smiley face to reassure everyone it’s all good.
What is your favorite Knock-knock joke or silly/bad joke?
“We want race car noises!!” “When do we want them?!” “Nowwwwwwwwwww”
Choose one famous person from history you want on your team during a zombie apocalypse.
I want someone with a positive attitude, takes innovative, and a solid sense of humor. Robin Williams would be on my team.
Are you sunrise, daylight, twilight or night? Why?
I absolutely love a mountain top sunrise, being awake post backpack to witness a sunrise feels so special. With no one else around, it’s almost as the sunrise was curated for my eyes only.
What is a current trend that you don’t understand?
Being unkind to other people is a trend I will never understand. Can we just be understanding and compassionate with each other?!
What is something you are really great at cooking?
I am really good at cooking pesto pasta. It was the first meal I made for my nephew and it’s been a hit ever since!
What made you want to become a Yoga Instructor? How long have you been teaching?
I started playing sound bowls for yin classes in 2017. The transition between practicing yin, to playing bowls, to teaching yin felt a like natural course of progression. I love bringing the same peace of mind I feel from my own practice into the busy lives of my students.
Do you have any other hobbies other than practicing yoga?
I love exploring different hobbies. From getting my hands muddy doing pottery, to picking up a paint brush. I’ve read about 35 books this year. My love for music transcends from listening to picking up my sea foam green Charvel guitar to play around.
If you were the captain of a pirate ship, what would be the name of your ship?
The Abalone Siren with weathered wood and sparkling sails. Abalone is an iridescent shell of many varieties of colors, siren because of their history.
Anything else? Is there a surprising fun fact you'd like to share?
Born the day after Saint Patrick’s day, I have an innate ability to spot four leaf clovers. You can find me in a field on a warm sunny day hunting for the lucky ones.