She is one of the kindest women you will ever meet. Her voice will lull you into a peaceful place of rest during Yoga Nidra, but she can turn-up and throw-down a killer Power class too. She is First-Responder certified, multi-talented Momma and a go-to substitute instructor that we all love dearly. She is Wendy, and we are proud to feature her as our Instructor Spotlight this month. Wendy teaches our monthly Yoga Nidra Extension class and we are so lucky to have her on the team.
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
The Encumbered Traveler
“One woman’s journey of over-packing, making too many lists and the struggle/journey to become unencumbered and letting it all go.”
I have joked with my friends that I will only make it to Europe someday when I have learned how to pack a small bag- and be OK with that. I seriously enjoy being as prepared as possible, I suppose it gives me that false sense of well-being that I hold on to dearly. And I love my lists! All of them! Working on paring them down so I can allow myself to be as present as possible in this amazing life.
What is a key element that you always try to infuse into your yoga classes?
I always, always discuss and infuse breath work into every class. I think it’s easy to forget that that’s what it’s all about.
What made you want to become a yoga instructor?
About 10 years ago I began to really focus on my practice, after practicing sporadically for the previous 15 years. When I tuned in and made Yoga part of my daily life, it was life changing. And I wanted to be able to help bring Yoga to anyone and everyone I could!
What is your favorite kind of yoga class to teach?
My most favorite class to teach has become Yoga Nidra, simply because of how effective and life changing it can be for anyone and everyone. I feel called to learn as much as I can about this healing practice and bring it to as many people as possible, so they can infuse it into their life.
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?
For sure “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers- that song makes me happy- and definitely some jazz music, always my go-to for background music.
If you could go anywhere in the world for an all-expenses paid vacation, where would you go
and what would you do?
That’s a tough one, there are so many places I want to go - but all expenses paid to the south of France sounds amazing!
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
To zap away insecurity and anxiety in every girl so she grows up knowing exactly how amazing she is, exactly the way she is.
What are the top 3 items on your bucket list?
1) trip to Italy with my husband.
2) trip to Europe with my husband and kids
3) yoga retreat with my sisters
Do you have any other hobbies other than practicing yoga?
• I love to read and am making a point to read for pleasure, although I love to learn and read things that make my brain bigger!
• My daughter and I have a small vegetable garden together, we love to grow our own food.
• Puzzles- and no it’s not a waste of time. I find It helps me decompress.
• I’ve gotten into listening to podcasts in the last year- initially overwhelming but there’s a lot of great information out there.
What's a pet peeve that you would make illegal if you could?
Misspelling, shortening a word or making an entire sentence into a jumble of capital letters (IYKYK!) when it’s not in a text message. For example, a big sign that many many people will read, or information going out to a large population. Please spell out every single word, and make a coherent sentence. And now I don’t have to tell you how old I am.