Staff member of the month: Nancy Sheridan

1. When did you start practicing yoga and what brought you to yoga?

I took my first yoga class when I was eighteen years old as research for a school project about Indian culture. It was a class at a gym, and the women in the class had these great stories to share about how transformational yoga had been for them. I remember thinking that the stories were great, but not really "getting" why yoga was so powerful, but I was intrigued. I dabbled in yoga for a few years through college, until a friend introduced me to Baptiste Yoga in 2005, and I was hooked. I was initially drawn to the practice because of the physical workout and the stress relief, but now the practice has become a way of life and being. I am amazed on a daily basis at how beautiful the process of yoga is.

2. How long have you been teaching and what brought you to teaching yoga?

I have been teaching yoga for two and a half years, and feel so blessed to be able to share what I love. I began teaching yoga because one of my first teachers asked me if I would be interested in training to teach at his studio. I was doubtful of my ability to actually teach yoga, and at first resisted the offer. I am so grateful that this teacher believed in me and gently pushed me to do the training, because teaching yoga and becoming a more dedicated student of yoga have changed my life.

3. What do you like about Awakened Yoga and its students?

I absolutely love the community at Awakened Yoga- the students, the staff, and the teachers. Awakened is so much more than just a place to practice yoga poses. When Grace opened Awakened, she created a space for people to come connect with themselves and each other, and it has been so amazing to be a part of that.  New friendships are always forming, people are leaving feeling lighter and more inspired, and most importantly, loving themselves, each other, and having fun. I always know I am going to feel inspired after leaving the studio. 

4. Do you have any advice for keeping up a practice?

My advice for keeping up a practice would be to make sure you are having fun on your mat. Let your yoga practice be a space where you can practice being playful and kind with yourself. If something is fun and makes you feel good, why wouldn't you want to stick with it?!

5. What other things do you enjoy doing besides yoga?

I love anything crafty and artistic. I love creating art of any kind, and love being inspired through others' creations! I went to school for fashion design, so that is also a hobby of mine. I could read fashion blogs and magazines for days. I also love to read, spend time outdoors just relaxing or trying new things. I also love going out to eat with friends and cooking at home. I just like to have fun and experience life!

6. Any other things you would like to share with our yogis?

My two favorite quotes:

"What seem like problems, may actually be invitations for change."- Steve Ross

"The best yogi is not one who can do the most or go the furthest in a yoga posture. The best yogi is the one makes their practice the most enjoyable".- David Williams

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