My journey into yoga started in High School in CA when I was fortunate enough to have yoga as an option for P.E. At this point in my life I was living on my own, supporting myself financially and trying to get through school. I didn’t realize I was addicted to yoga but I found myself seeking other teachers and studios in the community. Yoga brought me a gift of patience and resilience in the face of adversity. I had a tool to check-in, create space for myself and re-set my feelings and intentions. Yoga brought me strength in my time of need and allowed me to spend my time in a positive environment working on myself. Instead of feeling consumed with body image issues, raging teenage hormones and a stressful family situation, I had a place to go where I could work through my emotions. Having positive role models as teachers really helped me keep my life on track and gave me hope for the future.
I have continued a steady practice since I was 15. In college at HSU, I helped create a yoga club with free classes for students. I volunteered at the local studio in exchange for free classes. I volunteered at Wanderlust Yoga Fest and got to practice with John Friend, Duncan Wong and many other amazing people. I was blown away by the size of the community and the worldwide presence of yoga. The ladies from off the mat and into the world also inspired me to take yoga to a new level. I also had the privilege of taking a Text and Traditions of Yoga class in college. This class and my experience with the yoga community solidified my desire to teach.
Now I live in Bozeman, MT and am blessed to find a supportive and active yoga community. From donation based studios to work trade for classes I have been able to keep practicing on a regular basis. I am so in love with yoga and want to give back to the community. Financially, a teacher training is unavailable to me right now but with a scholarship I can get on the road to my future.
I don’t think I could ever pick a favorite teacher; they all inspire me to do my best. Everyone I learn from is so kind and helpful, I always pray and give thanks to all teachers at the end of every practice. Teachers help light the way and provide positive guidance in this crazy world.
I want to take my yoga certification with Anamaya Retreat Center because I feel it fits my lifestyle the best. I want a deep immersion to take me on the path to being a teacher, and they have created a very complete and cohesive syllabus. I love how each day has a different lesson instead of every day having a little of everything. I think this will help me learn and retain the most from my training. I have done a lot of research on Jackie Chiodo, and I think her teaching style would help me find my own voice as a teacher.
I plan to make an impact as a teacher by making free and low cost classes available to my community wherever I am. I have already been offered a position at a donation based studio, I just need to complete my training. I believe that to help this world move forward into positive change we must help each other on the path ahead. Yoga has the ability to create peace within and bring people to their highest potential. I want devote my life to helping people in this journey and I believe yoga is the way to do it.
2012 Yoga Scholarship Essay
By: Tera Kopf
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