“I feel blessed every time I teach that I can be a conduit for the teachings of yoga. I can get out of the way knowing that any transformation that takes place is the grace that happens between the student and their practice.” – Anamargret Sanchez
We do our best to gather the most amazing yoga teachers in the world to teach Omstars members. They are dedicated to the practice and have so much to share with you. Today we’ve asked Marie Belle Perez Rivera, Shawn J. Moore, Anamargret Sanchez, and Henry Winslow to share some of their yoga experiences. Keep reading to find out why they practice and what advice they have for new yoga students.
Why do you practice?
Shawn J. Moore
I practice to be in alignment with Self. For me, practice is practical, spiritual, and developmental.
Anamargret Sanchez
To stay awake to Life.
Marie Belle Perez Rivera
I love the connection and processing
Henry Winslow
I practice to understand myself, and to realize the best possible version of myself in this lifetime.
Why do you teach?
Shawn J. Moore
Representation matters. I teach so people that look like me know that these practices are for them and beneficial to them.
Anamargret Sanchez
Because I love to share the rich beauty of Yoga. And I feel blessed every time I teach that I can be a conduit for the teachings. I can get out of the way knowing that any transformation that takes place is the grace that happens between the student and their practice.
Marie Belle Perez Rivera
I love connecting with the community, learning from them, and sharing in the process
Henry Winslow
To help others do understand themselves and realize the best possible versions of themselves.
What has been the most inspirational moment you’ve experienced as a yoga student?
Shawn J. Moore
As a student – just sticking with the practice past some of the microagressions I experienced.
Anamargret Sanchez
When my intuition very strongly led me to my Himalayan Tantric lineage. I had never heard that inner voice speak so loudly or clearly.
Marie Belle Perez Rivera
The most inspirational moment I’ve experienced as a yoga student was finding my people, those willing to look at themselves, work with what is, and continue to do their work consistently, for a long period of time, with devotion.
Henry Winslow
In 2018 I won the World Yoga Asana Championships in Beijing, China. Plenty of people scoff at the idea of competitive yoga, and I think that’s totally fair. But I still point to my experience competing as both a major struggle and a major milestone because of the lessons I learned on stage. I competed for several years at the regional and even national level, and every time I would be well prepared and polished, only to stumble once it was my turn under the spotlight. The year that I progressed all the way to internationals and won first place was the year that I finally allowed myself to relax. I stopped trying to be the absolute best, and simply made my goal to do what was average for me. I’d always heard and understood intellectually that putting undue pressure on oneself wasn’t helpful, but the yoga championships ingrained this knowing in my physical body.
What has been the most inspirational moment you’ve experienced as a yoga teacher?
Shawn J. Moore
Inspiring my students at Morehouse College (I teach full-time) to get involved in meditation and yoga.
Anamargret Sanchez
I’ve had many. But the most recent one was when a student told me that her yoga practice brought her back to her spirituality. That made my heart soar.
Marie Belle Perez Rivera
I had an experience in DC once that really shook me to my core and grounded me at the same time. In the city, we are taught to lock all doors at the beginning of class. If someone is late, they can take the next class. For some reason, this day I didn’t lock the door. 10 minutes into class, I had 3 students run in and roll their mats out to practice. I was a bit confused and locked the door after them. Class went as planned. After class, the students stayed after to thank me for leaving the door unlocked. There had been a shooting outside and they ran for cover. Our door was the only one unlocked so they came in to practice. They thanked me for leaving the door unlocked, accepting them, and guiding them into stillness.
Henry Winslow
When studios shut down worldwide in response to COVID-19, I was surprised, impressed, and inspired by the yoga community’s adaptability. Studios, teachers, and students rallied, stumbled their way through standing up online classes, and continued to support each other when everyone needed it most.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out on their yoga journey?
Shawn J. Moore
Approach the practice from a place of exploration.
Anamargret Sanchez
Student first. Teacher second. Consistent practice is key. Fill your toolbox. Be the light.
Marie Belle Perez Rivera
Practice, explore, listen to your intuition, remain grateful, curious, resilient
Henry Winslow
Never compare yourself to others — only to yourself, yesterday.
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