Q + A with Mercedes
What classes do you teach?
I teach Core Plus, Vinyasa I/II, Tarot Foundations, Vinyasa II/III, Yoga Mix, Yoga Nidra and All Levels.
Tell me about your yoga practice….
For me, yoga is more than a practice, it’s a lifestyle. I use the practice to help center myself so that I’m functioning in the best way possible in other areas of my life. Getting on the mat is a starting point for me, a place of beginning when I’m navigating work, relationship, projects, anything really. I say it’s a lifestyle because it permeates all areas of my life. If I’m stuck in some area of my life, I always ask what does yoga teach me about this or what would the yogis do?
What is your favorite type of yoga?
When I first started practicing yoga, I learned Ashtanga. That’s a really rigorous form of yoga that follows a set sequence. It’s challenging, transformative (like every other style), and builds an internal heat like no other. However, my practice has evolved over the years and my favorite style of yoga right now is yoga nidra. For me, it has it all. You just can’t beat the transformational, rejuvenating and spiritual benefits of that practice. There are times when I do need to really move my body, so I enjoy a good slow flow. The desire to really move goes back to my Ashtanga days, but the slow flow allows me to build an internal heat in a way that is both grounding and challenging.
What do people need to know about your classes?
I find this really funny, but apparently I have a reputation of having hard classes. So I guess, what people need to know is not all of my classes are tough! The more challenging classes I teach are Core Plus and Vinyasa II/III. I like a class that is physically challenging because sometimes we can underestimate what we are capable of and I think it offers an opportunity to explore our power and expand beyond our perceived limitations. I also know that the active needs to be balanced with the passive, which is why I teach yoga nidra and bring a more meditative practice to Sunday classes.
What is your favorite part about teaching yoga?
My favorite part of yoga in general is the philosophy. So, my favorite part about teaching yoga is bringing that to my students. I love seeing the lightbulb go off when students are able to connect the dots between how this practice that’s thousands of years old relates to the modern world we’re living in and to their life situations specifically. It also really brings me joy to watch students grow in their practice and have them share with me how the practice has changed their life for the better. The whole reason I became a teacher was because yoga changed the way I viewed myself and my place in the world and I had to share that with other people.
When you’re not teaching, what are you up to?
When I’m not teaching yoga or tarot, I’m usually spending time with my 2 year old beaglier, Levi. We both love to be outside all day and I let him take me on adventures through the woods. I enjoy spending time in nature, hiking, traveling, reading, and learning about all things mystical or spiritual.