Total Body Yoga Teachers
Liz Leffert Yoga Instructor
I was first introduced to yoga as a University student pursuing a dance degree. At that time I wasn’t ready to open my world to the possibilities of the practice. It wasn’t until I came to yoga again after having left my dance career behind that I realized the supreme bliss I had experienced moving my body while dancing was not lost and gone as I had thought. I discovered I still had a moving, vibrating spirit within me that was as present as the nose on my face. I was so happy to discover that there was a place (the yoga studio) and people (my lovely teachers) that allowed and encouraged me to relish the joy of and find peace in that discovery. Now I know that that place is really anywhere, those people are me, and the time is no other than now.
When I allowed myself to pursue teaching yoga as a career the journey of student and fortunate conduit of all I continue to learn began. Through my classes I strive to share with my students the grace and joy of being in a body, to create space for tiny miracles, and when all else fails to find the lesson in that.
What other hobbies do you have aside from yoga?
I love to travel, especially anywhere I can practice speaking spanish. I prefer staying in one place long enough to get to know the locals, what their lives are like from day to day, what are their challenges and concerns, what makes them happy and content, and see how it is different or similar to my own experience. Besides travel, my partner and I love walking with or throwing the ball around for our labradoodle Shaggy.
What is a book you could strongly recommend?
I'm currently reading 'Happy for no good reason' by Swami Shankarananda. He discusses meditation and philosophy in a way that's down to earth, pleasurable, and easy to understand.
What is one of your all-time favorite movies?
It might be embarassing but I've seen City Slickers so many times I've lost count, and it still presses my buttons.
What is one of your all-time favorite 'comfort' foods?
Give me a plate of cheese and some nice bread and I'm in heaven.
What is your favorite color?
I'm a greenyblueypurplish end of the spectrum gal.
What is one place that you would like to visit in the world?
I've been studying Thai Massage but I've never been to Thailand. That will be my next dream trip.
What brought you to yoga?
I saw a picture of someone doing a crazy yoga pose in the paper and I thought, "I want to do that."
What element, quality, or technique of yoga do you find most fascinating and why?
I love that yoga looks, sounds, smells, feels different on everybody. There is no right and wrong, which can be scary and delightful all at once.
What is your favorite pose and why?
Parsvokonasana (Extended Side Angle). I love feeling the long line of energy through my body. When I spin my heart upwards, I always feel like a bright ray of sunshine is shining down on me.
What qualities are needed to be a good yoga teacher? (Or what qualities are needed to be a good student)
Even when you don't know what's "right" having the patience to let the answers come to you. Being willing to experiment in a way that's safe and life-enhancing.