We love our teachers!!

Sophia Giebultowicz

What is the best part about teaching at FSYC?

I love the variety of students that walk through our doors and how they all bring their own unique experience to the studio. It can take a a lot of courage to make it to the mat and to let go of whatever holds us back from feeling separate or isolated. Yet from the moment that we chant the first OM to the final "Namaste," I witness the students becoming one cohesive community, supporting each other with breath and presence. It serves as a constant reminder of the connection we all share---which can be especially helpful if you're sweating through lots and lots of Navasanas! On that same note, I also love teaching to a group of people who aren't afraid to work hard, laugh, and give their neighbor an encouraging high-five!

How have your students inspired you in your life?

When guiding a practice, I encourage self-compassion and remind my students to be okay with exactly where they are that day. Yet more than once I've neglected to do the same towards myself, especially in those situations away from the yoga mat. When I catch myself in a pattern of negative thinking or self-judgment, I realize that if my students can let go of these behaviors, I certainly can as well. 

Other than teaching how does yoga fit in to your life?

Practice, of course---but the philosophy of yoga has also become an integral part of my life. It's a way to cope with those curve-balls that come out of nowhere, like an injury (non-attachment to the physical practice), or feeling inexplicably blue (practicing contentment). In moments of crisis, I take a few deep breaths and tell myself that it's okay to surrender and trust in something greater, as long as I do the best that I can. And finally, during times that everything seems awesome and I find myself wondering what could go wrong, yoga reminds me to accept the impermanence of each moment, while also experiencing it with complete presence.

We love our teachers!!!

Patrick Shannon

What is the best part about teaching at FSYC?

The best part about teaching yoga at Franklin Street YC is the opportunity to witness the palpable shift in energy when we breathe as one. Our community is so present and committed that the breath becomes a power in and of itself.  You can feel it in the air!!  There is nothing better than being in a room that is charged with life and vitality.  To be a guide in this space is beyond inspirational. 

How have your students inspired you in your life?

The FSYC students show up. Always. No matter how rough of a day, week, or year they are having, they find a way to get on the mat.  The students inspire me daily to do my work so the practice can do it's work.  Their commitment has helped me realize that yoga can offer space to process and breathe no matter what you are going through or where you are in life.

Other than teaching, how does yoga fit into your life?

Yoga has taught me how to pause before reacting and this one skill has changed my life.  The physical practice, the breath work, and the support I get from the FSYC yogis are all pieces of the puzzle that help me enjoy my life and be the person I want to be.  

We love our teachers!!

Linda Yu

What is the best part about teaching at FSYC?
I love being part of this vibrant community, both committed to power yoga and committed to being of service to others.  FSYC is really a unique place with an amazing energy.  

How have your students inspired you in your life?
They show up on their mat, which I think is the hardest part of yoga!  My students have carved out time to take care of themselves and to be open to the experience.  Their strength and commitment to the practice is awesome, and the transformation that I witness is truly extraordinary.    

Other than teaching how does yoga fit in to your life?
Oh my goodness, where do I even start?   For me, yoga used to be about the physical accomplishments and superficial benefits.  As time has gone by, I've realized that yoga doesn't end when you say 'Namaste' and roll up your mat.  Yoga teaches me to be more aware, authentic, and accepting in this moment.   It teaches me humility, as well as compassion for myself and for others.  And it teaches me the incredible power of breath!  

We love our teachers!!!!

Laura Lazarus

What is the best part about teaching at FSYC?

I'm one of the newest FSYC teachers, but what I've appreciated most about teaching at the studio so far is similar to what I've cherished about practicing there for years: community.  The way in which members of the FSYC family love and support each other and also give back to the world around them inspires me to be more selfless and compassionate. When I walk into FSYC I feel at loved and at home.  When I leave FSYC I feel committed to sharing that love with the world around me.  

How have your students inspired you in your life?

My students inspire me to show up on my mat and in my life, no matter what a I may feel or a my practice may look like that day.  On any given day, the room is full of folks who are sleepy, energized, tight, injured, "beginner," "advanced," or in a funk.  But every single one of them showed up and the hard-work, perseverance, and dedication that each of them demonstrate by making that choice is the same. The rest is just shapes.  

Other than teaching how does yoga fit in to your life?

At the most basic level, I practice asana in some form every day.  In a broader way, however, yoga has become a part of who I am and how I approach the world every day.  In class, Lori often jokes that one day you might be frustrated and impatient waiting in line at the grocery store and before you know it, your "yoga breathe" will kick in.  This actually happened to me!  I was shocked.  When I first started practicing, I was somewhat of a yoga skeptic.  I appreciated asana, but wasn't sure that I wanted to let the practice into my life beyond the physical.  Over time, I learned that wasn't really in my control.  My practice has made me more present, compassionate, tenacious, honest, and at home in my own skin.  I'm continually surprised by the new lessons yoga has to offer.  Whether I wanted it to or not!  And I am truly grateful. 

We love our teachers!!!

Dani Strauss

What is the best part about teaching at FSYC?

I am continuously inspired and uplifted by the energy and pulse of the studio, and this is a creation of every person that walks through our doors. It is a total joy to teach in a space where the yogis feel safe to breathe and move and explore in their own way because we are there to hold each other up. Our community is a web of support, and I am honored to witness the compassion and respect that our students and teachers have for each other.

How have your students inspired you in your life?

My students have inspired me to be bold and fearless. They open their hearts and minds and explore poses and ideas that are new and challenging in each class, and I am constantly in awe of their bravery and willingness to offer their full attention to the moment at hand. The line between effort and ease that I see my students navigate through the practice reminds me that internal balance and taking time to pause is so important, and their commitment to this path inspires me to rededicate myself again and again to yoga as a way of life.

Other than teaching how does yoga fit in to your life?

The practice of yoga grounds and steadies me each time I feel scattered or unsure. It helps me trust my intuition and make decisions that are in line with my core values. My daily practice of asana and chanting reminds me that each moment is sacred, and that there is always more space to explore and open to the beauty of what surrounds me on this earth. My relationships are enriched in every capacity by my practice. Yoga offers me the tools to live a life of purpose and integrity, and to channel the energy that flows through me in the most positive ways.

We love our teachers!!!

Michelle Johnson

 

 

What is the best part about teaching at FSYC?

 The best part about teaching at FSYC is the strong sense of connection and community that is cultivated in and outside of the studio. When folks come to class and roll out their mats they see familiar faces and if they are new to the studio they feel the warmth and welcoming environment and return many times.  FSYC is connected to the community and encourages students and teachers to both practice on the mat and off of the mat by supporting causes that are important to us.

 

How have your students inspired you in your life?

The students make the studio and they push me to be a better teacher. What most inspires me is the openness to change. Students come in from various places, carrying emotional, physical, mental, or spiritual, baggage with them and by the end of the practice they dropped some of the heaviness.  I appreciate student’s openness to being transformed.  The students are FSYC are committed, we don’t see them one time a week, we see them multiple times a week, sometimes more than one time in a day and they are committed to their practice, growing, stretching, and learning.

 

Other than teaching how does yoga fit in to your life?

Yoga doesn’t fit in; it’s a way of living.  As I’ve practiced more and taught for a few years now, I realize how much yoga is a practice that we use off of our mats much more than on our mats. Yes, I show up for the physical part of the practice but what I most enjoy is the meditation, the quiet time. I appreciate the reflection and the burning away of layers of old stuff so that I can get to the truest sense of myself.  Yoga show up in how I greet someone in the grocery store, to how I walk down the street, meditatively or preoccupied. Yoga shows up when I am compassionate or when my mean part is showing up. Yoga reminds me of my dharma, duty, and when I stray away from my path my practice guides me back on the path, back to the truth.



We love our teachers!!!

Nathan Logan

The best part of teaching at Franklin Street Yoga Center is the community. Plain and simple it's just an amazing part of what we all get to experience. Being part of the community is such a blessing in my life, and to be able now to teach to this same community of friends and enjoy the bond of friendship as they accept me as a teacher is such a wonderful part of my yoga. The community that is Franklin Street Yoga Center is so giving and forgiving, so many different personalities and levels of yoga practice, it makes for a well rounded learning center for all of us with yoga, health and well-being at it's core. 

My students have inspired me in many ways, encouraging me to be my best, all around, not just teaching. But then on a teaching level they challenge me to do them right and keep it fun, teaching creative and challenging classes that they will want to come back to. I was lucky enough to sub for Linda on Sunday's for her maternity leave this summer and announcing her return and the support of that, today I had a couple that has come regularly to my Sunday class now, and they came over and thanked me for having this summer together, and that just meant a lot, not only their returning practice, but their vocalization of their thanks makes me truly grateful that I worked to do my best and had some in this community that saw my work and growth and hopefully were thanking me because they got some of their health benefits from taking my yoga class this summer. Very grateful for the whole opportunity and experience to grow. 

Yoga is the central part of my healthy living and lifestyle. Without yoga I would not feel as good as I do. It has helped to cure many of the small physical ailments which my body has slowly acquired, as well as calm my mind and learn to slow things down breath and move easier throughout this beautiful world. My new found flexibility and strength helps me live life more comfortably. All of this I attribute to my weekly, sometimes daily yoga practice. I feel better every time. I am so grateful for the last three years of yoga in my life.

We love our teachers!!!

Leah Barber

What is the best part about teaching at FSYC?

Hands down, the best part about teaching at FSYC is the community.  I felt the community from the very first class I took here.  I was challenged by the teacher to live up to my fullest potential while on my mat and in our community and I that feeling comes with every class I take and teach.  I love seeing familiar faces, but I especially love when there is a brand new student to FSYC in my class.  I want them to feel the community that I felt when I first came here.  I want them to come back and feel that comfort each and every time they practice.  

How have your students inspired you in your life?  

My students have inspired me to be a better listener.  I am inspired when I see students listening to their bodies by taking rests when they need it, rather than worrying about how they look on their mat and trying to compete with other students.  As a yoga student, listening is hard because there is so much to juggle as you have to hear the teacher and your inner dialogue at the same time.  I am inspired when I see students truly listening to what their body is asking for.  I am inspired by the power of my own words when I say one little thing to help students adjust their alignment and everybody listens.    

Other than teaching, how does yoga fit into your life?  

Yoga has fit into my life as a balance.  It has helped me balance my energy and time as I need yoga to help me stay focused on the many activities that fill my days.  When I am not practicing yoga, my energy becomes scattered and sometimes negative.  All I need is a good asana and pranayama to help balance that out.   Yoga balances my time by helping me focus and be purposeful.  If I don't take time for my practice then my time management suffers.  I feel like my best ideas for work and life come right after savasana.  

We love our teachers!!!

Elaina Howard

What is the best part about teaching at FSYC?

-The best part of teaching at FSYC is the community! I feel so lucky and honored to be a part of such a strong, loving, and motivated community. I know that no matter how my day has been or is going to go, a visit to FSYC can only make it better. 

How have your students inspired you in your life?

-Watching the dedication of FSYC students inspires me to make the decision every day to commit to my own practice and reminds me that we practice not just for ourselves, but for everyone that we come into contact with directly or indirectly. The patience, devotion, and courage of FSYC students is truly inspiring!

Other than teaching how does yoga fit in to your life?

-Yoga travels with me everywhere, reminding me to be content with what is. From taking a deep breath and feeling my shoulders fall away from my ears during rush hour traffic, to remembering to fully enjoy every sweet moment with my friends and family, yoga is a part of everything I do and everywhere I go. 

We love our teachers!!!

Paige Zinn

What is the best part about teaching at Franklin Street Yoga Center?
I love the FSYC’s community of people.  This special place is created by the people who come to share their practice with others.

How have your students inspired you in your life?
I am constantly reminded that yoga is really about just showing up on your mat.  And since I teach at 6:30 am, the people who show up are incredibly committed and vested in their practice.  I’ve seen many of my students transform physically.  But the most rewarding thing to watch is how their minds become more and more open to the other limbs of yoga, particularly meditation.  They remind me to keep committed to my practice and remain open to change. 

Other than teaching how does yoga fit into your life?

My life outside of teaching yoga tends to be a bit over-scheduled, over-committed and a bit frantic.  I multitask most moments of my life and enjoy the adrenalin rush of managing people and large projects.  There have been many times in the past 10 years when I had to stop my asana practice due to my schedule or life circumstances.  And this is when the true teaching has happened for me.  I’ve learned that yoga isn’t my asana practice or my meditative practice.  It’s how I treat others.  It’s how I make others feel in my presence.  It’s how I impact the community of people in my life on a daily basis.