Discussion with Alexandra Spaith Evans
How long have you been teaching yoga?
A year and a half, full time. I teach at Sun & Moon,
corporate offices and privately in people's homes.
What gives you the biggest joy with teaching?
I can think of three big joys. Helping students work
with an injury; watching students as beginners and seeing
them progress to a level of confidence and strength; and
making friends with my students.
What
surprises has yoga given you since the start of your
personal practice?
I started yoga to get into better shape and to lose weight.What
I discovered is I was already in pretty good shape and I
began to like my body. I didn't realize I was very critical
of my body until I began practicing yoga. Now I recognize
my good health and my strong, flexible body as a gift.
Name one teacher who has inspired you, and your experiences
with him or her.
JJ Gormley has influenced me more than anyone else in
my life. Interacting with her on a daily basis has shown
me yoga in action in my everyday life. From JJ I have learned
about balance, compassion, detachment, honesty and self-acceptance.
JJ's ability to teach students is an incredible gift. I try
to emulate her teaching and approach to life whenever I am
able. She is truly my mentor I also love Erich Schiffman.(I
think of him as a male version of JJ!)
What's your favorite thing to do while teaching a class?
I like to use levity and humor to make the students and teacher
laugh. This inevitability shocks some students who feel
a yoga class isn't a place for humor. I feel a connection
with students when we laugh together. I've learned that
accepting yourself and laughing at yourself enables you
to learn and grow during difficult poses.