Yoga District is a community of incredible people! Our wonderful students, teachers and staff make us more than just a yoga studio. Join us each month as we spotlight a member of our community.
This month we highlight Taite, an intern at our studios and an integral member of the Yoga District community. Read about how yoga has helped her find healing and connect to her body.
How did you get involved with Yoga District?
I moved to DC about a year ago and started going to Yoga District (YD) to get back into my yoga practice. I appreciated that YD was doing park classes! At the beginning of April, I joined the team as an intern. I’ve loved being part of the YD community.
Working with Yoga District, I get to interact with so many different people. I’ve formed connections with both the teachers and students. Part of my role is greeting students as they arrive for classes. Whether it’s building relationships with regular attendees or making sure first-time students feel welcome, I’m always excited to welcome new and returning yogis to the studio.
I also love that the internship requires me to get out and do yoga at least a few times a week, regardless of my schedule. Even if I’m really busy with work or school, it’s important for me to take the time to take care of myself doing yoga.
How would you describe your yoga journey?
I started practicing yoga regularly just after finishing high school when I was in a yoga therapy program for survivors of sexual violence. I had never really done yoga before, and I was amazed at how relaxed and connected to my body the practice made me feel. That feeling, combined with the therapy part of the program, created a really beautiful and challenging environment that helped my healing process more than anything else. Yoga has encouraged me to become more connected to my body, respect its limitations, and also appreciate its durability.
My practice has also taught me some important lessons:
- Yoga isn’t about being the most flexible or the most advanced. It’s an individual journey, and even the smallest bends or stretches have huge benefits.
- It has taught me to know my body’s limits while also pushing myself to grow.
- Yoga has shown me the value of hard work and patience. I can see myself making progress even if it takes weeks or months.
What would you say to someone who has never done yoga before to invite them to the practice?
My biggest fear coming into yoga was that I wasn’t skilled or flexible enough. I was intimidated by people who had been doing yoga for a long time. We’re all at different points in our yoga journey and everyone has to start somewhere. Yoga is not a competition or a race. It’s about finding a connection to your body and having a space for peace and growth.
If you had to describe your life in the form of a yoga pose, which pose would it be?
Right now, I would describe my life as Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III) (1). I just started graduate school at Johns Hopkins to pursue an MS in Education. I’m trying to find ways to balance my classwork with the other aspects of my life. Like Warrior III, sometimes I feel really steady and in control, and other times I feel a little wobbly. It’s okay to feel both.
What are your favorite classes at Yoga District?
My favorite teachers are Hannah W., Morgan G., and Edgar. They are the teachers I’ve gotten to know the best through interning and because I like each of their teaching styles! In Hannah and Morgan’s class, I enjoy the faster-paced flows that help me hone my skills and introduce new challenges. I also love how Edgar’s Friday afternoon gentle yoga helps me relax and feel at peace after a long week.
Sources
- Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III), https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/warrior-iii-pose/
