Q&A with a Yoga Student & Teacher
I recently got a chance to ask a new virtual Yoga teacher, and my friend, Jennifer Dempsey some questions about her yoga journey and how yoga has changed her life.
Q: How long have you been doing yoga and which ways have you practiced?
A: I have been practicing yoga for about 15 years now. I practiced with DVDs and in-person Classes prior
to discovering online yoga classes.
Q: When did you start doing virtual yoga classes? And how did you discover them?
A: I started doing virtual yoga after a yoga retreat to Bali just over 2 years ago. I wanted to continue doing yoga classes with her so we setup private online classes. When the pandemic hit, some of my favourite teachers moved to teaching online so I followed them online and discovered even more great teachers I normally would have never been able to take classes from.
Q: What do you like about virtual yoga classes?
A: I save so much time and money when I do virtual classes because I don’t have to travel. Previously I could only do 1 class a week because of time constraints with in-person classes but now with virtual I can do yoga every day. I love that with virtual classes I can still attend when I am sick because I am at home. The class sizes are much smaller so I get more direct feedback from teachers, and since my mic is turned off during the class, I can grunt all I want without disrupting other people’s experiences. Also, a lot of yoga postures can make you fart as they help release tension in your intestines so it’s nice not to worry about letting one go as an echo in a yoga room full of people! LOL!!!
Q: Have you learned anything new (about yoga and/or about yourself) specifically because of virtual yoga classes?
A: Yes! I have learned that even when I am not feeling well or if I am very tired doing yoga is helpful for my mind and body. Virtual classes are small in size, so I learn a lot more from the teachers with live feedback during the class as well as having the opportunity to talk and ask questions after class without feeling rushed.
Q: Do you find you're more committed to practicing yoga now that you've found virtual yoga classes? If yes, what helps to make it more appealing?
A: Yes, I am way more committed to my yoga practice now! Virtual classes give me someone to be accountable to, so I have to show up, and it saves me time and money. Often, I used to have to choose if I wanted to make dinner or go to yoga but with online classes I can make dinner and go to yoga!
Q: What are the top 3 benefits you've seen in your body/mind/soul since starting virtual yoga classes?
A: I have noticed better flexibility in my body and my overall fitness has improved quite a bit, which was a very pleasant surprise as I didn’t think I would see such a big improvement from just doing more yoga. My mind is calmer, and I am able to handle stressful situations with a more thoughtful approach instead of just reacting or getting panic attacks. My overall connection to my mind, body, soul & the universe feels more in depth, and I feel a greater connection to my faith and to myself.
Q: What is your absolute favourite thing about doing virtual yoga classes?
A: My favourite thing about doing Virtual Yoga Classes is how easy it is to setup! I can roll out my matt and be ready in less than 5 minutes.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to share about your personal journey with yoga and/or doing virtual yoga classes?
A: When I first discovered yoga, I lived in a community that didn’t have access to it, and I still only had dial up internet. But I felt like it was calling me to come back, so I kept searching for a way to do more yoga like how it felt when I first discovered it over 15 years ago. Virtual yoga is what finally got me to feel that way again. I’m able to do such a wonderful variety of yoga classes, some fulfill me more spiritually and some are more fulfilling for my physical fitness. They all help me feel great about myself, feel good in my body, and help me connect to all levels of my being so I can live my best life. Yoga has really helped me in all areas of life.
Thank you, Jennifer! I love your Yoga Nidra classes and am excited to see that your classes are now available on Asana at Home!
Author and Yogi Erika Palmer
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