Retreat to the Mountains, August 8-11

This week I taught yoga and movement to 10 lovely kids at a local daycare in my new hometown of Eureka, Montana. I left feeling inspired by their joy of movement and willingness to try something new.

While meeting these new smiling humans I was momentarily transported back over a decade ago across the ocean to Honolulu, where I first started teaching as a preschool aid. I remember reading them story after story, tying shoes, and pushing them on a tire swing, all while being in awe of their enthusiasm for life and curiosity, and was enthralled to have a job helping them discover new things. This positive experience ignited my teaching career, which I am eternally grateful for.

During a busy and stressful week of student teaching while I worked towards my teaching degree, a colleague brought me to her yoga class. During the hour of stretching, strengthening, and intentional breathing the endless to-do lists in my mind quieted and my stress melted away. After that first class I became a dedicated regular at the studio, and my yoga practice developed side by side with my teaching career. After long days of lesson planning, grading, meetings, and teaching, I returned to my mat to move energy, calm my mind, and find moments of stillness.

15 years, 4 schools, 5 different grade levels, and 3 of my own children later, I left the classroom to develop my passion for yoga into a new career; guiding others to prioritize wellness and self care through yoga. Not only have I taken my teaching from the classroom to the yoga studio, but I have expanded it online and outdoors. This summer I will host yoga retreats in my beautiful new home, offering a spacious and grounding yoga practice nestled in the awe inspiring Montana mountains.

Interested in joining me, or know someone else who needs a mountain retreat this summer?
Visit valbyoga.com for details and to sign up.