Laura Paton

I have been practicing yoga since 2000. I took classes while in college that were to get a better understanding of the poses and we created our own flow and pose sequence.  While in the class, I realized that I wanted to become a certified yoga teacher.  It took a few years to find the time and finances, but it was worth the wait.  I began teacher training in September of 2011 and it was an 8 weekend program.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday for 8 weekends of rigorous training on everything from yoga sutras, pose names (both common name and sanskrit), personal training, the business of yoga and how to be a confident teacher.

Since graduation I have taught at the same studio where I was certified.  I have taught at a local health club and with the YMCA. And I have also had the opportunity to go into local businesses and schools and teach yoga to participants thru outreach programs.

I love being a yoga teacher for so many reasons. But perhaps one of the best things about leading a class is that for an hour, I get to give participants an outlet from their life. They are encouraged to drop the stress of their work life or home life and melt into the poses. Focus on their breath and know that this workout is for them.  They get out of the class exactly what they put into it.  And I am consistently blown away by the energy that comes out during the class and also the kindness that comes out after savasana.