A conversation with Erica
Erica
Conversation with Erica, an RN, Lactation Consultant, and newly-trained yoga instructor. Erica is originally from Northern California but has lived in the Washington DC Metro area since attending and graduating from Howard University. She recently completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT), is currently enrolled in a 300-hour YTT and life coaching training, and currently serves as a substitute Restorative Yoga teacher at the Love Yoga Studio in Hyattsville, MD.
How did you discover yoga?
I have been practicing yoga off and on for many years at home. Summer 2019, I decided to visitLove Yoga Studio, a local black-owned studio run by a mother/daughter duo. I was having significant pain in my body at the time (from muscle flares), but after attending these yoga classes, I would feel amazing afterward. It was what I needed. Initially, doing the poses(Asanas) was challenging but my body could handle it. As a result, something clicked in my mind one day after class. I had a real gratitude moment where I put my face up to the sun and was thankful for having the pain.
Why?
Because it reminded me that I was not only alive but that I could still move through the pain. I felt joyful and resilient. I also felt an immense sense of satisfaction that my body could still do what I pushed it to do. And even further, at the molecular/cellular level, my body was reaping the benefits of doing yoga. The flare seemed to subside soon after that. That’s when I knew I wanted to go deeper into the practice.
Can you speak a little bit about your journey to transition to teaching yoga?
Yoga teacher training is something that came about even though I didn’t originally aspire to teach. Instead, delving deeper into the practice seemed like a really good opportunity to learn how to serve my body and become the best person I possibly could. Starting in 2018, I started contemplating getting a master's degree related to nursing. The options for getting a company-funded master's degree were very limited, which made me think about what would be the best use of my time. Late last year, I decided it was more important to focus on learning to master myself through my yoga practice. Before starting a six-month yoga teacher training from January-July 2020, I participated in a four-week yoga immersion workshop offered by Love Yoga Studio. The immersion classes piqued my interest even more because I realized that yoga encompasses much more than physical movements. The immersion workshop taught me about the eight limbs of yoga; it educated me on its philosophy and principles. During my teacher training, I learned that yoga is so much more than the physical aspects you see in studios or online. By gaining an understanding of the true meaning of yoga, one will understand that its purpose is to unite theSelf. By understanding and practicing the eight limbs of yoga one can then tap into their mind-body-spirit to achieve (Samahdi) the highest state of mental concentration.
My six-month training taught me so much and I enjoyed learning at every step of the way. Despite the financial costs, I began considering additional training to allow me to teach children or pregnant women. For further development decided to pursue the 300-hour Jiinana (L.I.F.E.) Yoga Teacher Training and Mentoring at Spiritual Essence Yoga, another black-owned yoga studio in Maryland. My current yoga teacher training course includes a life coaching component, which will give me more skills to help myself and others. I am currently completing the course and am reading excellent books like Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Be Your Own Life Coach, EmotionalIntelligence 2.0, and The Four Agreements.
What is your biggest challenge in establishing yourself as a yoga instructor?
I think I struggle with something that many people can relate to, which is overcoming “imposters syndrome.” Sometimes I question why anyone should learn yoga from me vs. someone who has been practicing for much longer. To combat this thinking, I use mindfulness techniques & other knowledge I gained from my training to reaffirm myself daily. Also, it does not hurt to have friends and family members who encourage me and remind me that I have been a healer and a nurturer as both a nurse and a lactation consultant. To them, my yoga practice is a natural extension of me sharing my gifts with my community...I hope to bring more healing to my community by sharing this wonderful practice with as many folks as possible.
Do you have any thoughts for folks struggling through the ongoing pandemic?
I think that the pandemic is a gift and a curse. All of our conveniences have been compromised, but at the same time, we have been given time to look within. I am grateful to have time to study myself and to focus on my yoga practice and meditation. The pandemic has also afforded me valuable bonding time with my daughter. Also, despite being socially distanced, it has been a blessing to be able to fellowship and get closer to people virtually. From virtual family reunions, happy hours, and sister circles staying connected to others has not been a challenge. I have actually met a lot of different people virtually during the pandemic.
To connect with Erica, click the link below.
Personal website: coming soon
