INSTRUCTORS

Angela Vehige

I decided to sign up for Teacher Training to deepen my understanding of yoga. During that training, I learned so much about myself and I also realized that I enjoyed sharing my yoga practice with my friends and teaching the poses and the beauty of the breath.

I grew up in Dallas and have been involved with family, friends, the community, and work for years. Several years ago, a friend invited me to go to a "really intense yoga class that will leave you dripping sweat". I am not sure why this was a selling point for me because I wasn't really a fan of dripping sweat, but I ended up going with her and immediately enjoyed the atmosphere of the yoga studio and the physical challenge of the yoga poses, but at this point in my life, my workouts were more about social hour than my overall health, so I was a bit sporadic with my yoga practice. Looking back, I realize that although I enjoyed being on my own, perhaps I wasn't 100% comfortable "being alone" and as much as yoga intrigued me, it scared me…

A few years ago I was living in North Dallas and I saw the new APY Richardson studio. I was thrilled because APY was actually the first studio I went to years ago where I was "dripping sweat." I began attending the classes in Richardson, and this time, I had a different frame of mind. Although I was still involved in many activities, I was learning how important it was to “socialize” with myself.

I found that by taking the hour to myself to focus on my breath, my poses, and for just a little while, turn my attention to me I would recharge! I was able to give more of myself to myself, my hobbies, my loved ones, my work and my life.

I was no longer scared of yoga, and now I wanted more! I decided to sign up for Teacher Training to deeper my understanding of yoga. During that training I learned so much about myself and I also realized that I enjoyed sharing my yoga practice with my friends and teaching the poses and the beauty of the breath. Although this may still seem like social hour, I was really giving them the experience that took me so many years to learn! I continued with my own practice and read more about yoga and the mental, emotional, and physical benefits.

As my practice continued, I realized that I was stronger on and off the mat than I ever imagined. Taking the time for myself and to allow myself to enjoy being alone was a new experience I loved! The added benefits: I became physically stronger, and I learned that taking time for me improved me. I became a better friend, daughter, sister, aunt, manager, employee…

I signed up for the APY Kids & Teens teacher training. In addition to all the physical benefits of yoga, I enjoy sharing the wonderful calmness, creativity, and peace of mind you can have by focusing on your breath and yourself for even just a few moments a day. I especially enjoy being able to share this gift with kids and teens! My classes invite the kids to move, try new things, share ideas, listen and respect others, and we take time to sit quietly so they can learn now, at this early age, how to be comfortable alone and love themselves.

- Angela