I first met and got to know Paige as a student that would come to yoga religiously each winter that she spent in Chicago (she spent her summer months in Michigan teaching kayak lessons). She immediately became a part of our yoga family and we would miss her each year when she would leave us - but she would always return! Then, one winter, she came back - to stay this time - as not just a student, but as a yoga teacher!
I can tell that Paige is strong, not only just physically, but she has a quiet resilience that I can see through and through. She is kind, funny, and wonderfully quirky. I can also tell that she loves yoga. She is like a sponge, ready to soak up all that this yoga journey can offer her and she is clearly passionate about sharing all that she learns with us, through her teaching. She is a newer teacher, but is already exploring yoga beyond poses and the physical practice and she is already a bright light in this crazy yoga world :)
We are honored that Paige has chosen TULA as her yoga home and we are excited to have her continue to grow with us.
Here’s a bit more about Paige:
Hometown: Stanton, MI.
Favorite Color: Light Pink.
Favorite Yoga Pose:
Can’t Choose! Supported and Unsupported Malasana (Yogi Squat) because it feels good on my hips and Astavakrasana (Eight Angle Pose) because it’s super challenging and fun.
And definitely, Supported Savasana (“Shavasana”, Final Resting Pose) because I love rest.
Least Favorite: (Why)
Karnapidasana (Ear Pressure Pose). I have yet to find ease in this pose and usually experience pain and/or shortness of breath.
Sign: Gemini...That’s probably why I have answered most of these questions with multiple answers. :)
Favorite Place:
Local: The woodland trails of Mackinac Island, MI.
International: Ubud region of Bali, Indonesia.
Favorite Movie:
Can’t Choose! I love Harry Potter, Captain Fantastic, and Patti Cakes equally, but for different reasons.
Why do you teach Yoga?
I teach Yoga because I love it. I love the way it makes me feel, and the healing it has brought into my life. I want to help students find their own breath, alignment, healing, and “Yoga” within. I also teach because I learn as much from students, if not more, then they do from me. Teaching Yoga adds depth, humility, challenge, and patience to my own practice. In becoming a “Yoga Teacher,” I have become a lifelong student.
How do you define Yoga?
Simple definition: Yoga = Meditation... + Moving + Self Study + Compassion Training.
Not so simple definition: I was taught that Yoga literally means union of mind, body, and soul. This can be somewhat esoteric, so I like to think of the Yogic path as moving meditation, self study, healing, and compassion training. When the ultimate “Yoga” is achieved, there will be no attached description or distinction. Rather, an ease in oneness with everything that we currently perceive as separate. I have experienced a small taste of Yoga in that space between the thoughts during practices such as meditation, nidra, and vinyasa. We commonly use the word “Yoga” to describe what is actually the tools to help us achieve Yoga, such as asana (yoga posture) and pranayama (breath extension). I say that I am a Yoga teacher because that is the common language, but I would assert that I can only teach tools to achieve Yoga. Union of mind, body, and soul...well, that comes from within.
What would your last meal be?
Fresh ackee and saltfish with fried breadfruit, oat dumplings, fried green plantains, naseberry, and soursop juice with lime, all from Jamaica. Yes, all in one dish. It’s truly amazing.
The band you can't live without?
I'm not sure what my favorite band is, but I really love Ali Farka Toure’s music.
Most empowering moment?
The present moment. ;)
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now where would it be and what would you do?
Bali, Indonesia or Maui, Hawaii. I would practice and teach yoga, take surf lessons, and help and learn to build sustainable food systems.
When you aren't teaching yoga, what can you be found doing?
Listening to podcasts, reading, journaling, and eating great local food.
Three fun facts we don't know about you? :)
I am fascinated with hip hop dancers and would really love to learn this beautiful movement someday.
I want to eventually become a therapist who blends mindfulness, movement, meditation, outdoor recreation, and nutrition with modern psychology.
I write free form poetry. It does not abide by any academic rules.
You can find Paige at TULA on Mondays at 5:15pm and Fridays at 6:30am & 8:30am. You can also connect with her on Instagram @liveahimsalife
