Teacher Feature: Pete
Since our theme this month is consistency, I wanted to choose a teacher who has been consistently part of our school since he first started attending classes back at North Main. I still remember Pete’s first class. It was funny because his wife came in after him and was practicing behind him. His glasses were off so he didn’t realize it was her until AFTER class was done! It was such a sweet moment. Pete was such a regular at our TTh 7:15pm class (remember that crew!) that after his YTT, he became the regular teacher. He’s been a part of our schedule ever since. What I love about Pete is his love of each of you! He is not only a devoted teacher, he comes and takes class from every one of our teachers! You will see him slowly moving and breathing beside you almost five days a week. Pete always elevates the presence in the room. Read his story of why yoga matters to him below.
From Pete: I began my yoga journey in January 2009 following an ankle injury. The treatment included not walking or hiking the way I was accustomed to. This caused me problems that went beyond affecting my physical fitness. I had not realized the emotional and mental benefits of walking until I was no longer doing it. I tried Pilates but that wasn’t working. My wife, in her wisdom, suggested that I might like yoga. I had never thought that yoga might be for me. My tight body didn’t seem suited to the poses that were often shown in media portrayals. But I was desperate, so I showed up with my wife’s old mat wearing a cotton tee shirt and climbing pants. I had no idea what I was getting into.
I was a little afraid to drive home after that first class. The yoga fog was thick on my brain that night. I don’t recall what poses we did, but I do recall the powerful emotional effect. I was hooked. At first I came once a week. Over time I added a second night and then a Sunday morning class. Gradually, this increased to 4 or 5 times a week. The physical benefits include improved core strength, greater flexibility, and better balance. But the benefits go far beyond the physical. I am calmer and kinder. I get out of my own head more often and am able to notice what others need and help them. When I get out of balance mentally and emotionally I am able to use tools I have learned through my yoga and meditation practice to rebalance and move forward. I could practice at home, but, going to the studio helps me connect with so many other lovely people that I would otherwise not encounter. Interacting with them before and after class adds to the practice. This socialization is especially beneficial now that I am retired.
I keep coming to classes at Greenville Yoga because of all the positive changes I have noticed. I try to attend a mixture of types of classes in order to enjoy different aspects of the practice. I try to come at different times of day because I enjoy seeing the different students—retirees in the morning, working people at night and even others on the weekends. I even added Tai Chi classes a few years ago. There are definitely times I am not sure I want to go to a class but when I do I always feel better afterwards. I have made yoga a priority in my life because I enjoy it and I can see how much it helps me and my interactions with those around me. I look forward to continuing for many more years.
