This April, we’re filled with gratitude for our anatomy expert and soul-soother, Lisa Jamison. See how she designs her classes to balance body function and breath work to restore her student’s physical and mental well-beings.
1. When/ how did you discover yoga?
I “discovered” yoga by making a point to grab a copy of Yoga Journal each time I was in an airport (that truly was my first yoga practice beginning in the late 1980’s). As a student of bodies in motion, I was interested in looking at the shapes. I’d guess what each posture was used for and then began to learn about all the other aspects. My first practice was with Annie Okerlin when she first opened her Bikram Studio; could that have been 17 years ago?
2. What do you love about teaching yoga?
I like the art and science of “teaching” anything. Trying to determine how to offer information in a way that people will understand and internalize is the challenge. With yoga there is the bigger picture of The Eight Limbs, and we get to work with all of a person’s senses while giving information. Someone might learn by hearing, another by watching…it’s like creating a multi-media presentation each time you step into the classroom.
3. How has yoga and meditation changed your life?
I’ve always been able to have a spiritual experience while moving, which is one of the reasons I have been drawn to endurance sports. I wanted to be able to focus on minimal movement and stillness and still have the same experience. The reason that I specialize in the non-working forms of yoga is because that’s what I need, that’s what “my people” need, and that’s what was missing in my life. Yoga has been a great complement to my other spiritual practices and continues to help me along life’s path.
4. Why do you teach at Bella Prana?
I am fortunate enough to have my business located within the confines of Bella Prana. It’s a choice to stay in the place that affords me a great working environment and allows me the opportunity to serve/teach/practice differently each hour of the day. It’s a great blessing to be able to go to work each morning and know that I’ll have noise, silence, stillness, movement, teaching, practice, and peace within reach. Much is available when you walk inside; select a door and the experience will change.