YogaVine came about from years of teaching in-studio beginners courses and recognizing the apprehension so many students (me included, many years ago!) have about entering a yoga studio with no experience.
If YogaVine existed back when I began yoga, I wouldn't have dragged my daughter to my first 20 or so yoga classes before I got the up the nerve to attend on my own.
As yoga teachers, we have a tendency to lose sight of what being a true beginner feels like - for many of us, it's intimidating and brings up the uncomfortable side of our relationship with our bodies. It challenges our self-confidence. It invites in that voice of doubt.
As the founder of YogaVine and someone who started yoga in a big, awkward, unhealthy body which I did my best to hide, I get it. I get that taking that first step can be frightening. I know the worry of not fitting in, or worse, being called out.
I'm here to help get you started. We'll break this down into small pieces spread out over 8 weeks. I will provide explanations of how to approach this practice in a body that may be curvier, older or less flexible than your average yogi. We'll talk about what to wear and what to do when your body doesn't feel like it fits into the standard yoga mold. I'll provide you with detailed, step-by-step instruction, explanations, modifications, worksheets and lots of yoga facts to understand what's really important in each pose.
I get it. I've got your back. Let's do this together!
Hugs,
Linda
"Starting with Linda has been a game changer! I’m so glad I decided to take the 8 week beginners course. I believe I’ve set a foundation for a lifelong practice because of this studio’s purpose in sharing all of yoga, not just providing a workout. Thank you!! "
- A. Long
Hi, I’m Linda Patterson
I'm excited to start this journey with you... it's one I'm very familiar with. YogaVine's beginners course is what I wish existed when I was a new yoga student.
I've taught this course in-studio for over six years. I'm excited to be able to reach further and into the lives of women who aren't comfortable (yet) wandering into a yoga studio or those that don't have true beginner options to choose from.
I've been an overweight, confidence-lacking, body-hating newbie on the yoga mat. I'm the one that showed up in tee shirts three sizes too big to hide my body. That's not me anymore. While I may never be skinny, I am strong, tone, flexible and confident. I attribute those things to my yoga practice. It's not always a pretty practice, but it works.
I've learned to embrace the teachings of yoga and the body that shows up on my mat. I can help you do that, too.
If it helps you to feel like you're in good hands, my background is that I am an advanced (E-RYT 500) yoga teacher and a certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT), I teach beginner students and beginner teachers, I have over 9,000 hours of teaching experience. But I really think the most important thing is that I've walked this path. I get it. Let's do this together.