Seattle Yoga News is on a mission to find and highlight all of the hidden, and maybe not so hidden, gems in our yoga community and beyond. We want you to learn about their experiences and perspectives, but also a bit more about their personalities, so we have a few fun questions for them. This week’s spotlight is turned towards Casey Stewart.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A YOGA TEACHER?

CASEY STEWART

It was the way yoga made me feel. I felt (and still do) freedom, exhilaration, self-love, acceptance, peace and connection (I could keep going with descriptives though that could get obnoxious). Very early on in practice I knew I had to make changes and weave yoga throughout my life, sharing this beautiful and transformative practice makes it twice as sweet!!

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU ALWAYS GIVE YOUR STUDENTS?

CASEY STEWART

Have fun, be safe and keep exploring what works best for you.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR YOGA PHILOSOPHY?

CASEY STEWART

Gratitude creates abundance. Do good and stay humble.

IF YOU COULD PRACTICE WITH ANYONE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?

CASEY STEWART

I think it would be awesome to practice with Dave Matthews. I’ve been a fan for many years and love the message he conveys through his music and life.

HOW LUCKY ARE YOU AND WHY?

CASEY STEWART

I think I’m extremely lucky. I get to do a job that I absolutely LOVE! Each day I get to wake up, teach yoga and connect with others. Finding one’s Dharma is a truly magnificent thing.

IF YOU COULD BE AN ANIMAL, A PLANT OR AN INGREDIENT, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?

CASEY STEWART

I really enjoy this human existence I’ve been gifted with but if I had to choose something it’d be a toss-up between an Orca whale or Sasquatch. I love the beauty of the PNW and wouldn’t want to leave!

WHAT IS YOUR LATEST FAVORITE THING ABOUT HUMANITY?

CASEY STEWART

I applaud and am inspired by people like Chobani founder Hamdi Ulukaya (donated half his 1.4B wealth) and Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris, both have made extremely generous pledges to aid in the Syrian and Kurdish refugee crisis. Our world needs more loving people like this. Thank you, gentlemen! #philanthropyrocks

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO NOMINATE NEXT FOR THE YOGA TEACHER SPOTLIGHT?

CASEY STEWART

I’d like to nominate a woman who’s not afraid to chase her dreams, Miss Angela Papini of Elev8 Hot Yoga. She’s rockin’ the south end yoga scene and deserves the spotlight!

Casey Stewart’s Bio: Casey discovered yoga in early 2006 as she sought relief from a high-stress career. She was instantly hooked. Feeling rejuvenated and encouraged, yoga quickly evolved into a passion and a personal calling for Casey. Her new sense of self freed her to pursue a necessary career change: in 2008 she began studying with teacher Baron Baptiste to earn her 200-hour teaching certificate and immediately immersed herself in the local yoga community.
Teaching yoga flows from Casey’s genuine commitment to her own personal practice, as well as the delight of connecting with others and sharing her love of yoga. She strives to bring a creative and playful energy to each class, incorporating a variety of techniques and styles inspired by many, though more recently influenced by teachers Sarah Powers, Amy Ippoliti, Marla Erickson and Troy Lucero.