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 Anna Douglas.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH YOGA?
I first started doing yoga in high school as an elective. It wasn’t until college though that I really started to dive deeper into the practice. I created my own degree called Creative Wellness and Holistic Health and actually graduated in Bali where I received my first 200 hour.
WHAT KIND OF TRAININGS HAVE YOU PURSUED?
My first training was in Bali where I received my first 200 hour in Hatha Yoga Center with Bob Smith and Ki Mcgraw. From there I have been certified in power vinyasa, yin, and am currently studying with Annie Carpenter, Patrick Beach and Carling Harps.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR TEACHING METHOD?
I teach from the heart. My classes are strong, creative, and intuitive. I like to teach in a way where my students know where they are going, and understand how they got there.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
Fear is just courage without breath.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST STRUGGLE AND YOUR BIGGEST MILESTONE IN THE PRACTICE?
Milestone in the practice?
Oh goodness that is a good question. My biggest struggle is something I am currently working on and that is handstands! I recently completed a 30 hour handstand intensive and it was one of the most humbling and physically challenging things I have ever done. It reiterated to me the fact that we are what we repeatedly do, not what we repeatedly say we do.
CONGRATULATIONS! WE HEARD THAT YOU ARE PLANNING TO OPEN A YOGA STUDIO IN BELLTOWN, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS ADVENTURE? AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE BELLTOWN?
Thank you! I am over the moon about this new project. It has honestly been my goal from the very beginning. I have taught at so many studios over the years and while I have loved all of them for different reasons it really opened my eyes to wanting to develop my own space, community, and vibe.
I chose Belltown because I have taught in that neighborhood for years. The Belltown waterfront is such a beautiful area and has such a unique energy about it. Specifically, the Old Spaghetti Factory building is a Seattle landmark and icon. For me it has always been a sign of old Seattle, and I am so thankful to be able to be part of it’s a new chapter. Take Care’s logo is actually inspired by the statue across the street, Echo. Or as many people know it as, the giant head.
CAN YOU TELL US WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT WHEN VISITING?
Take Care Yoga will be a beautiful space aesthetically. I feel it is incredibly important to practice in a space where you actually want to spend time. What I feel will set us apart is how much I believe in our teachers and the community they will help create. I feel really thankful that I am entering this situation as someone who is already very well integrated into the Seattle yoga community. I understand what it takes to survive as a teacher, and what goes into being a teacher. It is hard work, and certainly not for the faint of heart.
I am seeking out teachers I already practice with weekly not only because they are some of the very best but because of the community that they bring with them. Community for us is everything and such an incredible by-product of the practice itself. It keeps you showing up to class, not only for yourself but for the person next to you.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE YOGA RELATED BOOK?
Ana T Forrest’s book Fierce Medicine. That book woke me up. If you don’t know Ana I highly recommend checking out her story.
OTHER THAN PRACTICING YOGA, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR WELLNESS & SELF-CARE HABITS?
I am a firm believer that movement is medicine. I move everyday, whether it be a two hour practice, a run to the beach with my dog, hiking outside, or interval training at my favorite spot Athletic Form, I make sure to get my heart beating for at least 30 minutes to not only stay healthy but sane!
During the summer I escape the city as often as I can to backpack with my husband and dog. We aim to hike as far out as possible to find quiet and soak up all that Washington has to offer, which let me tell you, is a lot.
WHO IS THE YOGI WE SHOULD FEATURE NEXT?
Cj Yeagley. I may be biased because he is one of my very best friends but he is an incredible teacher. I met him years ago at Bumpershoot when we both assisted for Rachel Brathen. Cj is a natural and teaches in a way that moves you not only physically but mentally. He is extremely strong and dedicated in his own practice and genuine in his teaching. No two classes ever the same, he is going places and I am so proud of him.
Douglas’ Bio: Born in Portland but a Seattle native, Anna Douglas grew up in a very urban landscape and craved wellness from the start.
Anna teaches the way she tries to live her life–with fire and heart, trusting that the idea of living deliberately will support growth, create opportunities and minimize the chances of regret.
Her studies began in Bali where she became certified in Hatha. She has since been certified in power vinyasa and has completed over 500 hours of training under the guidance of Bob Smith and, Ki Mcgraw, Annie Carpenter and many others.
Anna is the founder of Take Care Yoga in Belltown Seattle which is set to open February 14th, 2020. Until then you can catch her teaching publicly in Seattle or teaching retreats abroad.
Connect with Anna: Take Care Yoga Website
