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 Richard Cuevara.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH YOGA?
After having hurt my knee and tearing my ACL a third time, I was young and healthy but often had lots of knee and back pain. I was fortunate to have a lot of friends who really enjoyed yoga, friends who urged me to join. At first, I was quite skeptical and wasn’t sure if yoga would be for me. I went to yoga class with friends and continued to practice yoga for 30 days straight, after 30 days I felt amazing. I felt renewed, 10 years later and I feel like a different human all together. Yoga has helped me heal my body and has taught me to be more present in my life. It what a gift.
WHAT KIND OF TRAININGS HAVE YOU PURSUED?
Over the past few years I’ve been working with Annie Carpenter & Tiffany Russo on SmartFlow Yoga, in the next few months I am off to a training in Oakland with Annie. I will also be going to Brooklyn to attend a Functional Movement training later in November which I am very excited about! As well as some trainings right here in my own back yard with Greta Hill & Michelle Johnson in October.
HOW HAS YOGA INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE & WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON TODAY?
Yoga has taught me to come back to the moment, even though most times it may not be easy. Yoga has helped me find comfort in my body, it has shown me to love my imperfections. It has made me kinder in many ways but especially in how I treat myself.
HOW DID YOUR FORMER EXPERIENCE IN ATHLETIC TRAINING CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR YOGA TEACHING METHOD?
Growing up and playing many sports I came to know many awesome coaches who imprinted lots of wisdom on me. Having trained with many the golden word was always fundamentals, when the fundamentals are solid everything seems to fall in line. Maybe it comes, maybe it doesn’t. I try to bring that to my teaching, I think the simple movement gives us the best feedback.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
The best piece of advice I received was from young child when I was running summer camps a few years back. I asked, “why does life have to be so hard sometimes?”. Her response: “that is the way life is, sometimes it’s not easy but we always keep moving forward”.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE YOGA RELATED BOOK?
IN A YOGA WORLD DOMINATED BY WOMEN, HOW IS IT LIKE BEING A MALE YOGA TEACHER & WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE TO ENCOURAGE MORE MEN TO PRACTICE YOGA?
I’m pretty used to teaching classes where it’s me and 20 + women, it has its challenges, but I enjoy learning how to be more inclusive and how to guide students using my words.
I honestly think a lot of men still don’t really know what yoga is all about or assume that it is “stretching” and “relaxing”. These days it is becoming more of a norm for men to practice which is great, I often have a few men in class which is awesome. Still, I think many would benefit from a well-rounded practice.
I think a great way to get men to practice yoga is simply to invite them to class, or if they are shy help them find a beginner’s series so they can learn the fundamentals and get comfortable with the practice.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT YOU’VE EXPERIENCED AS A YOGA STUDENT? AND HOW ABOUT AS A TEACHER?
As a student being told “you don’t have to get it all today, you have time” has helped me tremendously on and off the mat.
As a teacher… Honestly, I am inspired when I see my regular students return to class on a regular basis. I know how hard it can be to get a practice in. Their faith and dedication to their practice fuels me and challenges me to be better.
WHAT IS ONE THING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Most people don’t know that I am just a giant goof ball and have motorcycle.
WHO IS THE YOGI WE SHOULD FEATURE NEXT & WHY?
I think you should feature Pamela Chang or Naomi Huober, both are a joy to be around!
Richard Guevara’s Bio: Richard is certified to instruct and guide his students through alignment-based vinyasa and restorative yoga. He is a 500 RYT instructor who has trained with Annie Carpenter (SmartFlow Yoga) and Tiffany Russo.
He is currently working on a 500 Hr Certification in Smartflow.
As a former athlete who suffered multiple injuries resulting in chronic pain, Richard has found comfort and relief through his yoga practice. It became such a vital part of his life that he decided to enroll in teacher training; he has been an active instructor ever since. His style of yoga is smooth, alignment-based and favors breath over movement. He believes each movement is a pose in itself stemming from the core. He avidly believes in yoga’s ability to restore and heal the body as well as the mind. Richard loves to challenge his students and show that regardless of fitness level, anything is possible with practice. He also aims to have his students leave his class energized with renewed or continued faith in their ability to find comfort and release in his sessions.
Richard is an avid Pacific North West overall outdoor enthusiast as well as a mountaineer, passionate climber, acroyogi, and cyclist. You can count on finding him outside rain or shine.
Email Address: Richardguevarayoga@gmail.com
IG/Facebook : @RichardGuevaraYoga
