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 Veronica Poveda.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A YOGA TEACHER?
I started my yoga practice in Colombia in the late 90s, my teacher was Nalini from the Satyananda lineage, in that moment I was only a student who enjoyed every class. Nalini invited me to a presentation by Swami Yogashakti Saraswati, she talked in-depth about the mind, she talked about suffering and attachments and it really sparked my interest and curiosity and I wanted to learn more. The more I learned over time the more I wanted to share this learning with others, that is what ultimately led me to become a yoga teacher.
WHAT KIND OF TRAININGS HAVE YOU PURSUED?
I started this path with the guidance of professors Nalini, Swami Yogashakti Saraswati, Alirio Agudelo, Martin Morris, Patricia Fernandez. I studied a masters degree in Universal Yoga, I have taken workshops for teachers with Bobby Clennell, Paul King and Iyengar yoga lessons with Monika Kuntz. I have a 200 hour yoga teacher training Certificate and I have been teaching Yoga for more than 8 years now leading hatha, vinyasa, power yoga and restorative yoga classes. I have also been regularly practicing yoga for over 15 years now. Learning is an ongoing journey and I continue to pursue more trainings and I am deeply influenced by masters such as Krishnamurti, Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Mooji.
YOU MOVED TO SEATTLE FROM COLOMBIA, WHAT IS THE YOGA SCENE LIKE IN COLOMBIA AND IN WHICH WAYS IS IT SIMILAR OR DIFFERENT FROM THE SEATTLE ONE?
The yoga scene in Colombia is actually similar to Seattle in many ways, you can find very good yoga studios and a lot of people who are interested in the practice, as well as many others who dedicate their lives to teaching yoga. It is definitely gaining popularity in the major Colombian cities. In terms of differences, there are definitely many more big yoga events and more hot yoga studios in Seattle and in the United States than in Colombia.
YOU ARE STARTING TO OFFER YOGA CLASSES IN SPANISH IN SEATTLE, CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT?
I am starting to teach weekly classes at Seattle Yoga Arts in Capitol Hill and I am very thankful to them to be a great partner and supporter to make it possible to have regular yoga classes in Spanish in the community. Students will experience a slow flow class to cultivate alignment, strength and synchronization of movement with breathing. Students will find a safe and friendly yoga practice that will allow them to explore their limits. This class is open to all levels. Students can attend the first class for free which is happening on Saturday July 28th.
I also offer private yoga classes, each class is designed according to the needs and requirements of each student, some prefer vinyasa or a more dynamic practice while other opt for a more gentle or passive style of yoga.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU ALWAYS GIVE YOUR STUDENTS?
Focus always on your breath to calm your mind and be able to observe your own thoughts.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASANA AND WHY?
I like head stand as a reminder that life can change at any moment.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE YOGA RELATED BOOK?
Vasisthas Yoga, I’ve been studying the Yoga Vashista for a long time, I like books that focus on the mind.
Veronica Poveda’s Bio: Born in Colombia, Veronica Poveda has more than 15 years of yoga practice as a science, art and philosophy. She has been sharing Yoga for more than 8 years as a hatha, vinyasa, power yoga and restorative yoga instructor. Her goal is to share the tools that Yoga brings so people can live the experience of understanding one’s own capabilities, and perceptions about life. In her classes, students will experience a safe and friendly yoga session that allows them to explore their limits, and their state of mind. Veronica’s native language is Spanish but she is eagerly learning English.
