Lee Ann McGuire

RYT 200hr, AFAA Yoga 50hr, YTU 25hr, MFR 25hr

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Population 3,000 Uhrichsville, Ohio

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR PERSONAL PRACTICE

My eyes began to open in 1995 when my practice in martial arts began. I trained for 15 years with Supreme Grand Master Choi, a 10th Dan Black Belt. I earned 3 black belts in Tae Kwon Do, studied Qigong, Hapkido and meditation. My injuries led me to yoga where I found I could slow down, heal and still be greatly challenged. I gradually decided to deepen my interested in mindful movement and meditation. Currently I study regularly at Vajrapani Institute, a Buddhist center for meditation and retreat.  

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Teachers started asking me to sub their classes so I began teaching Vinyasa, Power Yoga, Cardio Kickbox and a variety of fitness classes. I led yoga classes for senior citizens and recovering cancer patients where I learned to deepen my style of yoga through breath and the healing arts. I then later got my 200 hours through AIReal Yoga and certification for fitness instructor.  I believe the greatest teachers are also the greatest students Teaching is a great discipline for me. Yoga can be a very rich and also raw experience. It's a lifetime practice that will only enhance our lives in a positive way. Because of this I owe it to my students to continue to learn and grow through the long lineage of yoga. RYT-200, MFR 25hr

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE?
My current favorite yoga pose is bakasana. Not because it’s easy for me–it’s not, but because I like the feeling of my abdominals working to lift and maintain balance. I can really feel my body getting stronger and I like the stretch in my thoracic spine too.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA/SPIRITUALITY/SELF HELP BOOK?

One of my favorite spiritual books is When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron. I pick it up from time to time as a reminder of how I choose to understand my emotions.

ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS?

It’s just part of our lives. We practice everyday just like we go to work or buy groceries. Training the mind to be less stressed through yogic meditation and training the body to move through yoga postures combined make us happy. Don’t make it complicated, it’s just part of your life.

WHAT DOES “COMMUNITY” MEAN TO YOU?
Community means very much to me. It is a scientific fact that socializing and exercise have great benefits for the brain. I’m surrounded by like minded friends who are interested in living a healthy balanced life. It’s part of the practice and why we come together.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT VENTURA?
Ventura has beautiful beaches, mountains, perfect climate and it’s friendly but that’s not my favorite thing about living here. It’s the YOGA!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
Casa Pacifica, because it starts with the children.