Stacey Domingues

RYT 200hr

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Lompoc, CA

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR PERSONAL PRACTICE
I started practicing at a gym in 2013, but deepened my practice in 2016 after a heartbreak and one of the hardest years as a new high school English teacher, a friend brought me to a hot yoga class. My first intention ever was to love myself, which sounded so cliche to me, but I knew it came up for a reason. I began to play with & embody that idea through self acceptance and compassion. Yoga aided some major rebuilding in me, physical strengthening, and spiritual expansion when everything valuable seemed to have been shattering in my life. My practice is a form of play, self care, self study, and connection to myself and the Divine.

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
I was 200 hour certified through Yandara Yoga in July, 2018. I began teaching locally immediately, as well as private classes, gym and studio classes, Lulu Lemon Malibu, goat yoga, and Chair Yoga to seniors at a senior resort. I also create online classes on YouTube and continue to teach privates. I teach vinyasa, yin, restorative, and power yoga.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE?
This is always changing for me! For right now, plank variations because I feel great accessing strength, power, balance, and expansiveness.

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

Take Your Time: The Wisdom of Slowing Down by Eknath Easwaran, because its teachings continuously challenge my paradigms around multi-tasking for productivity. It talks about being in the present moment on one task to allow oneself to get into a meditative flow state. It feels a little rebellious and counter-intuitive, but its practice has inspired effective change and more peace for me.

ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS?
Listen to your body and become more aware of your inner voice and wisdom. Trust it. Let go and embody the pleasure of your practice, how good your body can feel, shake things off, and have fun.

WHAT DOES “COMMUNITY” MEAN TO YOU?
Being invited and inviting others in to express, be, create, grow, and give Lovingly holding space for ourselves and one another without judgement. Removing black and white thinking to allow ourselves and others to learn and explore. Empathy. Acknowledging our interconnectedness while being responsible to grow our inner selves.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT VENTURA?
My friends, the outdoors, beach, and the local creativity. It’s so beautiful here.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
NAMI Ventura County