Andrea Arriaga
E-RYT 500hr
TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
I began my life as a teacher doing personal training and teaching Pilates which led me down the path to yoga. I’ve been fortunate to have been teaching yoga now for over 20 years! I’ve taught in California, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico and Hawai’i. I spent many years hosting and instructing yoga and surf retreats, working in retreat centers as a teacher, Holotropic Breathwork guide, Thai massage therapist, Ayurvedic therapist, Ayurvedic detox specialist and chef.
My experiences through the years doing trainings and working as the in house instructor at retreat centers allowed me to study under many amazing teachers, wellness professionals and healers who have influenced my teaching style. I met my primary teacher Matt Pesendian in this way and began studying under him in 2008. I am 500ryt and have done many trainings but more importantly I have had an incredible personal mentor in my primary teacher who trusted me through devoted practice to undertake his teachings and share them.
With all my training and experiences I generally find that simplicity in practice and teaching can be the most powerful for the students. I love teaching yoga and the associated philosophies and lifestyle practices. It is where a feel at home and feel I can share my gifts and passions to be of services to others. In group yoga classes I tend to teach deep vinyasa practices inspired by my studies of shadow yoga and vinyasa flow while incorporating pranayama and meditation. The choreography and flow of my classes are inspired the students who attend, changing day to day. I aim to create classes where everyone feels challenged and no one feels as though it is too much. My intent in teaching is to help every student know there own inner strength, light and power and truly connect with their breath and being. I hope that as a teacher I ultimately help students of yoga to connect more deeply to an experience of wholeness and what it is to act as your highest self so that our individual gifts and hearts can be more fully recognized and expressed.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE?
My favorite pose tends to shift with whatever is going on in my life and with the seasons or environment I’m in but if I had to choose one I’d go with padmasana, lotus pose. Its such a classic. I love how grounding and expansive it is energetically. Physically we open and strengthen the ankles, knees, hips, spine and abdomen. We can access the badhas, and incorporate various methods of pranayama, mudra and even practice japa while we hold the pose. Padmasana represents the practice of the unobstructed unfolding of life and of our own true nature through the yogic path, an unveiling of shadow or darkness to express and uncover the internal light. We see lotus symbolized as the unfolding of the heart and the ajna chakra, or the awakening of Shakti and Kundalini, as the seat or in the hands or at the feet of the great deities and mystics such as Brahma, Buddha, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati. I really love evoking the myth and symbolism of the asanas because they make practice more potent, reminding us of the sacred nature of practice and of our being, wherever there is yoga there will the lotus. “No mud, no lotus”.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA/SPIRITUALITY/SELF HELP BOOK?
So many good ones…. Hatha Yoga Pradipika for yoga because it is a classic hatha text full of information and tools that can be applied to every form of practice and I’ve always loved the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz because it’s simple and I’m drawn to the shamanic teachings, indigenous wisdom and philosophy from across the world but especially Mexico.
ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS?
Yoga is simple, connect in with the breath and let it guide and inform your movements. Find your edge and wherever it is, it’s perfect. Don’t let the practice create more stress in your body or your life. Often times it’s not about needing to do more or be more, it’s about letting go, simplifying and undoing so our energy can flow and what can see what unfolds organically.
WHAT DOES “COMMUNITY” MEAN TO YOU?
For me community is about connection and service, feeling a sense of place and support and making others feel the same, sharing and caring for each other and for our environment. When it comes to the yoga community sharing in the common values and virtues of our practice, supporting one another on the mat and off so we can all shine our lights a little brighter as we walk our unique paths.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT VENTURA?
My family and our beautiful September through October beach days, fun surf, dolphins, amazing sunsets and seaweed in your hair.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
Walk on Water is really special, they hold events in Ventura taking physically challenged children out to surf and create a sense of connection with the ocean.