Chelsea Wallace

RYT 500hr

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I was born and raised here in Ventura California!

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR PERSONAL PRACTICE
I started practicing yoga in college in 2011 to relieve stress and anxiety, but quickly shifted to developing a deeper relationship with my body and my breath. During my practice of yoga, I enjoy the feeling of peace and stillness I am able to cultivate on my mat. So, I quickly became an avid yogi and wanted so much for this practice of awareness to ripple off the mat and into my daily life. More and more, I was able to practice meditation, pranayama, and asana and I started to really notice a shift in my being.

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
On my journey as a new yoga instructor, I have led mindful yoga classes that allow my students to cultivate peace and awareness. I began teaching yoga outside donation based in all my favorite parks and beaches as well as at a local studio! My yoga class begins with meditation and pranayama, diving into self awareness. The body of the class we continue into a creative and energetic vinyasa flow allowing you to be mindful with each movement. To end the class, I love to share my voice and sing to you in Savasana 🙂

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE?
Pigeon pose is my favorite pose because when I first began my yoga journey I had discomfort and my breath was weak in this pose so I had to listen to my body and back out and adjust and place all my focus on each inhale and exhale. Each time I move into pigeon I think about my strong steady breath and continue listen to my body and notice the growth in my pose and my practice.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA/SPIRITUALITY/SELF HELP BOOK?
One of my favorites is Journey to the Heart by Melody Beattie a book I discovered when I was practicing yoga in Costa Rica and I fell in love with the book.  It has daily messages for guidance on the process towards connecting to the heart and soul.

ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS?

WELCOME!!! So glad you are beginning this beautiful journey. Be gentle with your body and focus on your breath!

Allow your self to have fun don’t take your practice too serious!

WHAT DOES “COMMUNITY” MEAN TO YOU?
Community mean together sharing each others differences and diversity and allow each soul to feel connected as part of the whole.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT VENTURA?
The people that make up this city and that I feel safe in my own skin and free to be myself and express myself. I thankfully have been treated with love growing up here all my life and that is something I am very proud of my city for!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?

So many good ones!!!

Food Share, The Young and the Brave Foundation, NAMI, School on Wheels Inc, CARL, Project Bike Love