Mariah Ingram-Pflaumer
E-RYT 500hr, Elemental Prana Vinyasa 40hr, Prison Yoga 13hr, MFR 25hr, Mindfulness Meditation Certified, Advanced Sequencing 25hr, Empowerment Yoga 100hr
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I was born in Los Angeles and traveled around the US with my family until I was 5. We moved to Thousand Oaks for a few years and then settled in Moorpark. I moved to Ventura for work when I was 18.
TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR PERSONAL PRACTICE
I began attending yoga classes at a local gym when I was a teenager. I loved deep stretching and the sense of peace that yoga brings. Over the years I have practiced yoga on and off. I have always been into body movement and fitness. I became a certified fusion fitness teacher in my 20’s, and then a certified CrossFit coach in my 30’s as well as a body worker. In my late 30’s I began to practice yoga more regularly. In November of 2015 I made the decision to become a certified yoga teacher. I let go of CrossFit coaching and training to create space for the practice of yoga. I have been learning, teaching, and practicing yoga almost exclusively since that decision.
TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
My initial Teacher Training was with Rob Hess and Colin Brightfield. I immediately began teaching at Jai Rhythm for 1.5 years, started a yoga class at C-Street CrossFit, personal private classes every week, and I have had the privilege of teaching at a local alcohol and drug facility for over a year. After my initial RTT I have continued training in Prana, Prison Yoga, and many small weekend workshops as well as a 9 day training in mindfulness meditation. I love to learn, and I love to share what I learn, this is just the beginning of a lifetime love affair. RYT-200, E-RYT-200, MFR 25hr, Elemental Prana Vinyasa 40 hrs.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE?
My favorite yoga pose is padmasana or lotus pose. This is a place of homeostasis. More then any other pose, pasmasana is where I arrive, settle and be. It is where I spend the most time in connection with source, with my highest self.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA/SPIRITUALITY/SELF HELP BOOK?
My favorite self help as well as spiritual books come from the 12 step community. I purchased my first one when I was 18. I’ve read it countless times and it is marked up, tore up, and absolutely falling apart. But I’m not. Not anymore… I have been given an amazing life because I try (to the best of my imperfect ability) to daily practice the principles I found in that book.
ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS?
My advice for beginners is, don’t take yourself to seriously, it’s just yoga. Breath, let go, and enjoy whatever arrives.
WHAT DOES “COMMUNITY” MEAN TO YOU?
Community to me, home. Community means home.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT VENTURA?
My favorite thing about Ventura… there are so many reasons why I initially moved here, but what I love the most about Ventura now is the community of friends and family I have here.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
My favorite charity is CARL Canine Adoption Rescue League. It is where I adopted both of my very loving and large dogs!