Teacher Talk Tuesday: Meet Kelli White

As a full-time researcher, wife, mom and yoga instructor, it was hard to find time, but we made it work with coffee for the win! The incredible Kelli White gave us some of her precious time to chat with us for our next Teacher Talk Tuesday.

1.    What is your favorite asana & why?

It’s so hard to choose. It depends on my mood and what my body needs. I love the challenge of arm balances, so almost any of those are high on my list. I also really like a variation of Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulderstand) that I’ve always known as “Candlestick Pose” in which you bend your knees and let them rest on your forehead at the level of the “third eye.” I find it so soothing. I also love Swastikasana.  It’s a twist that has so many options and allows for so much control. Oh! And one more, “Cat Tail Pose”, it feels so good. Again, so many options and that twisting backbending just feels great to my body. 

2. Least favorite/why?

Tittibhasana (“Firefly”) immediately comes to mind. I’ve injured my hamstrings a few too many times and they really don’t appreciate it when I try this pose. I also find Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I) doesn’t feel so hot for me either. 

3. Funniest/most embarrassing yoga moment?

Hmm. I’ll have to think about this, I know there has to be a funny story that’s safe to share. I think humor is so important. My classes tend to be fairly challenging, so being able to laugh or to make the students laugh helps to take the edge off so we stop taking ourselves so damn seriously. What’s the point, if we’re not enjoying ourselves? I think most of the students that attend my classes quickly learn it’s a safe space and like to give me a hard time (and I not-so-secretly love them for it).

4. Best/most rewarding yoga moment?

I can’t say it’s a singular moment, but the most rewarding thing for me as a teacher, is the moment when I notice a student become aware of the fact that they are stronger than they thought they were; not only physically, but mentally as well. We should acknowledge that it takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable and show up to a class (especially that first one!) with people you don’t know, doing something you’re unfamiliar with. Yoga creates opportunities to be challenged to do things we didn’t think we were capable of and creates resiliency in other parts of our lives. 

5. Who knew? (interesting tidbits you might like to share)

My house is a zoo. We have 3 cats and 2 dogs and 1 toddler. It total chaos. If I seem super happy to be teaching…well…yeah. 

6. Outside of yoga what is your passion/Where can you be found?

Usually with my son, Julian. I also work full time at Washington University doing research in a Biomedical Engineering lab. I love to be active. I lift heavy things, jog, hike, and camp. 

7. What inspired you to be a student of yoga? To teach?

I just happened to go to a class with a friend and was hooked from the very beginning…21 years ago!! Around 2005, I found my teacher, Pam Schulte, and grew even more in love with this practice. It was then that my practice finally started to evolve into something that was more than just physical. I was interested in teaching, but thought I still had way too much to learn, and who did I think I was anyway? (Confession:  I still feel this way). Finally around 2011 I decided that my practice needed more and I signed up for teacher training. The rest is history, I guess. 

8. One piece of advice you like to give your students?

I just encourage them to take the long view. Yoga is a way of being.  It is constantly changing as our needs change. You don’t get a sticker if you get your nose to your knees (but you could get injured!), and I like to explain the real differences between a beginner student and a more advanced student. For the sake of brevity here, I just remind students that it doesn’t matter what “shape” you can get your body in, it’s where your head is. An advanced student will listen to their body and not force something, (and will OMG, use a prop!!) will take rest when they need it, and will maintain awareness of their breath. An advanced student will approach their steady practice with humility, curiosity, and without judgement. I think this is an important reminder with the increased popularity of yoga and our culture that wants to push everything to extremes. I’m all for trying challenging poses, if it’s appropriate. I personally think that they are fun and the journey to get there is even better.

9. Favorite yoga quote or mantra?

“Watch your thoughts, they become words;

Watch your words; they become actions;

Watch your actions; they become habits;

Watch your habits; they become character;

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

The above quote has been attributed to several people. After much research, the answer is still not definitive, so for that reason, we are going to leave out the attribution.

10. Favorite yoga tunes?

Eh.  I don’t usually get down with any traditional yoga music…I definitely don’t like anything too familiar either. I’ve played all sorts of music in my classes, Black Metal, The Beatles, a ton of rock, some jazz, some blues…my preference is more atmospheric, shoe-gazey kinds of sounds…I personally find it very distracting to practice to music that is too poppy or just something that I don’t like. ;) It may surprise some of my students, but I didn't play music in my classes for years. When I started though, there were many students that commented that it helped them quiet the chatter in their heads. Since then I *try* to play music that isn't too distracting, but I know that's certainly subjective. I still appreciate a quiet class. It's so rare that we are anywhere without constant noise.  

Want to take a class with Kelli?

Tuesdays @ 4:30 Vinyasa Flow; every other Thursday @ 6:30 Basics & Beyond. Check out our weekly schedule.

Kelli is also hosting an Advanced Vinysasa Flow on Saturday, April 6th from 2:30-4:30.

Return to the Breath: A Year of Growth

What a year! I was given an incredible gift from Blue Sky Yoga that has made a lasting impact on me. Approximately one year ago, in January 2018, I walked into Blue Sky Yoga for the first time. I had been practicing yoga for years and had just completed yoga teacher training and decided to attend a class at Blue Sky Yoga. Walking in the studio I immediately enjoyed the warm atmosphere and beautiful sense of community. I was eager to begin the January challenge and enjoyed embracing a challenge for myself of 25 classes in one month. It was a busy month. And many of you saw that I was just barely getting there in time for a class to start! But, I did it. Not so I could puff up my ego, not to let the whole world know, and not with the intention of reshaping my body. I did it to further develop my practice, to experience yoga with a myriad of teachers, to infiltrate my mind, body and spirit with a sense of peace and renewal through mindful yoga practice.

I spent the last evening of January 2018 practicing yoga in two classes in order to reach my 25-class goal. That evening, as I left the studio, I drove home feeling energized as I reflected on spending the first month of 2018 gaining focus, clarity, energy, and peace. I truly felt full and grateful for the physical and emotional space to grow my practice at BSY. I was thankful for each breath I’d been given and the physical body that had allowed me to show up each day at the mat. My body was tired, but one of those good “tireds” the kind of tired that leads you to an amazing night of sleep.

The following morning I headed into work like any other day. As I pulled into the school parking lot I noticed I had a facebook notification from someone and it caught my eye. I was prompted to open it up and take a look. I kept staring at my phone in disbelief, at first not allowing myself to get excited because I might not be reading it correctly. After a double, then triple-check I realized I had won the grand prize ONE YEAR FREE Unlimited Yoga! I was beyond thrilled and bounced out of my car as I literally danced up and down the sidewalks. I began to draw a crowd as teachers gathered at their classroom windows attempting to understand what was “wrong” with me. I bolted into the school, made an announcement to staff of my winnings and continued to dance up and down the hallways, in and out of classrooms! It was a day filled with excitement and pure joy! It was just the beginning of an incredible journey!

In the first months of the year I found myself indulging in classes I’d never attended, meeting fellow yogis, and being led in practice by a variety of instructors. Each time I parked and then bounced my way to the doors of the studio, I felt a surge of gratitude. Gratitude for the space that was beginning to feel like home and the faces of those who were becoming more familiar. Gratitude for my body, my breath, and opportunities to calm my mind and accomplish a sense of grounding.

During the winter and spring months I found enormous challenges in my job. These challenges were stressful, emotionally draining and took a physical toll at times. Those who were close to me often pointed out how this gift from BSY couldn’t have come at a better time, and I agreed. After a long day at work, a day feeling defeated, I eagerly anticipated my outlet and retreat at BSY near the end of the day. During my yoga practice I was reminded to return to the breath and found myself melting into my mat, letting go of the stressors. Enjoying another opportunity to find peace, strength, and gratitude.

As the summer months approached, I began establishing a routine. There were specific classes I found myself gravitating towards and it felt strange whenever I wasn’t able to attend them. Not only was I becoming more comfortable at the studio, but I was also becoming more comfortable with myself, my practice, and my body. I was also finding a sense of balance in various areas of my life, with family, friends, responsibilities. As I pursued new career opportunities, I was eventually led to a new position in the fall. This new position was full of promise and change. I found that yoga led me to a place within myself that was healthy and strong which allowed me to prepare for the new adventures that were ahead.

Autumn isn’t typically viewed as a season of renewal. However, it was for me. New adventures, routines, and people to meet as I began a fresh new opportunity. As this renewal began in my life, it also created a space in my yoga practice. I found myself settling into the familiar space with a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation. I began pursuing a deeper sense of inner peace and stillness. I challenged myself to find a deeper sense of love…for myself and others.

As the end of my free year approached, I found myself trying to squeeze in as many classes as I could although I knew I’d be returning to BSY long after the year was completed. How could I not return to this space that has held me through so many different emotions and allowed me to experience and grow so much? My heart is full when I look back on the year I was given at BSY. It’s an experience I will always look back and remember as a time of growth and I will return to that strong sense of gratitude for the gift and opportunity.