My background in yoga was a one hour class at the local gym I worked at in college.  I walked out frustrated and angered that I could not keep up with others in the class and immediately convinced myself that I would NOT return (I’m not competitive at all 🤪). 

After teaching at Carondelet for a year, Kevin asked me if I would be willing to go through 200 hours of yoga teacher training – YES, 200 HOURS 😳.  Not knowing what I was getting myself into or exactly what I was searching for, I stumbled across a yoga studio in Walnut Creek known as Just Be.  The space they provided was welcoming and beautiful and most importantly they offered the training that I needed.  

Not wanting to go in cold turkey, I began a membership with the studio and started taking classes to become more acquainted with the practice.  The first class I took was taught by a young teacher named Maris, a senior at Clayton Valley High School.  I was immediately moved by the practice and knew in that moment that yoga and teacher training was going to be an experience that I would forever be grateful for.  

Three years later and Maris is still inspiring my teachings.  Below is her story – one that I feel is important for our students to hear.  It’s powerful, beautiful and raw.  She dives into a topic that many do not want to talk about.

With the permission from our personal counselors, I intend to show this 50 minute video to my yoga students by the end of the semester – with space to opt out of the viewing.  If you find an hour of time this weekend, I highly recommend you watch “I Am Maris” on Netflix or at least check out her blog .