and 
DANA CHAISSON
Teaching Gentle Flow on Fridays 11:30am - 12:45pm
Years Practicing Yoga: 7
Years Teaching Yoga: 5
Part of the Evolution community since: June 2011
Personal Yoga Journey
When did you start practicing yoga?
I started practicing in Los Angeles when my best friends suggested we try a class together. At that point I had been doing personal training for 4 years and thought I could master this thing called 'yoga'. Boy, was I wrong! I got my butt kicked...and never looked back.
What made you want to become a teacher and how did you know that you were ready?
When I was a little girl I used to say "I wanna be a teacher when I grow up!" As I got older, I would think back on that statement—was there anything I cared about so much that I could possibly teach others? Nothing came to mind for 20 years. Finally, after getting laid off (again) from the Hollywood entertainment industry, I took my severance pay to Hawaii for my first yoga retreat where everything snapped into place: I would teach yoga! This amazing action that changes lives, cultivates peace and inspires others - this is what I must give back to the universe. I knew I was ready when I cried at my epiphany and immediately following the retreat, immersed in a 6 week, 200 hour teacher training.
What are your personal inspirations/sources behind your teachings?
I am constantly inspired by life, human beings, nature and the Divine.
Who are you currently studying? What are you focusing on currently in your own practice?
Currently I am studying Yoga Nidra. In my own practice I am always focusing on self-love and nurturing myself. Mindful breathing, and meditation are also always a priority when I'm on my mat.
How do you take your practice off the mat?
I practice off the mat by fearlessly living my truth in this world. I practice staying open, patient, positive, compassionate a
nd aware of everything around me. By grounding in the present moment I can let go of worry, fear and control and surrender to something greater.What are some of your favorite yoga poses and why?
Makarasana (crocodile) is one of my favorites because I love to hug the earth and let my heart beat into it. I love all restorative postures because they remind me that I am a human BEING, not a human DOING. I'm also partial to balance poses...as a Gemini, I need to work on both sides. And the most important pose of all: Savasana!
Books & Music
What are you reading now?
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Yoga Nidra by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
What songs are on your current playlist?
I have a nice balance of both yoga music and pop/rock.
Why do you play music in your classes?
I play music to match the energy and theme of my classes. Some classes require Reiki Whale Songs and some need Florence And The Machine.
Advice To Students
What advice would you give to your students just beginning yoga?
"Your breath is the most important thing. If you cannot comfortably breathe in a pose, come out of the pose."
What advice would you give to the more seasoned person practicing yoga?
"Every day is different. Focus on what you can do today and let everything else go."
Little known facts about me: I have a twin brother who is my best friend. One of my pets is a South African Leopard Tortoise.
Words that describe my classes: Nurturing. Inspirational. Creative. Joyful. Soothing.
I knew I loved yoga when: I couldn't stop talking about it to everyone I came in contact with.
Where yoga helps me the most: The obvious: my body feels better with yoga, inside and out. The unexpected: my relationship with myself, other people and life in general greatly improves with yoga.
Why I love this studio: Sandy (the owner) has been so supportive and good to me. At Evolution, it's not just about doing yoga for fitness - it's the whole package; body, mind and spirit. I love the students, the awesome teachers...and that darned boutique that wants me to buy everything!
Favorite comment/quotes that inspire me:
"Learn to like yourself. You have to take you with you wherever you go." ~ Susan Raglin, my first yoga teacher and class
"If everyone knew how powerful their minds were, no one would ever think a negative thought." ~ Unknown
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us." ~ Marianne Williamson
$9 classes with a new teacher to you!
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