Moniek Ross-Johnson! (website)
BA, AFAA, RYT 200, Kripalu Yoga, JourneyDance™, CPR/AED
Tell us, when did your mind-body first bend or move you to its will? I attended my first yoga class in 1996 for the physical benefits. I soon learned yoga is so much more than a physical practice for me. As my experience of yoga continued to expand I realized I have been practicing forms of yoga, such as Meditation in Motion, my whole life. Over the years, yoga has been a compassionate companion that has supported authentic healing and transformation of my being.
Besides your obvious coolness, what makes you so qualified to teach? I have many years of practice, study, degree, certifications and specializations. (some listed above) I am founder of Namasté Yoga Retreats and currently birthing Healthy Movements International. But what makes me most qualified is my authentic love and compassion for people and nonjudgmental experience of life's journey. I am passionate about facilitating an environment that encourages people to authentically connect, experience and trust their own inner teacher.
What other things are you qualified to do? 'Pick my nose' is the first thing that came to mind. tehehee ... But in an effort to be serious, I have spent my professional career in the corporate world. The last 10 years in the Health and Wellness Sector. I recently left the corporate world to fully align all aspects of my life to reflect my passions.
What can we expect to see, hear and do in your classes? Honor the Body...Quiet the Mind...Nourish the Soul...Free the Sprit. The classes I facilitate are experienced as an opportunity to have a deep physical practice while compassionately honoring where you are in the moment. They include:
- Intentions created to encourage the development of nonjudgmental awareness/witness consciousness.
- Pratapana - non-stressing, yoga style motion to warm muscles and connective tissue
- Pranayama – conscious breath technique practice
- Wiggle Time (Prana Response) – moments designed to listen and follow the wisdom of one's own body
- Flexibility that embraces the energy of the class in each moment
What pose/move do you dig the most and why? My yoga pose attractions usually reflect the energy that's at work in other aspects of my life. For this moment, I am most attracted to:
- Prasarita Padottanasana – Standing Wide Angle (standing inversion – Chakras 1,2,7)
- Virabhadrasana 2 – Warrior 2 (strength – Chakras 1-3)
- Garbhasana – Child's Pose (surrender – Chakras 1-7)
If you could push a button and remove a pose/move from history, which one and why? Sasangasana – Rabbit Pose. I would leave this pose for others but remove it for myself. I do not enjoy the experience of doing it.
Like, what's your sign man? Libra. Totally.
What are 3 things that make you smile real big and cheesy?
- Playing with my family. One of my nicknames is 'Goon'.
- A new travel destination
- When another person smiles, real big and cheesy
What is your favorite quote when you're in need of a little inspiration? "Just Be" It always reminds me to just authentically be myself with love and compassion.
If you could do anything to change the world, what would it be? Make reflecting the authentic beauty of every soul contagious for all.
Any other interesting information you would like to share with the nice people reading this here Bio? I am honored to share in the yoga practices of Blue Anjou, a wonderfully expansive community. I look forward to meeting each of the beautiful people that make this community what it is, students and teachers alike.
See Your Beauty in the Mirror of Life!
Namasté,
Mo
