Teacher Spotlight: Angelica Lopez

Do you remember your first yoga class? What was it like? Why did you enroll?

I originally began practicing at a pretty young age with Wai Lana on PBS. I thought the movements were beautiful and I couldn't wait to do all of the fancy stuff. When I got to college I began what I consider to be my real practice of yoga. I signed up for the class as an elective and originally joked around with a friend in the back corner whenever poses looked awkward. My teacher, Maria Laporte, taught about basic Yogic principles and about Thich Nhat Han. She led a strong class that actually left me feeling embodied. This was a new feeling for me, it was terrifying and freeing, I knew I had found something important.

Are there any preconceived notions you had about yoga that changed over time?

I honestly thought that yoga was just another workout when I started. It was pretty movement and crazy shapes. It wasn't until I began practicing in college, and then definitely at Yoga Sanctuary, that I learned and felt the deeper meaning. Yoga is a rare moment to be present with ourselves, to feel our bodies in a safe and empowering way. A yoga class is especially beautiful because everyone is essentially being their true selves together. When you look around the room and you see everyone breathing and moving at the same pace, you know in your mind that everyone is there to feel better in one way or another. It is a real feeling of vulnerability, understanding, and community.

“A rare photo of me with both cats (whaaat!?)”- Angelica

What have you gained from your yoga practice?

I have gained so much from my practice, I don't know if I can fit it all here. Most importantly, I have learned to be embodied. As a trauma survivor, disassociation is my default. Although this served me once, it can make one feel like they are missing out in their adult life. Yoga has helped me feel the earth under my feet and the air on my skin. Additionally, Yoga has helped me be more vulnerable with myself and with others. It has helped me learn self-confidence and self-compassion. When I can't achieve a certain pose, it reminds me to honor the journey and not just the goal. Through yoga I've gained amazing teachers, a new perspective, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Why did you want to become a teacher?

While reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, I learned that there are whole organizations dedicated to using yoga to help treat trauma. Yoga has been such an important part of my own trauma recovery process that I knew I needed to get involved.

How would you describe your teaching style?

“YTT 2020 graduation with some inspiring folks.”- Angelica

My teaching style is curious with a hint of playfulness. I remind my students that they are already whole exactly as they are and that they have total autonomy in their practice. As we move together, I invite them to notice what they feel in their hearts, minds, and bodies. Perhaps you extend your leg fully today, maybe not. Every day is different, every body is different, let's see what happens this time on the mat.

How do you want a student to feel after your class?

I hope that my students feel good about themselves. Whether they were able to do every shape or not, I hope my students leave knowing that this does not define them. I hope they stand a little taller, and smile a little easier after my class. I want my students to know that no matter what is happening in their lives they are already good, already complete, already loved and loving.
How does yoga inform your activism work?

I recently read a quote from Terence, an enslaved man turned playwright during the Roman Republic, that states "I am a human being and thus nothing human is alien to me". The more I teach, whether in a studio, a senior center, or a recovery house, the more I realize how much this is true. As humans, we all want the same basic thing, to love and be loved as we are. While I do use my ability as a yoga teacher to create fundraisers for amazing social justice organizations, I also hope that in every class I help my students find a little more love for themselves. When we can love ourselves, we can bring that love into the world. This is the only way we will bring positive change.

Angelica on Cape Cod with her partner.