Collective Spotlight: Lexi Major
Lexi is dedicated to helping others find health and balance using the practices of yoga. She has a lifelong passion for learning about the body in motion and has been a student of yoga for 25 years.
Do you remember your first yoga class? What was it like? Why did you enroll?
I remember my first yoga class well, even though it was almost 25 years ago! I took a yoga class as part of an intro to movement series offered by the dance department at my University. I remember disliking this class because I couldn't figure out how to breathe! I felt out of breath the whole time! Luckily not long after that, I took another yoga class with a very experienced teacher, named Bonnie Menton, and I fell in love with her style of teaching.
Are there any preconceived notions you had about yoga that changed over time?
I first learned yoga as a physical practice. While studying yoga in India from 2002-2006, I learned pranayama, chanting, mantra, and learned about yoga as a devotional practice. I learned that the level of devotion in India goes deep and is rooted in the culture and ancestors. I felt this and it changed me on a deep level. My practice now consists of somatic embodiment, surrender, compassion and meditation.
What have you gained from your yoga practice?
My yoga practice gives me Balance in my daily life- so I guess I've gained Balance :)
Why did you want to become a teacher?
My yoga practice helps me feel happy in my body and balanced in my whole being. I wanted to share this great feeling with others!
How would you describe your teaching style?
I love to teach "Gentle Yoga". I like to say at the beginning of class, Gentle Yoga is about being gentle with our bodies, and gentle with ourselves- essentially, having self compassion. Yin Yoga is a wonderful way to be gentle with our bodies, and to invite deep listening to the body.
How do you want a student to feel after your class?
Relaxed, present and connected to their bodies- a feeling of complete wholeness:)
