Tori Svoboda

About

When I first tried yoga in my s I approached it as if it were a competitive sport  Could it make me stronger more flexible?  Certainly but it also fed a less helpful and more critical side of myself  I was the person who snuck out of classes during final resting phases believing I was too busy to stick around and do "nothing"  Isnt that true for many of us when were younger?  We spend lots of energy working and doing but less time on simply being I came back to yoga in my s wondering whether/how it could help me through depression and anxiety With a different approach and focus wellness rather than perfection I discovered a different outcome Learning about the philosophy of yoga and the importance of breath pranayama helped me far more than the physical practice the asanas alone  My primary work is as a university professor teaching graduate students about and conducting research on identity and equity in higher education Ive taught adults for over years and believe my role is more "guide on the side" than "sage on the stage" I am imperfect in my own yoga practice learning to accept and embrace my body as it is rather than how I wish it might be  And whether teaching college or yoga I feel fortunate to learn with and from students.