Pamela Nixon is the owner of Teachasana.com, an online educational resource and community for yoga teachers all over the world. No matter where you live, what style you teach, or how long you have been teaching, Teachasana is a place where you can go to share or receive education, information and advice.
Name: Pamela Nixon
Occupation: Owner of Teachasana.com, Yoga Teacher
Location: New Jersey
Favorite yoga style: Alignment Based Vinyasa
Favorite yoga pose: Handstand. But I could easily substitute any other arm balance or inversion!
Yoga is…everything. There is no practice in life that isn’t yoga. I love that!
What Do You Love Most About Yoga?
Yoga teaches me to be a better person. There are so many different practices (asana, chanting, meditation) and each one busts my heart open in a different way that allow me to love so much more.
How Has Yoga Changed Your Life, Personality and Physique?
Years ago, yoga used to be just a physical practice for me. Now it is my whole life. I practice, I teach and I run a website for yoga teachers. It is everything I do! Since delving deeper into my practice, my personality has shifted; I am now kinder and more compassionate. My physique has changed as well. Over the years I have moved into a more alignment based vinyasa, which has helped me to heal old injuries from misalignment. I have become much more interested in arm balances which has helped me to become stronger, in more ways than one!
What Everyday Thing Did You Get Better At Because Of Yoga?
Understanding others. Practicing compassion. It is a work in progress but it is progress that I can see.
How Do You Keep Your Yoga Practice Interesting and Challenging?
Arm balances and inversions are my go-to’s. They are ALWAYS challenging and the interesting part comes into play when I am aware of how the poses effect me in my day, or how my day effects me in my poses.
What Book, Website or Person Inspires You?
I am learning that inspiration is everywhere. The challenge is opening my eyes to see it. Whether it is my friends, family, students or teachers, I can be greatly inspired by everyone around me. I can find it in the sutras or some graffiti on the wall in a bathroom. The inspiration is there if I chose to see it.
One book in particular that I like to read through and often read quotes from in my classes is called A Grateful Heart: Daily Blessings for the Evening Meal.
What Do You Listen To While You Do Yoga?
When it comes to my playlists, I go through phases. I will spend months at a time listening to only Sanskrit music, followed by months of only instrumental. Lately I am into practicing to really loud pop music. I never know what is going to get me inspired and moving on my mat!
What's The Best Advice You've Ever Received?
In regards to being a yoga teacher: Always be a student first.
Website: Teachasana.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/teachasana
Twitter: Twitter.com/teachasana
Other links: Youtube.com/user/teachasanaonline