Interview: Teri Ann Carty

Interview: Teri Anne Carty

Tell me about your yoga background.

I started practicing in my last year of college (1997!) but got really seriously into it 6 years ago and started teaching 3 years ago.

What are you working on right now in your practice and/or in your life?

I’m currently working on being kinder to my body. I’ve had some injury over the past couple of years and while everything is starting to come together I am trying to be compassionate and kind to myself. With that being said… I’m ALSO working on getting stronger. Arm balances, handstands, inversions and the like. Fun stuff that I know my body wants to delve into. Just gotta take my time without pushing too hard. I just finished a 300 hour advanced TT in Baja, Mexico so I’m also always on the quest for more knowledge. I try to do a minimum of 3 trainings a year to keep improving mind, body, and spirit.

What are you most proud of?

Getting sober hands down. I stopped drinking and smoking cigarettes on the same day: January 2nd, 2012. Best decision I’ve ever made and my greatest accomplishment so far.

What is the most important thing that you want students to learn in your classes?

The most important thing I want my students to learn in my classes is how to listen to their own bodies. I have a very wide range of yogis that come to my classes. Some are very experienced teachers and practitioners and some have never practiced before in their lives. I never want to scare off new yogis so encouraging the individual on the mat to take care of their body, mind and spirit is something I really try to instil in every person that comes to my class. That, and to have fun and express it in the room. I encourage my students to tune into whatever they are experiencing in the moment and to use that throughout the practice.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

My superpower is reading people’s energy. It’s been something I used to feel plagued by but I’ve turned it into a superpower.

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Well to be honest I’d choose my mister. But I’d also love to break bread with Elena Brower and Oprah.