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ODDLight: Paula Pister

Apr 6th, 2019 • caitlin • Blog

Ciao ODDBalls,

For the month of April, the ODD blog is featuring Paula Pister, our resident teacher and yoga health coach. Keep reading to learn more about Paula and then pop on over to our workshops page to sign up for her upcoming workshop, Daily Habits of Yogis. It's happening on Thursday, April 11 from 7:30-9:30pm in the Silverlake Location. Drop in to think critically about your daily habits and how they shape how you show up in the world. In this workshop you'll learn simple and effective strategies from Ayurveda, Yoga and modern behavioral science to thrive daily!

Name: Paula Marie Pister

Nickname: P$

Hometown: Vancouver, BC. Canada

Favorite place: Vancouver BC. Canada

What initially inspired you to become an instructor?

I moved to NYC from a “quiet” town and found a sanctuary in the local gym (Crunch) where I took my first yoga class. For me a yoga class was where I could go to turn in and away from the noise, chaos and people of Manhattan. I loved it so much and it aligned with so many of my existing philosophy that I was hooked. From there I dove in deeper and took my first 200 hour TT at Laughing Lotus.

Why do you continue to teach?

I’m continually learning and want to share all that I learn. As a yoga health coach with the knowledge of Ayurveda I am on the biggest learning curve of my life. Coaching clients to live healthier and more easeful lives while aligning with their dharma is what gets me up in the morning.

How do you define yoga?

It’s a spiritual practice and tool to help us understand ourselves more deeply and align us with our highest self/ God/ universal consciousness. Unless the practice is taken off your mat and into your daily life it’s just another exercise class. The meaning for me has changed over the years and continues to evolve.

When you aren’t at the studio where can you be found (favorite past time)?

With my 2 kids and husband, coaching clients within my dynamic group of "Be BOLD & THRIVE”, skiing, at the beach, hiking, and around horses as much as possible.

Share a story or anecdote with us – something magical, changing, funny, or adventurous. Something that you love to tell.

I lost my amazing Father suddenly in 2014- I believe that he was the one that put me on the path to taking my yoga OFF the mat and becoming a coach- there’s so much magic in the details of how it happened, but it would take too long to tell. Check out my website for the story :)

What is your favorite pose or flow? Why?

Supta Baddha Konasana- hips open, heart lifted, restorative, gentle backbend

What is your favorite yogi prop or piece to wear or use?

I LOVE my Manduka Black Mat- it’s my sacred space

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Soon after giving birth to my daughter, I took a yoga class. I can’t remember exactly what I did but it must have compressed my abdomen and the sound that came out of my "baby parts” was like the loud waffling sound of a balloon deflating. It took me a second to realize what it was. All the moms in the class got it!

What is your most empowering moment?

At night when my kids tell me they love me and they tell each other they love each other.

What special causes or non-profits do you hold dear to your heart?

Action Against Hunger and the ASPCA