ODDlight Teacher Feature: Monica Remes

An affirmation Monica goes back to again and again is "I am an unstoppable force of nature," and it shows in her teaching style and personal practice. At home, Monica pushes through new, fun, and challenging ways to choreograph transitions between postures, and you'll reap the benefits of that playfulness in class. She falls, so you can be lifted up! Much like our other featured teacher this month did with athleticism, Monica discovered yoga to balance out the intense expectations in another type of movement – dance. For fun "choreography" and inspiration to try, fail, and try again, join Monica on the mat for FIT or SWEAT (now heated to 90° for that extra spice!)

Five words to describe yourself?

Creative, talented, fearless, passionate, whimsical

What's an ODD fact about you?

I've never owned a car.

One thing you're working on in your personal practice right now?

Living in the "trying" phase for long periods of time, or indefinitely! Accepting that there are poses I may never fully do, but that doesn't stop me from constantly trying.

Where are you when you're not on the mat?

At home working on videos or music, dance class, boxing class, band rehearsal, or out in nature somewhere on an adventure.

Favorite food or restaurant?

Anything that's vegan and spicy 🌶️ I really love Thai food and Indian food!

Something that inspires you?

There's an online creator named Sorelle Amore who creates beautiful art with her camera, who travels around the world, and who seems to live a true life of freedom, adventure, and creativity. That's the life I truly wish for myself and for everyone. She inspires me to question everything and to not just imagine, but to fight for a better life and better world.

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

I began practicing yoga regularly as a compliment to my dance training. In dance, one must always continue to push, to try harder all the time, to consistently grow, to kick your leg higher, to do more pirouettes, to balance longer, etc...I found that yoga helped me balance out that energy. In yoga I didn't have to meet extreme expectations, I didn't have to overwork myself, I could just be exactly how I am. Yoga grounded me.

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

When I practice at home, I'm always trying to find new, fun and challenging ways to transition between postures - it's like choreography! I always feel so accomplished when I create something I hadn't done before. I'm constantly playing (and falling) around in my apartment.

If your students take home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

If you are seeking growth and progress, you must learn to love yourself as you are in the present moment because you are worthy and deserving of that love, just as you are! Hate cannot nurture growth, only love can do that.

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

Well, I'm a singer...and I've been on a classic R&B ballad kick recently. So I've been listening to and singing "Un-Break My Heart" by Toni Braxton quite a lot recently!!

One affirmation you always come back to?

I am an unstoppable force of nature.

How are you feeling good these days?

Seeing my friends :) My friends are very good at lifting me up!

Get to know Monica more by finding her on the class schedule!