ODDlight Teacher Feature: Mars Beck

Behind every yoga class you take is a member of the ODDfam focused on welcoming you to the space, helping you find the right classes and memberships for your practice, and curating impeccable studio vibes. One of the team members at the helm of those objectives is Tamara "Mars" Beck, our studios coordinator and newly-minted "SLOW FLOW & SOUND - Pay What You Can" instructor on Tuesday afternoons in Echo Park. The gratitude Mars has for this special space, community, and yoga itself permeates every corner of the studio experience and her sound healing. The next time you see Mars at the desk, ask her what she's reading, what her current craft obsession is, or where to get the best spicy dishes in LA!

What are your "Big 3?" 

Sagitarrius sun ♐ Leo moon ♌  Gemini rising ♊

Five words to describe yourself?

Sagacious, witty, magnanimous, intelligent, resilient, kind hearted

What's an ODD fact about you?

I have a degree in Psychology, I use to be a cheerleader (lol), I'm very crafty and enjoy knitting/crocheting. I guess y'all can choose

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

Not taking myself so seriously and allowing myself to embrace all the weebles and wobbles. I think there's something really empowering in the idea that you don't have to be perfect to enjoy something

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

In my reading nook or on some kind of adventure with my boo

What's your fave food or restaurant?

I love anything spicy! Big fan of spicy food

Something or someone that inspires you?

My Grandfather, Robert Beck, has always felt like an inspiration to me. He lived a very difficult life and took his stories and his experience and turned it into books and became a pretty known/successful writer. I think the way he didn't allow his traumatic experiences to keep him down and instead used it as building blocks to forge a new path for himself

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

Yoga was the first time I ever felt like I could tune out the world and really just be in my body. I could finally do something that was all mine and I didn't have to preform or be "perfect".. I have always struggled with my body image and the image being forced upon me as a female presenting person in this world and doing Yoga was the first time I felt I could be strong and feminine and honestly just feel beautiful in my body for me and no one else

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

I think allowing myself to move more intuitively. Allowing myself more space to be more autonomous over my body and not take everything so serious.

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

Its ok to slow down, its ok to be softer with yourself. Softness and Kindness are not weakness, they're your super powers

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

Woof this feels loaded-- my musical taste is too all over the place.. I listen to it all all the time lol

One affirmation you always come back to?

I am letting go of self Judgment

How are you feeling good these days?

Slowing down and existing as this current version of myself, reading my books and spending time with friends, chosen family and my three fur babies

How do you incorporate karma yoga into your practice?

I make an huge effort in volunteering when Im not working and I recently have been working to get clearance to volunteer my time teaching yoga a facilitating soundbaths in Los Angeles county prisons

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