Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Flory.
Michelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, we were very poor and became homeless. Eventually my family was split up so we could all survive. Yoga literally saved my life. I found yoga by accident at 18 years old, in a gym. I had an excellent teacher and quickly realized there were more benefits than just a workout. I was given space to breathe, and just be. When you come from a survivor background, it’s hard to find a higher calling until you find stability. The breath taught me that I was safe and secure, because I was alive. The teachings gave me access to self-love, awareness, healing, and service. A lot of people find yoga this way, they take a class and realize they’re hungry for more of the spiritual teachings. I took my 200-hour teacher training at Kashi Atlanta Ashram in 2012. Shortly after, I began volunteering to learn how to be the teacher. I realized that my perspective lends to a nurturing practice, and that is the space that I teach from.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It is an ongoing process of learning and adapting. The hardest thing about deciding to become a yoga teacher is that to be a good teacher, you have no choice but to face yourself. This can be a rude awakening. Ha!
Taproot Yoga – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Taproot Yoga offers group classes in the workplace, enrichment programs, workshops and summer camps. It is important to me to offer classes that are accessible, my teaching style encourages the student to honor their individuality, on and off the mat.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I love watching a student mature as they deepen their personal practice. It is an honor to hold space for my students.
Contact Info:
- Website: taprootyoga.org
- Email: taprootyoga@gmail.com
- Instagram: @taprootyoga and @_michelleflory_
- Facebook: @taprootyoga or search Michelle Flory
Image Credit:
Photography and logo by Christi Herman of Hydraulic Graphix
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