I chatted with Angela Moreira over tea about her yoga journey. She is a mother and grandmother who began her practice when her two daughters were already adults. Mind Body Zone in Fremont, California is where she began taking classes 9 years ago. Like so many others who felt inspired immediately, she signed up to take the training at Mind Body Zone because she wanted to share the feelings of lightness, happiness, and ease she experienced after practicing.
She now leads prenatal classes at World’s Yoga in Fremont, California. I’d been able to attend several of her classes and she definitely has a knack for creating an environment for mothers to feel ‘mothered.’ I’m not saying she mothers them, she just knows how to hold a space where moms feel encouraged to mother themselves, and we could all use a little self-nurture from time to time.
What I found interesting is she said that, “…teaching prenatal was by accident. I never planned to teach it...but I liked this gentle flow of yoga. They needed a sub for prenatal classes at World’s Yoga and they asked her. It eventually turned into her current gig of teaching 2 classes per week as well as a 4-week prenatal program (details below). I clicked with that so much as I’ve found some of the most interesting and precious experiences of my life were absolutely unplanned and previously unimaginable to me. It’s such a great reminder to stay open to life’s possibilities. Anyway…
I’d just like to share 3 of the questions I asked Angela. I’m very happy to have had the chance to speak with her; up to this point I’ve been focusing on yoga mamas’ experience in the early stages of motherhood. In contrast, Angela has so much to share for women at all stages, and she is also inspired to begin working with women through menopause. So, she has a wide audience. Here are the gems I found over that cup of tea:
How is yoga for women unique and different than a more ‘traditional’ practice?
I’m more in tune with the feminine aspect of yoga right now. I believe our community is changing but we still practice a very masculine form of yoga. More like intuition from the inside out, it’s much more what it [women’s yoga] looks like. A more feminine yoga is more about intuition, connecting with the inner body and opening up places in our body we might not be comfortable with, moving the blocks inside for the breath to flow. It’s also a very American Way to transform yoga into fitness.
How has your practice evolved with you through the different stages of womanhood?
I just came to the beginning of perimenopause 6-7 years ago and it was difficult in the beginning, [I was] very uncomfortable with my body. I’m much better now, I feel more energetic, alive, happier, but my body is different every day. It’s similar to pregnancy or the first time you get your period, it’s a huge hormonal shift. When you’re more in tune with your body, it helps with everything. I had a lot of holistic help but my body was not together. Now I practice more often, I walk a lot, I spend time in nature, I spend more time nourishing myself alone, I eat a clean diet, I meditate more, [I do] those things that really nourish me. I think we really have to be present.
What is the most important advice you might give to a pregnant yogi? How about for a new mother?
I think for the pregnant yogini, she needs to keep listening to her body. For the new mother, rest, eat good fats, and stay out of social media!
Angela Moreira’s Prenatal Series at Worlds Yoga
At the World’s Yoga Fremont location. Starting September 9.
Find registration details at:
www.worldsyoga.com/worlds-yoga-fremont-prenatal-yoga-series/