This special “Teacher Feature” is not only to get to know Lisbeth a little better, but to formally announce her new role as Studio Manager of Freeport Yoga Company! Lisbeth’s organizational skills and fresh perspective are a welcome addition to the running of the studio. She greets every student with a smile and exudes a warmth and friendliness that shows her adoration for this yoga community.
Teaching yoga is one of Lisbeth’s many passions, and it’s very obvious when you attend one of her classes, how much care and dedication she has. Lisbeth is known for teaching classes with detailed attention to alignment, moving at a pace that encourages depth and a deeper understanding of each posture, with attention to the breath. She will challenge students in subtle ways that bring about a rich experience on (and off) the mat, which is the sign of a gifted teacher.
Lisbeth teaches Vinyasa Flow on Thursdays at 5:45pm, and in January will be taking on additional classes at the studio: Monday Vinyasa Flow at 4pm, Wednesday Align & Flow 4pm, and Friday Night Flow 5pm. You can also experience her hands-on assists and adjustments in the Saturday morning Vinyasa Flow class, which is a great treat!
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What made you try yoga for the first time? After two consecutive injures in college, first my knee, then my ankle, I had no choice but to slow down for the first time in my life. As a student athlete, I still needed something to get those endorphins and the traditional weight bearing activities: running, kick boxing, etc. were out of the question. A friend encouraged me to try Bikram yoga with her and I was hooked.
What’s your favorite book and why? I love anything by John Irving. He is the only author I know that hits me on all levels: love, emotion, spirit and truth.
What inspires you? Nature: the colors, the smells, the strength of the ocean, the magnificence of the mountains. It all reminds me of what’s important in life- simple pleasures like breath and beauty.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure? Afternoon naps. Love my snuggle time with my doggies.
How do you stay balanced? How do you unwind? Balance is really important to me. I need a combination of time spent alone; cultivating my own dreams and visions, but equally value quality time with dear friends and family. When I feel things tipping too far in any direction: lack of exercise, too much heavy food, etc., I adjust as soon as possible rather than lamenting the choices, I try to tip the scale back to neutral. I’m not afraid to take care of myself first. My favorite way to unwind is with a hot cup of tea at home in my comfies with my doggies surrounded by my current books and a journal.
What’s your favorite part about teaching yoga? There are many pieces that I value. The two primary ones would be the lifestyle and the dynamics of the discipline. Once you commit to teaching full-time, your priorities shift to accommodate a less traditional 9-5 schedule and you really gain a lot of autonomy in how you live your life- that’s been really important to me- living by my own compass. Also, ‘yoga’ is such an expansive and broad discipline. I’m always learning something new, always evolving as a teacher and that keeps me engaged in my work and fulfilled in my efforts.
How do you try to live a mindful life? I try to be present and aware of my actions and non-actions in all situations. Whether it be with my friends, students or complete strangers, I try to give my full attention and focus to the present.
Words (or quote) to live by? “Peace. It does not mean to be in a space where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of these things and still be calm in your heart.”
Best trip you’ve ever taken? I’m not a big traveler. I love my life, my home and my people, we sneak away for a few days, but never anything outrageous- I can’t leave my doggies for that long!
What’s your favorite yoga pose and why? Oh, so many…… half-moon. I love that it demands all of me but inspires openness in the chest and heart and the ability to land on both feet after a challenge.
The best thing about living in Maine is . . . . EVERYTHING! The connection to the outdoors, the local flare, and the slow, passionate living is what I love the most.
Favorite playlist? I love yoga for the stillness and quite it cultivates- music is secondary and sometimes a distraction from the present.
What do you love about Freeport Yoga Company? Energetic alignment is really important to me, heck, I built a business around it! I found a home base when I was living in Boston and I it took me about 4 years to find that in Maine. I searched and searched around Portland, where I live, and there wasn’t any one studio that fit all the pieces for me. I branched out and came to Freeport Yoga Company in early 2014 and it was the first studio I had been to that resonated with me. The vibe is easy going and sincere, students are relaxed but determined, and the teachers are compassionate but demanding. It stuck the right energetic cord with me: the freedom of expression, the sacred space for learning, I feel like I can be both a teacher and a student at Freeport and that’s what yoga is all about.