Laronda Nyree Talks Bikram Yoga, Teaching and Life

I have had the pleasure of taking Laronda Nyree’s yoga class several times. She primarily teaches in the northern Virginia area, but has taken some time to teach at Bikram Yoga Virginia Beach.

I liked her class right off the bat. She has great energy, knows how the class ebbs and flows, adjusting her speed and volume accordingly. What impresses me most about Laronda’s teaching style is she is truly present with the class.

Many teachers turn on the “tape” and just say the same thing every class, in the same tone, inflecting at exactly the same time. Laronda is present, responding to what’s happening in front of her and as a result inspiring her students to work hard. Teaching yoga is not easy and to do it well takes talent, so after taking Laronda’s class I asked her if she wanted to tell her story on my website. Thankfully she agreed!

Here is my interview with Laronda Nyree, Bikram yoga teacher, friend and soon to be studio director.

Tell us a little about yourself

I’m a Louisiana native who settled in Stafford VA after serving 7 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.  I love practicing and talking about Bikram yoga and all of its many benefits. I attended teacher training on April 13, 2013 and was apart of the infamous Spring 2013 teacher training!

You just celebrated your three year yoga-anniversary, what are the biggest lessons you’ve learned along the way?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned thus far is to remove all self imposed limitations.  This applies inside and outside of the hot room. Just because we are in a particular space or come from a particular place doesn’t mean we have to stay there. We have the innate ability to change our lives whenever we decide we are ready for a change.

This can take a lot of courage and mental strength.

What is something you’re struggling with right now in your yoga practice?

I’m struggling with how to make the dizziness go away while in Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee.

If you could pick three words to reflect yoga’s meaning in your life, what would they be?

Patience.

Acceptance.

Determination.

If you could go back in time, what would you have told yourself when you started practicing yoga?

Don’t be so hard on yourself for not perfecting all the poses; you’ll get there with time.

What is your favorite part of teaching?

My favorite part of teaching is watching dedicated yogi and yoginis grow in their practice. Then tell me after class they didn’t know their bodies could do that!

Do you have a “secret” tip you want to share?

Practice sitting on a wall daily with 6 inches between your feet, knees and hands to perfect the first part of awkward. (Editors note: That’s Laronda rockin’ Awkward Pose above.)

Do you have an aspiration that you’d like to share?

I’d like my studio that will be opening in the fall of 2014, to be a safe haven for Veterans who are having a difficult time dealing with life after war.  I’d also like the Department of Veterans Affairs to recognize that our traditional system of caring for veterans needs to be revamped. Authorize veterans suffering from PTSD, anxiety, depression, insomnia and other war-related ailments to seek Bikram yoga as alternative therapy at their expense.

Thank you Laronda for sharing a piece of yourself with us!