Teacher Spotlight: Meet Bernie B

Bernie B has been a staple of the OTY schedule for as long as we can remember. Plus, she is a committed practitioner. We’re sure you’ve seen her in class at some point too! Bernie completed the One Tree Yoga Teacher Training program in 2016. Though she is a hot teacher through and through, she has her own special twist and approach that she’s cultivated through her continued studies. You can find Bernie on the schedule on Monday nights at 6 PM and Saturday mornings at 8:30.

Here is our recent interview with Bernie:

1. Tell us a little bit about you.
   I grew up in a large family in Grand Island, Nebraska and then moved to Omaha to attend College of St Mary to study elementary education. When I needed a wisdom tooth pulled I went to the dentist…he did such a fantastic job I decided to marry him! We have three grown children and one grandchild; he is the light of our lives.

2. What is the biggest impact yoga has had on your life?

   What comes to my mind first is the ability to be more focused and balanced. A friend of mine defined it as “staying on the green line”. My tendency is to become distracted by sound, visuals and mind chatter causing a detour off that green line, leading to a loss of focus followed by the balance. Keeping up with my yoga practice is must for a focused steady balance in class as well as in everyday life. I have been practicing yoga for a very long time and can’t imagine my life without it.

3. When do you apply the lessons of yoga in your daily life?
   All of my yoga teachers emphasize the breath, and I find myself observing my breath pattern everyday, all day and in all situations. This includes work, home, running errands and everything in-between. Slowing down and looking inward at how I’m breathing helps me to have a better response to all situations that I encounter in my daily life.

4. What are your 3 go to poses if you need a quick practice?

   I have tight hamstrings /shoulders and struggle with balance; I usually have a few more than 3 poses for a quick practice.

   • Spinal undulation and cat-cow

   • Downward facing dog – for sure!

   • Staff pose

   • Puppy pose

   • Fish pose

   • Bikram’s Ardha Chandrasana with Pada Hastasana

   • Headstand

5. What is your favorite style of yoga right now and why?

   Oh my, that is a difficult question to answer! I would have to stay that hot yoga is my foundation, but lately “low and slow” is what makes me feel strong and satisfied. I was in a car accident and am trying to heal, so when I get back to a more steady practice I will definitely start out with yinyasa.

6. What is unique about your classes and your style of teaching?

   I teach hot yoga which is a beginning yoga class; it is practiced slowly, with an emphasis on static postures and is challenging even for those who have practiced for years. Though the sequence is the same each time I strive to make every class I lead as unique and different as the students who attend. I emphasize a steady breath and a calm focus. My goal as a teacher is to create a safe, calm, welcoming environment so students can build a lifelong yoga practice.