Teacher Spotlight – Marni Prince

MINDFUL 🧘🏻‍♀️ + Inclusive 🫶 +Transformative 🌟

Meet Marni, a passionate and dedicated yoga teacher who effortlessly merges her love for yoga and art. Residing in the picturesque town of Yarmouth, Maine, she draws inspiration from captivating landscapes, infusing her artwork with a profound connection to the world. Whether you join her for a transformative yoga experience or explore her captivating artwork, you’ll witness the profound synergy of yoga and art that Marni brings to life.

Q: How has yoga impacted you personally?

A: In my journey of practicing yoga for the past 20 years, I initially focused on the physical aspects. However, after experiencing humbling injuries, I delved into a more mindful approach, leading to profound physical and spiritual healing. Through yoga and meditation, I’ve learned to cultivate presence, listen to my body over my ego, and navigate life’s challenges with newfound ease.

Q: What Inspires your teaching?

A: I am passionate about ensuring that yoga is accessible to everyone. Unfortunately, there is a misguided stigma that yoga is exclusive to certain individuals, which is far from the truth. Yoga is a practice that meets you exactly where you are, regardless of age, gender, or body type. In my classes, I prioritize inclusivity by offering variations that cater to each individual’s needs on any given day. My ultimate goal is to create an environment where people can find joy and a sense of accomplishment, even if it means spending the entire session in a child’s pose because that is what their body requires. That is the essence of yoga.

Q: After many years of yoga, why do you still do it?

A: Yoga, as the saying goes, is an ongoing practice. It’s not something achieved in a few sessions, leading to instant enlightenment. Recognizing that we show up differently each day and embracing the importance of consistent practice are essential for my continuous physical and spiritual growth. Moreover, as I age, the physical benefits of yoga become increasingly significant as I aim to maintain a strong, flexible, and healthy body.

Q: How do you see yoga evolve ten or more years from now?

A: I believe that yoga will continue to evolve, becoming increasingly accessible to diverse populations. With the emergence of “adaptive yoga” training, teachers are learning inclusive language and offering variations to cater to a wide range of individuals, including pregnant individuals, those with larger bodies, and the elderly. I hope that more teachers will embrace the adaptability of yoga and recognize that it is not a “one size fits all” practice.

Q: Best advice to avoid injuries during class

A: During my practice, I’ve learned that it can be tempting to prioritize achievements, but that mindset can lead to injury if I neglect to listen to my body. My top advice is to shift the focus toward how you feel rather than how you appear. Rather than looking for a perfect pose expression, the practice’s essence lies in moving mindfully and discovering your edge in postures where ease and effort find a delicate balance. Let the breath serves as an invaluable guide, signaling when it flows smoothly or when it’s time to dial back and adjust.

Q: How do you handle stress and pressure?

A: Meditation is vital in my life—whether seated on my cushion or engaging in a moving meditation. Slowing down, observing my thoughts, deepening my breath, and anchoring myself in the present moment is a powerful tool for managing stress, and it resonates with many others.
Through yoga and meditation, I’ve embraced the wisdom that nothing is permanent. This applies to both positive and negative experiences. Embracing this understanding has shifted my perspective, allowing me to recognize that while I can’t control external circumstances, I can choose how I respond. It’s a guiding principle that has brought immense value to my journey.

Explore Marni’s Classes on Practyce: