Jo-Ann Sloan: Teacher Feature March 2010

What got you into Yoga?

My first Yoga class was in my NYC studio apartment. 19 years old. I wore leotards! My instruction was from the book, "Richard Hittleman's Yoga: 28 Day Exercise Plan." I loved that routine and practiced religiously for a couple of years and then as needed for nearly two decades.

Eventually I replaced Yoga with trendier exercise regimens like aerobics, running and lifting weights. I had no idea what I was doing to my <spinal> discs. Take all that and add to it a serious car crash and I was one wounded warrior, in pain all the time.

I picked up Cyndi Lee's, "OM Yoga: A Guide to Daily Practice" and began a home practice again.That was 2002. Once again, I loved the routine and practiced regularly for a year but did not keep it as a commitment and slacked off.

When did you go to your first studio class?

In 2006, Yoga was more visible and I crawled to my first studio class. The average student's age was about 80 years young! They were flexible and healthy and told stories about getting off the arthritis medication or losing the inhaler or touching their toes and that's when I knew Yoga needed to become an integral part of my life.

When did you decide to start teaching Yoga?

I was in a retreat in California, immersed in Yoga. My teachers were amazing, graceful, wise, fun, inspiring. One morning in Warrior 2 and feeling very present, calm, strong and breathing easy, I knew I wanted to go back to Tampa and enroll in teacher training to help others find the same peace of mind and spirit.

Where/when did you get your training?

The training program I selected (Balance Point Hatha YTT 200, Yoga Alliance Certified) exposed me to a wide range of Yoga styles and world class teachers. By 2008, I had settled on restorative/therapeutic as the one I most wanted to teach. It was, and is, the style of Yoga that has the greatest healing effect physically and emotionally for me. I find others respond beautifully to a gentle practice of support and surrender. It's a gift to witness another's transformation.

Who has been the biggest influence on your teaching?

My California teacher, Heather Stevning, is one of my greatest inspirations. I visit her yearly and she mentors me between visits. Sarah and Ty Powers, Bo Forbes and Baxter Bell, all masters and healers, influence my practice and teaching style.

How often do you practice?

I enjoy a studio class every week because I want to be in community, and I practice at home. I may go a few days without a practice if my life gets rushed, but that' the limit.

I approach my home practice with a retreat mentality. I am on the mat for one reason--to yoke my body, mind and soul.

Joanne teaches restorative on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month at 7:30PM.