Yoginis Reaching Out Through Twitter

The yoga community on Twitter is strong and supportive. In addition to bloggers promoting their sites, yoga studios advertising their current class specials, and yoga apparel websites joining the conversation, there seems to be a growing number of yogis and yoginis reaching out to one another simply to discuss their love of the practice.

As a fan of all things yoga, I learned early on upon joining Twitter just how responsive this community is. I recall tweeting about a challenging class I had experienced in my early yoga days, and within minutes I had three responses from fellow yogis, whom I did not know, reminding me that each day will always be different and encouraging me to continue with my practice. When I made the decision to begin my @YogaWorks Teacher Training in Seattle, I tried to document as frequently as possible what I was learning each weekend in order to share it with my Twitter following. The response continues to amaze me. Yogis are a positive breed, often encouraging you to look within and let go of the negative “vrittis” (thoughts that cloud our minds that creep in from time to time) and continue with the practice of yoga.

Now as a certified yoga instructor, I find that Social Media tools (especially Twitter) have helped me to reach out to current and potential students to answer any questions they may have about their practice in order to establish myself as a knowledge source in the field. I like to send out pictures of myself or of friends practicing yoga in interesting locations (i.e. outside of the traditional studio). I enjoy encouraging others in their practice, communicating with the studio I teach at (@hymillcreek) or promoting our current specials or schedules. I find it helpful to check-in from time to time to see if any
students have questions about when I’m teaching next or if they are having any difficulties in making it to class. I also strive to keep my tweets positive, in order to reflect upon what I try to encourage from anyone I connect with, whether in a yoga class or in the “real world”.

As a fun exercise, try typing “yoga” into a twitter search within 50 miles of your location and you will find people nearby reaching out asking for studio recommendations, reassurance or tips about their practice, discussing the class they just attended – whether it was a positive or negative experience – and hoping to engage with other like- minded individuals.

Need help finding your twitter style?

Here are some of my favorite yogis to follow for all things yoga and meditation:

Alaina Githens | @AlainaBubayna
This gal, who is a teacher of mine and a yoga instructor in the greater Seattle area, is uplifting, playful, cheerful and provides great insight to finding your own personal practice. Alaina’s daily message is to love and let go.

Andrea Cirignano | @yogabyandrea
Andrea is a great resource for tips on fitness, health, and finding your motivation. Her blog and newsletter always contain a fantastic message about how to stick with your practice, where to get started, and updates on her busy teaching schedule!

Yogini | @yyogini
A great person to connect with and discuss yoga! She shares what is happening in her own practice, different things she is learning and discovering along the way, and how yoga has transformed her into a happier and healthier person.

Maria Santoferraro | @downwarddog
A yogini who is currently going through Yoga Teacher Training and sharing insightful tidbits along the way!
Her passion for yoga is inspiring!

Yoga Dork | @yogadork
Tweeting from the big city of New York, Yoga Dorks offers commentary on the latest yoga news with wit and wisdom.
Tweets and blog posts are delivered with a great sense of humor. Their blog YogaDork.com, is a place for yogis, or otherwise, to convene and converse

Lululemon Athletica @lululemon
My favorite yoga apparel brand and a great resource for all things fitness! Lululemon often offers free classes at their stores or show rooms, and they are fantastic with their promotion of local yoga studios and have a big social media presence.

Learn to setup a Twitter account for you or your yoga studio.

Lyndi: This week’s guest blog was brought to you by an inspirational yoga lover and social media professional, Jessica Ingle. Fun introducing Jessica to BizeeBee and seemed natural to have her share her insights about how yoga studios, students and instructors are using social media, specifically Twitter.

In Jessica’s words: I discovered my passion for yoga when Hot Yoga of Mill Creek opened their studio in 2008 in Lynnwood, WA. Between working and going to school full time, I found that having 90 minutes a day (as many days a week as possible) to completely focus on my breath while challenging my body became so much more than what I had originally signed on for: a great workout. I completed my 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2010, and I appreciate the opportunity to share what I have learned with my students and encourage them to grow in their practice. I feel as though I learn more and more with each class I participate in or teach. My practice has become so ingrained with how I feel outside of the studio – calm, relaxed, focused – HAPPY – and motivated to find balance for myself, and for others, in all aspects of life.

About Hot Yoga of Mill Creek: Hot Yoga of Mill Creek offers a community environment that is open, friendly and encourages personal as well as physical growth and conditioning. Hot Yoga of Mill Creek is located off of 164th in Lynnwood, WA. The studio has been open since 2008, serving all the yogis and yoginis of the area and is owned and operated by Rachel James. They offer a large 1300 square foot practice area. If you are visiting or live in the area, please come visit the studio, take a class, and enjoy the sites.
Website: www.HotYogaMillcreek.com | Twitter: @hymillcreek | Facebook: facebook.com/HotYogaofMillCreek

BizeeBee's Marketing Buzz Bee. She loves working with yoga, fitness and small business professionals to help find simple solutions to managing their business. Find Lyndi tweeting at @BizeeBee. For more information about BizeeBee visit BizeeBee.com.

Lyndi Thompson

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