Monica Niday

RYT-200, MyoFascial Release 25hr

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I was born in Oxnard, CA. I graduated from Oxnard high school now I live with my husband and 5 girls in beautiful Ventura. 

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR PERSONAL PRACTICE
My personal yoga practice is very important to me. It's a way of life. I was an intense Asana practitioner but after expanding my knowledge of what yoga truly is it's become what I strive for everyday. I found hot yoga 10 years ago. I have been my happiest, healthiest when I am making time for myself and practice. Bhakti yoga is my passion. The mantras and chanting, and breathwork have helped heal me. 

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
I am newly certified teacher. I have worked for Down to Earth yoga teaching a powerflow. I share classes on the beach for friends and family once a month. I love sharing my singing bowl, love for mantras and hands on massage and adjustments. 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE?
My favorite yoga pose is Dancer. I LOVE to balance! It's one of my favorite things to do in an asana practice. Dancer is the perfect balance of heart and hip opening. Which makes it just really FUN!! 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA/SPIRITUALITY/SELF HELP BOOK?

Music and mantras by Girish this book was a required reading in my teacher training and I fell in love! This is the perfect beginner book into chanting and mantras it breaks down everything from the Sanskrit to the Gods and Goddesses

ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS?
Breathe. Focus on your breath first. If you can't breathe it's not yoga. Be kind to yourself. It's a practice and a practice takes time, discipline and consistency. 

WHAT DOES “COMMUNITY” MEAN TO YOU?
Community is everything. This Grassroots community is my home and home to so many of us that come day and night, to heal, to breath and to leave our shit on the mat! Community heals. We help each stay accountable. 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT VENTURA?
The beach of course! our majestic mountains. Our yummy fresh produce. The beauty of our small beach community. 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION? (preferably something local)
eign of Hope is a local non profit that is geared to support kids and family that have been affected with sexual trauma. They have a ranch in Ojai where they bring the kids for a session with a therapist and equestrian to teach and guide the child on how to care for the horse but also how horses are sensitive to our feelings and emotions. It's a very special cause near and dear to my heart.