Victoria Monson-Schaeffer

RYT-200

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I am from Des Moines, Iowa!

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR PERSONAL PRACTICE
Growing up, I was clumsy, awkward, and uncoordinated. Any kind of physical exercise made me feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. I always felt that I grew tall too quickly and just never got used to my long limbs. The first time I took a yoga class was when I was in high school. Ironically, this was in the class I dreaded the most- P.E. That first class was like coming home. It was the first time I didn't feel self-conscious when moving my body. From there, I began practicing a few times a month, which grew into a daily practice when I was in college. 

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Outside of teaching at Grassroots Yoga, I have been blessed with the opportunity to teach yoga at local treatment facilities.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE?
My favorite yoga pose is probably Uttanasana or Forward Fold. This pose feels amazing in my body as it offers the unique opportunity for my spine to unwind and release. It is also symbolic to turning inward and bowing to ourselves. Uttanasana is an excellent reminder that we are our own mentor/teacher and listening to our own body and breath is how to advance in our practice.

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

This is an impossible question!! Currently, my favorite is probably The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff. This book was the first spirituality book that I ever picked up, and the first book that I ever read about Taoism. The book is written in narrative form and uses characters from Winnie the Pooh to illustrate concepts from Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching. This book is charming, light-hearted, and nostalgic. It is an excellent introduction to Taoism and finding happiness in all of life's circumstances. 

ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS?
There is no end-goal to yoga, which is why we call it a practice! We can always advance with our breath, our state of mind, the asanas, etc. 

WHAT DOES “COMMUNITY” MEAN TO YOU?
Community, to me, is a group of people who support, uplift, and celebrate each other. I have found just that at Grassroots. 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT VENTURA?
Not to be cliche, but the weather is my absolute favorite thing about Ventura. Coming from the harsh seasonal changes of the midwest, Ventura is just a dream!!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
My favorite local non-profit organization is probably the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC). SPARC is Ventura County's first no-kill animal shelter. They provide humane care and treatment for stray and abandoned animals.