Wen Huang is our student of the month for July. We are excited to highlight her as she is currently taking her second teacher training this year with Integral Yoga Institute (IYI) San Francisco.
Dayalan: “What drew you to explore yoga and meditation?”
Wen: “I was feeling discomfort in my back and sacrum from sitting in the office. I went to the doctor, but the medicine didn’t seem to work.”
In 2013, I decided to take my first 200-hr Hatha Yoga Training in Beijing, China. I felt that something was missing. The teachers didn’t seem very experienced. I moved to the US in 2014.
In January 2020, I took a 200-hr Teacher Training with Yoga Works. In February 2021, I attended the Meditation Teacher Training with Integral Yoga Institute San Francisco and am currently in the Raja Yoga Teacher Training here. I have found the Yoga Sutras very helpful.”
Dayalan: “What teachers have been an inspiration for you?”
Wen: “I am inspired by a lot of the IYI teachers, especially Swami Ramananda, Swami Divyananda Ma, Snehan Born, Mia Velez, and Diana Meltsner.
IYI really helped me through the COVID pandemic. I still felt connected.”
Dayalan: “What else would you like to share?”
Wen: “Through this work, I purify myself as well. “Tapas.” I see so many people who are unhappy. If you are truly happy, truly peaceful, nothing can destroy your peace. My presence can help create a behavior change in people.
I am currently teaching yoga for the YMCA. I have 6 ladies who attend regularly, and I love to see their faces at the end of class. I also tell my co-workers about yoga and meditation too, and refer them to IYI.
My biggest interest right now is Integral Yoga. I love the chanting and attend noon meditation often. I began a vegetarian diet in May, and help others realize that it can be done.”
Dayalan: “What would you like to do in the future?”
Wen: “I would like to teach yoga classes in Mandarin and reach people who have interest. I may develop videos for a Youtube Channel that people can subscribe to. I follow Adriene Mishler, one of the most followed yoga teachers on Youtube, and have enjoyed her classes. She offers shorter 15-min to 30-min videos for those who want to work on a particular area, or don’t have time for a full hour. I may consider that too.”
Dayalan: “What else do you enjoy doing?”
Wen: “I enjoy swimming, hiking and being in nature.”
Dayalan: “Thank you Wen! I appreciate you sharing your story with us! I wish you great success in your teaching journey.”