We are celebrating Linda Go as our Teacher of the Month for January. Linda is an amazingly talented and dedicated member of our community. Her vibrant spirit is infectious. She is an attentive and engaged teacher who is gracious enough to carry armfuls of instruments in and out of the studio for classes. Linda also regularly hosts workshops and series with unique and captivating themes. She is so generous with her time and steps up to sub whenever she is able. You can catch Linda’s beautiful teachings and musical prowess in Friday afternoon’s Didgeridoo and Restorative class from 4:00-5:15pm. To learn more about Linda read on.
What was the experience with yoga that got you hooked? After I graduated university, I did some volunteering for hospice and one of the requirements as a caregiver was to participate in an ongoing Kundalini yoga class. Although I had training in breath work as a vocalist, this was my first experience with breathing and chanting as a meditation and yoga practice. During the many kundalini pranayam practices, I experienced deep inner silences as well as ecstatic bursts of shakti energy. Yoga also introduced me to sanskrit mantras and chants! …well, that was pure nirvana for me and I was hooked !
What inspires you to continue yoga? It feels and sounds naturally healing for me. My asana practice combined with chanting mantras, performing kirtan and continuing my studies in Sanskrit makes me very happy.
What is your favorite pose? I love balance poses.
What is your most challenging pose? Balance poses!
What is your favorite time/place to practice? When my kitty, Anahata, Ana for short, decides it’s time for me to get up, that’s the time I study and practice sanskrit followed with my Sounds of the Chakras meditation practice. Then, asanas with Ana in the living room before breakfast and Qi Gong mid day. When weather permits, our favorite place to practice yoga is outside by the lotus pond, otherwise at Asheville Community Yoga, of course!
How has yoga changed your life? When I began performing live music for Asheville Community Yoga’s Friday afternoon restorative class, years ago, I experienced how yoga wasn’t just about practicing asanas together but about practicing how to be in community together, one that cares and supports one another’s path and purpose. That was a life changer for me and it happened through volunteering here.
Do you have a favorite yoga book or video? Acu-Yoga by Micheal Gach
What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself? I don’t know… Oh gee! That’s 3 words….hah!
Is there a recurring theme that runs through your yoga practice? Mystical practice of sound and music.
If you could just share one practice that has helped you the most, what would it be? The art of listening.
What is your mantra? Love thyself.
Do you have a passion other than yoga you’d like to share about? Performing music, teaching and sharing what I’m passionate about and communing with Mother Nature!
How did you find Asheville Community Yoga? I took a class or 2 way back when it was just a garage on Merrimon Avenue. Then a few years ago, Corey Costanzo invited me to sing and play music with him during his Didgeridoo Restorative on Fridays and I never left! Six months later, I took Asheville Community Yoga’s 250hr Yoga Teacher Training and am currently a YARYT .
What is a great class or workshop that you’ve been to recently? I recently participated and enjoyed Liz Ridley’s Qi Gong and 24 form Tai Chi class on Tuesday.
We are so grateful to you Linda! Thank you for sharing your beautiful gift with the world, and for encouraging us all to do the same. We are lucky to have you.
