Teacher Spotlight: Tayla David

What made you want to teach yoga?

As an athlete throughout my youth, I first looked to yoga as a physical practice but over the years discovered the benefits extended to my total wellness. What kept me coming back was the connection of the mind, body and breath that makes yoga not just a workout, but a practice of mindfulness and self-awareness. Being a practitioner since high school, I really was inspired to share my learnings with others for a while and in May 2019 I officially became a conduit for a practice I absolutely love. 

How would you describe your classes/teaching style?

I currently sub at The Yoga Tree and I also just started teaching a regular Sunday evening class at Candlelight Slow Flow to Restore. 

Taking my 200 hour certification through Boston Yoga School (Iyengar based training), my classes are primarily focused on alignment/structure of each pose and incorporating breath into the movements. I sometimes start classes with a question for each student as a way for me to get to know more about who I'm sharing space with since I am new to teaching in the community. I always open class with a meditation, move through some gentle stretches and then get into more fluid movements of Sun Salutations etc.; class concludes with grounding asanas and a blissful savasana. I also love the addition of essential oils and chimes!

Top 5 songs to play in class?

Mt. Wolf - Life Size Ghosts by Catching Flies
Light Me Up by DJ Drez
Sitting on Wings by DJ Taz Rashid
Faith's Hymn by Beautiful Chorus
The Light by Sol Rising

What's your favorite food?

Anything mainly vegetarian with a Mediterranean flare!

What's your favorite asana (and why)?

I love Bird of Paradise (Svarga Dvijasana)! It is a great peak pose to a class. It is challenging yet funky and fun asana requiring strength and openness in a lot of parts of the body.

What are your top 3 book recommendations for fellow yogis?

Light on Yoga
The Perfect Chaturanga
Buddhas Brain

Describe your perfect day off: 

Taking a yoga class for inspiration, spending time with family and dog (Sasha), reading/journaling, taking a nice walk and being outside :)

Give us a fun fact about yourself: 

I used to walk in fashion shows organized by Ally when I was in high school! So great to see our worlds come together again at the Yoga Tree!

What’s your life motto?

To practice resilience as there will always be setbacks. Resilience means growth and is what brings me back to awareness and a sense of higher self.