A Yogi’s Guidebook

52 Ritual Interview Series

in partnership with The Starlight House

Get inspired with in-depth interviews with leaders in health & wellness. 

 

An Interview with Long Time Yogini, Stacy McCarthy

Back in 2013 I embarked on a yoga teacher training (my 2nd) program at Mira Costa College in San Diego and had the absolute pleasure of meeting Stacy McCarthy. Stacy became one of my teachers and through our journey together I learned of her incredible background and deep roots connecting her to yoga in the West. As a former college swimmer, and a degree in kinesiology, led Stacy to pursue a career sharing her passion for health and wellness. She went on to manage a popular health club chain in San Diego, and one of the first to introduce yoga to group fitness back when step classes were all the rage! Later, she went on to co-create the first accredited yoga teacher training (YTT) program at community college, starting a 200- and 500- hour program, where Stacy and I would eventually meet. When I very first started my yoga athletic wear brand, Stelari, Stacy was the first to champion a woman entrepreneur and bought multiple shirts for gifts to show her support! We’ve remained friends ever since and have watched and supported each other from afar. I’ve always had enormous respect for Stacy’s overall knowledge of health (she was the first to teach me about Superfoods) but it’s our shared passion for yoga where Stacy really shines. This week, to kick off our interview series, I had the opportunity to interview Stacy about all things YOGA!

If you are a yogini like me, you’re not going to want to miss this conversation. Dive in with us into a conversation about how yoga has changed over the last 3 decades, how social media and corporate yoga has influenced the practice, what it takes for a yoga teacher to go from good to great and so much more! 

Kim: How did your background in athletics and kinesiology support you as you began your yoga journey?

Stacy:  My background in athletics and kinesiology provided a strong foundation as I began my yoga journey. Here’s how these elements supported and influenced my path:

1. Understanding of Body Mechanics: Kinesiology gave me an in-depth understanding of human movement and body mechanics. This knowledge allowed me to approach yoga with a keen awareness of how the body functions and moves, which is essential for safe and effective practice.
2. Injury Prevention: My athletic background taught me the importance of proper alignment and form to prevent injuries. This awareness is critical in yoga, where alignment is key to both the safety and efficacy of the postures.
3. Strength and Flexibility: Athletics helped build my physical strength and flexibility, which are beneficial in yoga. This physical foundation made it easier to perform and teach various asanas (poses) with stability and ease.
4. Discipline and Training: The discipline and training habits developed through athletics translated well into a consistent yoga practice. The dedication required in sports fostered a similar commitment to my yoga journey.
5. Holistic View of Wellness: Kinesiology provided insights into the interconnectedness of physical health, mental well-being, and overall wellness. This holistic perspective is integral to yoga, which emphasizes the union of body, mind, and spirit.
6. Teaching and Communication Skills: My background helped me develop effective teaching and communication skills. Understanding how to convey complex concepts in an accessible way is crucial in teaching yoga.

These elements combined to create a strong and balanced approach to my yoga practice and teaching, allowing me to support my students in a comprehensive and informed manner.

Kim: You managed one of the first health club studios integrating yoga into its offerings in the 1990s, what were your biggest challenges in bringing this practice to the mainstream?

Stacy: As the Program Director one of the first health clubs introducing traditional, lineage-based yoga into its offerings in the early 1990’s presented several challenges. Here are the biggest ones I encountered:

• Lack of Awareness and Understanding: During the late 80’s and 90’s, yoga was not as widely known or understood as it is today. Many people viewed it as a niche activity rather than a something that belonged in a health club. We were recognized for our cutting-edge programming, so I took the risk and brought in some of the most well-known and experienced Ashtanga yoga teachers in the country. Educating members about the benefits of yoga and dispelling misconceptions was a significant hurdle that took time to overcome.
• Skepticism and Resistance: Many traditional fitness enthusiasts were skeptical about yoga’s value and effectiveness. There was resistance to trying something new and different, especially a practice perceived as less intense compared to conventional workouts and that had a holistic approach of body, mind and spirit.
• Integrating with Existing Programs: At that time, health clubs typically offered a range of high-energy, high-impact fitness classes. We were way before our time in exposing members to practices acknowledging the importance of their mental health.

Kim: In those early days, what were some of the biggest misconceptions about yoga?

Stacy: In the early days of integrating yoga into health club offerings, several misconceptions were prevalent. Here are some of the biggest ones:

• Yoga is Only for Flexibility: Many people believed that yoga was solely about stretching and increasing flexibility, overlooking its comprehensive benefits for strength, balance, and mental well-being.
• Yoga is Too Easy: Some fitness enthusiasts viewed yoga as a gentle, easy activity that wouldn’t provide a sufficient result compared to high-intensity exercises like aerobics or weightlifting.
• Yoga is Just for Women: There was a common misconception that yoga was primarily for women, making it less appealing to men who thought it lacked the intensity or masculinity of other forms of movement.
• Yoga is a Religious Practice: Some perceived yoga as a religious or spiritual practice that was incompatible with their own beliefs, not recognizing it as a secular, physical, and mental discipline that can be adapted to individual preferences.
• Yoga Requires Extreme Flexibility: Many assumed that one needed to be extremely flexible to practice yoga, which intimidated beginners and deterred them from trying it.
• Yoga is Not a Serious Workout: There was a belief that yoga didn’t burn enough calories or build enough muscle to be considered a serious workout, undervaluing its role in overall fitness and health.
• Yoga is Boring: Some thought yoga was slow-paced and monotonous, not realizing the variety of styles and the dynamic nature of many yoga practices that can challenge both body and mind.

Kim: Today, what are the biggest misconceptions about yoga?

Stacy: Even today, several misconceptions about yoga persist. Here are some of the biggest ones:

• Yoga is Only for the Flexible: Many people still believe that you need to be flexible to practice yoga, which can deter beginners who feel they aren’t limber enough to participate.
• Yoga is Just Physical Exercise: Some view yoga solely as a physical activity, ignoring its mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects that promote overall well-being.
• Yoga is Only for Relaxation: While yoga does promote relaxation, many underestimate its potential to build strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health through more vigorous styles like Vinyasa or Ashtanga.
• Yoga is a Female Activity: The perception that yoga is predominantly for women continues to persist, discouraging many men from exploring its benefits.
• Yoga is Expensive: There’s a misconception that yoga requires costly classes, gear, and attire, though there are many accessible and affordable ways to practice yoga, including online classes and community sessions.
• Yoga is Time-Consuming: Some believe that yoga requires a significant time commitment, whereas even short, regular practices can be highly beneficial.
• You Need a Certain Body Type: The idea that yoga is only for those with lean, athletic bodies can discourage people of different shapes and sizes from trying it, even though yoga is inclusive and adaptable for all body types.
• Yoga is Only for the Young: Many think yoga is primarily for younger people, not realizing its benefits for all ages, including seniors who can gain flexibility, balance, and strength through modified practices.
• Yoga is a Religious Practice: While yoga has spiritual roots, it can be practiced in a completely secular way, focusing on physical and mental health without any religious connotations.
• Yoga Can’t Be a Primary Workout: Some believe yoga cannot replace traditional workouts for fitness goals. However, many styles of yoga can provide a comprehensive workout that includes strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular health.

Kim: What, if anything, do you think yoga has lost as it became “big business” in the West?

Stacy:  As yoga has become a “big business” in the West, certain aspects of the practice may have been overshadowed or lost. Here are some of the key elements that might have been affected:

1. Spiritual Depth: The commercialization of yoga has sometimes led to a focus on the physical aspects of the practice, neglecting its spiritual and philosophical roots. The deeper teachings of yoga, such as mindfulness, meditation, and self-awareness, may be underemphasized.
2. Authenticity: The proliferation of yoga styles and branded fitness trends can dilute the traditional essence of yoga. Some classes prioritize flashy, marketable elements over authentic, time-honored practices.
3. Accessibility: As yoga studios and retreats become more upscale and expensive, they can become less accessible to people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This shift can make yoga seem exclusive rather than inclusive.
4. Community and Connection: The growth of large, commercial yoga studios can sometimes diminish the sense of community and personal connection that smaller, more intimate settings foster. The teacher-student relationship and peer support may not be as strong in larger, more business-oriented environments.
5. Individuality: Commercial yoga classes often cater to the masses, potentially overlooking the individual needs of practitioners. The personalized guidance that was a hallmark of traditional yoga teaching can be lost in larger classes with a one-size-fits-all approach.
6. Simplification of Yoga Philosophy: The rich and complex philosophy of yoga can be oversimplified or misrepresented in marketing efforts. This reduction can lead to misconceptions about what yoga truly encompasses beyond the physical postures.
7. Focus on Appearance:

The portrayal of yoga in media and advertising often emphasizes aesthetics and the “yoga body,” which can create unrealistic standards and shift the focus from inner growth to outer appearance. By the way, the “ Yoga Body” through the lens of the ancient science is a reflection of balance physically, energetically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

It’s not the “yoga body” of mainstream marketing. I released a series of yoga DVD’s before social media appeared titled Yoga Body, addressing all aspects of a holistic approach of the layers of the whole person. Little did I know a decade later how a “yoga body” would be represented in commercial marketing.

1. Quick Fix Mentality: The commercial fitness industry often promotes quick results, which contrasts with yoga’s emphasis on a lifelong journey and gradual progress. This mentality can undermine the practice’s true benefits, which unfold over time.

Despite these challenges, many yoga practitioners and teachers strive to preserve the integrity and authenticity of yoga, ensuring that its profound and holistic benefits are not lost amidst its commercial growth.

Kim: How do you think “corporate” yoga or yoga franchises help or hinder yoga in the United States?

Stacy:  Corporate yoga and yoga franchises in the United States have both positive and negative impacts on the practice. Here’s how they can help and hinder yoga:

Helping

1. Increased Accessibility: Corporate yoga and franchises often make yoga more accessible to a broader audience by offering multiple locations, standardized classes, and various pricing options, making it easier for people to find and attend classes.

2. 

   Standardization and Quality Control: Franchises can ensure a consistent level of quality and professionalism across their locations. This standardization helps new practitioners feel confident that they are receiving safe and effective instruction.

3. Promotion and Awareness: Corporate yoga and franchises have the resources to market and promote yoga widely, increasing public awareness and interest. This exposure can attract people who might not have considered trying yoga otherwise.
4. Employment Opportunities: Large yoga organizations provide employment and career opportunities for yoga instructors, administrative staff, and other professionals, contributing to the economy and supporting the livelihood of those passionate about yoga.
5. Resources and Innovation: Corporate yoga entities often have the financial means to develop new resources, technologies, and programs that can enhance the yoga experience, such as online classes, apps, and specialized workshops.

Hindering

1. Loss of Personal Connection: The scale and business-oriented nature of corporate yoga can lead to a more impersonal experience, where the close-knit community and personalized guidance found in smaller studios may be lost.
2. Commercialization and Dilution: The emphasis on profitability can lead to the dilution of yoga’s spiritual and philosophical aspects. Classes may prioritize physical exercise over the holistic integration of body, mind, and spirit that traditional yoga promotes.
3. One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Standardized classes might not address the individual needs of practitioners as effectively as personalized instruction. This can limit the depth and adaptability of the practice for diverse populations.
4. Focus on Profit Over Authenticity: The drive for profit can sometimes overshadow the authentic teachings of yoga. Studios might prioritize trendy, marketable aspects of yoga over its deeper, transformative principles.
5. Exclusivity and Cost: High-end franchises and corporate studios can become expensive, making yoga less accessible to people from lower-income backgrounds. This exclusivity can contradict yoga’s inclusive and universal ethos.
6. Pressure on Instructors: Instructors working for corporate yoga franchises might face pressure to conform to specific teaching styles or performance metrics, which can limit their creativity and authenticity as teachers.

While corporate yoga and franchises can help spread the practice and make it more accessible, it is essential to balance these benefits with a commitment to preserving the authenticity, depth, and inclusivity that are core to yoga’s true essence. By doing so, they can contribute positively to the growth and evolution of yoga in the United States.

Kim: How do you think social media posts of big poses, or yoga in general, have altered the practice and perception of yoga in the West?

Stacy:  Social media posts of big poses and yoga in general have significantly altered the practice and perception of yoga in the West. Here are some of the key ways:

Positive Impacts

1. Increased Awareness and Popularity: Social media has played a crucial role in popularizing yoga, making it more mainstream and accessible to a wide audience. People who might not have been exposed to yoga otherwise can discover it through social media.
2. Inspiration and Motivation: Seeing advanced poses and beautiful images of yoga can inspire and motivate individuals to start or deepen their practice. These posts can showcase the possibilities within yoga and encourage people to set and achieve new goals.
3. Community Building: Social media creates a sense of global community among yoga practitioners. People can connect, share experiences, and support each other regardless of geographical boundaries. Hashtags and online challenges foster a sense of belonging and collective practice.
4. Educational Resources: Many yoga practitioners and teachers use social media to share valuable information, tutorials, and tips. This dissemination of knowledge helps people learn new techniques and understand yoga better.

Negative Impacts

1. Focus on Aesthetics Over Substance: The emphasis on visually impressive poses can shift the focus from the holistic benefits of yoga to a more superficial pursuit of perfecting advanced asanas. This can lead to a misunderstanding of yoga as merely a physical exercise rather than a comprehensive practice for body, mind, and spirit.
2. Comparison and Self-Esteem Issues: Constant exposure to images of advanced practitioners performing challenging poses can create unrealistic standards and lead to comparison and self-esteem issues. Practitioners may feel inadequate if they cannot achieve the same level of flexibility or strength, which can discourage them from continuing their practice.
3. Increased Risk of Injury: Attempting advanced poses without proper guidance, as seen in social media posts, can lead to injuries. Beginners may try to emulate complex asanas without understanding the preparatory steps or necessary alignment, resulting in harm.
4. Misrepresentation of Yoga: The portrayal of yoga on social media can sometimes misrepresent the practice by focusing solely on physical poses. The deeper aspects of yoga, such as meditation, breathwork, and philosophy, may be overlooked, leading to a skewed perception of what yoga truly encompasses.
5. Commercialization and Influencer Culture: The rise of yoga influencers and the commercialization of the practice can create a consumer-driven approach to yoga. This can dilute the authenticity and spiritual depth of yoga, as it becomes more about brand endorsements and monetization.

Social media has undoubtedly transformed the practice and perception of yoga in the West, bringing both benefits and challenges. While it has helped spread awareness and build a global community, it is essential to maintain a balanced perspective and remember the true essence of yoga. Emphasizing the holistic and inclusive nature of yoga, beyond the physical poses, can help preserve its integrity and ensure that the practice continues to benefit individuals on all levels—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Kim: You’ve led YTT groups at community colleges, as well as private studios, what advice do you give to new teachers?

Stacy:  Leading Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) groups at community colleges and private studios has given me a wealth of experience to share with new teachers. Here are the key pieces of advice I give to them:

1. Continue Learning and Growing

• • Never Stop Learning: Stay curious and committed to your own practice and education. Attend workshops, take classes from different teachers, and continue studying the various aspects of yoga, including anatomy, philosophy, and teaching techniques.
  • Embrace Humility: Accept that you are always a student. Every class you teach and every student you encounter offers an opportunity to learn and grow.

2. Focus on Authenticity

• • Be Yourself: Teach from your own experience and practice. Authenticity resonates with students and builds trust. Don’t try to imitate other teachers; find your unique voice and style.
  • Teach What You Know: Stay within your scope of practice and knowledge. As you gain more experience and understanding, you can expand what you offer.

3. Prioritize Safety and Alignment

• • Emphasize Safe Practice: Ensure you understand anatomy and alignment principles to help prevent injuries. Always prioritize your students’ safety over the complexity of the poses.
  • Encourage Modifications: Offer modifications and variations to make poses accessible to all levels of students. Encourage the use of props to support their practice.

4. Cultivate Compassion and Patience

• • Meet Students Where They Are: Recognize that each student is on their own journey with different abilities, backgrounds, and goals. Approach each class with compassion and patience.
  • Listen and Observe: Pay attention to your students’ needs and feedback. Adapt your teaching to support their progress and well-being.

5. Build a Supportive Community

• • Foster Connection: Create a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable and supported. Building a sense of community enhances the overall yoga experience.
  • Be Accessible: Make yourself available to students for questions and support. Being approachable helps students feel valued and understood.

6. Maintain Professionalism

• • Set Boundaries: Establish clear professional boundaries with your students. This helps maintain a respectful and ethical teaching environment.
  • Be Punctual and Prepared: Always arrive on time and come prepared for your classes. Your students will appreciate your dedication and reliability.

7. Inspire and Empower

• • Encourage Self-Exploration: Inspire your students to explore their practice deeply and discover their potential. Empower them to take ownership of their yoga journey.
  • Share the Deeper Aspects of Yoga: Integrate elements of yoga philosophy, mindfulness, and breathwork into your classes. Encourage students to look beyond the physical practice and explore the mental and spiritual benefits of yoga.

8. Take Care of Yourself

• • Practice Self-Care: Teaching yoga can be physically and emotionally demanding. Ensure you take time for your own practice, rest, and rejuvenation.This includes dedication to your own personal practice beyond the classes you teach.
  • Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that building a career in yoga takes time and persistence. Be patient with yourself and stay committed to your passion.

By embracing these principles, new teachers can cultivate a fulfilling and impactful teaching practice that honors the true essence of yoga and supports their students’ growth and well-being.

Kim: In your opinion, what are the qualities or practices that elevate a good yoga teacher to great?

Stacy: Elevating from a good yoga teacher to a great one involves embodying certain qualities and practices that go beyond technical proficiency.

Here are the key attributes that make a yoga teacher truly exceptional:

1. Deep Knowledge and Continuous Learning

• • In-Depth Understanding: A great teacher has a profound understanding of yoga’s physical, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions. They are well-versed in anatomy, alignment, and the subtle aspects of the practice.
  • Lifelong Learner: They continuously seek to expand their knowledge and stay updated with new developments in yoga and related fields. They are open to learning from various sources and experiences.

2. Authenticity and Integrity

• • Teach from the Heart: Authenticity shines through when teachers are true to themselves and their practice. They teach what they practice and believe in, rather than following trends or mimicking others.
  • Integrity: They maintain high ethical standards, respect boundaries, and create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

3. Excellent Communication Skills

• • Clear Instruction: Great teachers communicate clearly and effectively, ensuring that instructions are easy to understand and follow.
  • Active Listening: They listen attentively to their students, understanding their needs, and providing personalized guidance.

4. Empathy and Compassion

• • Student-Centered Approach: They understand and empathize with their students’ challenges and limitations. They offer support and encouragement, creating a compassionate and non-judgmental space.
  • Inclusive Attitude: They make yoga accessible and welcoming to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background.

5. Inspirational Presence

• • Motivational: Great teachers inspire and motivate their students to reach their potential. They share personal stories, insights, and wisdom that resonate deeply with their students.
  • Role Model: They lead by example, embodying the principles of yoga both on and off the mat.

6. Adaptability and Creativity

• • Flexible Teaching Style: They adapt their teaching to meet the needs of different students and situations. They are creative in sequencing, offering modifications, and using props.
  • Innovative Approaches: They bring fresh perspectives and innovative techniques to their classes, keeping the practice dynamic and engaging.

7. Holistic Approach

• • Beyond Asanas: They integrate all aspects of yoga, including breathwork, meditation, and philosophy. They help students understand the broader context of yoga as a holistic practice for mind, body, and spirit.
  • Balanced Instruction: They balance the physical, mental, and spiritual elements in their teaching, offering a well-rounded experience.

8. Commitment and Passion

• • Dedicated: They are committed to their students’ progress and well-being. Their passion for yoga is evident in their enthusiasm and dedication.
  • Consistent Practice: They maintain a regular personal practice, which informs and enriches their teaching.

9. Community Building

• • Foster Connections: Great teachers build a strong sense of community among their students. They encourage connections, support, and mutual respect within the group.
  • Engagement: They stay engaged with their community, offering workshops, events, and opportunities for deeper connection and learning.

10. Self-Reflection and Growth

• Self-Awareness: They regularly reflect on their teaching and seek feedback to improve. They are aware of their strengths and areas for growth.
• Personal Development: They invest in their personal growth and well-being, understanding that their own development directly impacts their ability to teach effectively.

By embodying these qualities and practices, a good yoga teacher can elevate their teaching to a level that profoundly impacts and transforms their students’ lives.

Kim: In your personal practice, what quality or pose has taken you the longest to learn?

Stacy:  In my personal practice, the quality of patience has taken the longest to learn and integrate fully. While yoga has many physical challenges, cultivating patience has been the most transformative and enduring lesson. Here’s why:

Patience in Practice

1. Progress Over Perfection: Yoga is a lifelong journey, and expecting immediate results can lead to frustration. Learning to appreciate incremental progress and understanding that growth takes time has been crucial.
2. Listening to the Body: Honoring the body’s signals and limits requires patience. It’s important to recognize when to work intensely and when to rest, allowing the body to evolve at its own pace.
3. Mindfulness and Presence:

Cultivating patience has deepened my ability to stay present in each moment, both on and off the mat. This presence enhances the quality of my practice and life overall.

Pose: Hanumanasana (Splits Pose)

In terms of physical postures, (Splits Pose) has taken me the longest to master. Here’s why:

1. 

   Flexibility and Strength: Hanumanasana requires a high degree of flexibility in the hamstrings, hip flexors, and quadriceps, as well as strength and stability in the core and legs. Achieving the necessary balance between these elements took considerable time and consistent effort.

2. Consistency: Regular practice with focused lengthening and strengthening exercises was essential. Progress in this pose was gradual, requiring a sustained commitment over the years.
3. Mental Barriers: Overcoming mental barriers and fears related to deep extension and potential injury was a significant aspect. Developing the patience to work through these challenges mindfully and safely was key.

Integrating the Lessons

Both patience and the journey to master Hanumanasana have enriched my practice and teaching in profound ways:

• Empathy for Students: My experiences have deepened my empathy for students facing their own challenges. I understand the importance of patience and perseverance and strive to instill these qualities in my teaching.
• Holistic Approach: These lessons have reinforced the importance of a holistic approach to yoga, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional aspects.
• Lifelong Learning: Embracing patience reminds me that yoga is an ongoing journey. There is always more to learn, explore, and experience, both on and off the mat.

By embodying patience and working diligently towards challenging poses like Hanumanasana, I continue to grow as a practitioner and teacher, inspired by the transformative power of yoga.

Kim: What’s your favorite pose and why?

Stacy: My favorite pose? It depends on the day. In the early stages of practice, we often feel the need to “accumulate” poses and classify them in a hierarchy, where something like a handstand might be seen as greater than mountain pose.

But as we continue practicing yoga through the decades and navigate life’s trials, tribulations, and transitions, we discover that no pose is truly above or below another. Each one holds its own significance depending on what our body, mind, and spirit need at that moment. The beauty of yoga is in its ability to meet us exactly where we are, no matter the pose.

Kim: In your opinion, what’s the most underrated pose and why?

Stacy: In my opinion, Tadasana, or Mountain Pose, is the most underrated pose in yoga. While it may seem simple or even basic at first glance, it serves as the blueprint for many other yoga poses. Tadasana teaches us about alignment, balance, and the grounding principles that are essential in more complex postures.

This pose invites us to connect deeply with the earth beneath our feet, engage our core, and lift through the crown of our head, creating a sense of strength and stability. It’s a powerful reminder that even the most seemingly straightforward poses have a profound impact on our overall practice. In Tadasana, we cultivate awareness of our body in space, develop a strong foundation, and learn the importance of steady breath and focus—all of which translate into every other pose we take on the mat. It’s a pose that embodies the essence of yoga: finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Kim: How would you like to see yoga evolve in the West over the next 10 years?

Stacy: Over the next 10 years, I’d love to see yoga in the West evolve in a way that deepens its roots in mindfulness, inclusivity, and holistic wellness. While yoga has gained immense popularity as a physical practice, I hope to see a stronger emphasis on the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of yoga that can transform lives beyond the mat.

I envision yoga communities embracing diversity and accessibility, making the practice available to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. This includes expanding the understanding that yoga is not about achieving the “perfect” pose, but rather about cultivating self-awareness, compassion, and inner peace. I’d also like to see a greater integration of yoga into everyday life, encouraging people to carry the principles of yoga—like non-judgment, balance, and presence—into their interactions with others and the world around them.

Additionally, I hope the next decade brings more collaboration between yoga and other wellness modalities, creating a more comprehensive approach to health that addresses the mind, body, and spirit in harmony. By fostering a deeper connection to the roots of yoga and its holistic benefits, we can create a more mindful, compassionate, and balanced society.

Kim: Lastly, is there a yogic principle or sutra that guides your daily life?

Stacy: One of the guiding principles in my daily life is from Yoga Sutra 2.33, Pratipaksha Bhavana. This principle teaches us to cultivate positive thoughts and attitudes as a response to negative emotions or situations. In essence, it’s about consciously choosing to focus on the opposite when faced with challenges or negativity—transforming anger into compassion, fear into courage, or anxiety into calmness.

Pratipaksha Bhavana is a powerful reminder that we have control over our mindset and reactions, no matter what life throws at us. It encourages us to pause, reflect, and redirect our thoughts toward more constructive and uplifting paths. This principle is not about denying or suppressing negative emotions, but rather acknowledging them and then consciously choosing a different, more positive perspective.

In my daily life, I apply Pratipaksha Bhavana as a practice of mindfulness and self-awareness. When I encounter a difficult situation, I try to observe my initial reactions without judgment and then ask myself how I can reframe the situation in a way that aligns with compassion, understanding, and love. This practice helps me stay grounded, balanced, and open-hearted, even in the face of adversity. It’s a simple yet profound approach that brings more peace, resilience, and positivity into my life.

 

Stacy McCarthy is a world-renowned yoga and wellness expert, captivating speaker, and respected educator. She has positively transformed the lives of clients worldwide since 1991, teaching them how to have a balanced body, peaceful mind, and soaring spirit without dieting or excessive exercise.

Stacy’s impact in the science of yoga and wellness is undeniable. She was named the 2021 IDEA World Instructor of the Year, which is often referred to as the Academy Awards of Health & Fitness Professionals. In fact, she’s been a top three finalist for the same award in 2011, 2019 and 2020. Her teachings and trainings have helped countless people worldwide, and she’s been a celebrated speaker at major yoga, health, and business conferences around the world.

She co-created the first College Accredited 200- and 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training and continues to teach the advanced college courses to the next generation of instructors.

Stacy’s held C-suite positions as COO of a chain of California Health Clubs and CEO of a chain of superfood cafes and is a founding member of the Holistic Leadership Council. Her career is a testament to her passion and dedication to helping others lead healthier, happier lives regardless of their age or where they are starting on their wellness journey.