Hoa (pronounced: Waa) started out with yoga thirteen years ago when she was living and working as a photojournalist in Vietnam, her native country. The first class she took seemed mysterious (she grew up in a strong Catholic family), but she went to a few classes afterwards.  Then life flowed with its usual bustle and excitement for a young woman photographer and yoga was there only now and then when time was available.

Gradually, Hoa noticed a calmness and joy after each yoga class. When she, her husband and child moved to Brunswick in 2004, she went to practice yoga at different studios until she found Jai and became a regular student there. During this time, she experienced profound change in her life, and realized its connection to Yoga. Eventually, in February, 2009, she went to the teacher training program at Kripalu,  and there became a certified yoga teacher.

Kripalu Yoga changed her. “Kripalu” means “compassion,” and Hoa has found a lot of compassion for herself through the physical aspect of holding a yoga pose, primarily through the calm meditation, the steadiness of the breath and inward reflection that come with holding the pose. With its physical challenges, the practice of Kripalu Yoga is teaching Hoa how to get in touch with deeper levels of herself, moving towards a more meditative and knowing state of mind.  From the simple act of holding an asana (yoga posture), Hoa is learning how to access profound peace and understanding, and this is what she is happy to share with others.

Now, besides teaching yoga and yogadance at Jai and other studios, Hoa is also a student in the yoga and meditation classes at Jai. Here, she finds love, connection and supportive energy from this community. Metaphorically speaking, she finds herself flying in the V of geese; sometimes she is the one who is leading, other times she’s being lifted up with the energy of fellow yogis.

Hoa’s life is blessed and she is deeply grateful.

Certifications and Training:

200 hours of Kripalu Yoga Teacher training, Lenox, Massachusetts

Kripalu YogaDance Teacher Training, Lenox, Massachusetts

Participated in the Kripalu Yoga Teachers Association Conference, Lenox, Massachusetts

Successfully Completed The Express Training Thai Traditional Massage, Bangkok, Thailand

Top and bottom photos by Sam Herter © 2009. Middle photo by Heather Perry © 2010.