Carol Merry on Embodied Practice, Inner Wisdom, and Trusting Life’s Currents

Name

Carol Merry

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I’d been practicing Yoga for 10yrs before I became a teacher and over this time experienced how it changed the trajectory of my life. It opened my eyes to how I see myself and the world around me, offering a deeper connection and awareness to everything I do. There are so many useful tools in this practice to navigate through life with more intention, purpose and ease.

How would you describe your teacher style in three words?

Grounded, strong, embodied

Do you have a favourite pose, exercise or principle to teach - and why?

Yoga is so much more than the physical practice of Asana. I like to include the energetics of postures such as the Chakras and the Vayus along with Pranayama and meditation for a fuller practice. I like to sequence very intentionally, everything has a purpose while moving mindfully with the breath.

What does your personal practice look like outside of the studio?

I have a daily home practice of pranayama, meditation and Asana and sometime I have more time than others. My teacher is in Byron so I practice with her in person or online if I’m short on time. I also like to spend time playing my sound healing instruments, reading and studying to keep learning and expanding myself, my practice and what I offer to others.

What do you love to do when you're not teaching or practicing?

I absolutely love to make healthy and nourishing food for my family, it’s like my love language. I love beach walks, stand up paddle boarding, trying my luck at surfing, wakeboarding with my family and walking my dogs. I love to read a good book in my hammock on a sunny day with a chai in hand.

What's your favourite animal - and why?

I have to say my two English Staffies. I absolutely adore them. They are always by my side, happy to see me ever single morning when they open their eyes and extremely local. They are my two love nuggets, absolutely unconditional love.

Are you a sunrise or sunset person?

Sunrise for sure. I walk everyday while the sunrises - I love watching and listening to the world wake up.

What's your favourite drink?

Hmmm that’s a hard one. Chai or matcha.

If you could have one super power what would it be and why?:

My superpower would be to fly.

What has your practice taught you about life?

My practice has taught me that life is always changing, nothing stats the same. That it’s easier to surrender to its flow than fight the currant. That everything is just as much as a lesson as an experience. That there’s an underlying energy that connects us all to one another and something much greater than and to trust in that even when life gets hard - what is meant for you will find you. You get back what you put in. Stay open to opportunities and don’t let fear stop you. That we