Teacher Spotlight: Jaime Philip
You’ve seen him around the studio, in a class or maybe you have taken his fantastic Yoga Basics class on Saturday mornings. He is recognizable by his warmth and ability to have a great conversation and his trademark bandana worn on his head. Jaime Philip is one of our new instructors at Green Mountain Yoga and Fred, our Office Manager, sat down to ask him a few questions so everyone could know Jaime a little better.
FP: Tell me a little about yourself.
JP: In my life outside of yoga, I’m the owner of a very small remodel, renovation and residential carpentry company. I’m married 24 years and have a great 16 year old son. My wife and I moved to Colorado from Long Island in 1991 and have never looked back. I’m a runner and enjoy my weekend runs near Red Rocks with music glued to my head and simple nights with my wife at home.
FP: What is your favorite item in the GMY Store and why do you like it?
JP: Books, books and did I mention books? Mindy has a great collection of books on the many aspects of yoga that I’m always exploring. If I’m not greeting my students, I’m by the book rack or in the cubby area with something I’ve borrowed from the shelf.
FP: When did you start practicing yoga and what interested you in yoga?
JP: I’ve been practicing since 2003. Yoga was suggested by a friend after my complaints about low back pain. Besides not seeing my chiropractor for 7 years, yoga has also become my home for the spiritual beliefs I’ve had for most of my life.
FP: What inspired you to attend teacher training and become an instructor here at GMY?
JP: To put it simply, it was the community at GMY. Yoga has its own attraction for me but Mindy and Karen and the rest of the teachers and the practitioners that come to the classes made me want to deepen my own practice. As part of the minority of men who practice yoga, GMY has always been so welcoming. The question should be “Why didn’t I attend training sooner?”
FP: What do you hope your students will receive when they take one of your classes?
JP: I teach Yoga Basics on Saturday mornings. I get amazing satisfaction in helping my students through their first steps in their yoga journey. My hopes are that I can spark their interest and desire enough so that they come back, either to my class or to any others that we offer and that they begin a consistent practice. I’m proud to be a part of my students’ quest for better health and a balanced lifestyle.
FP: How would you like to further your yoga practice and career?
JP: At this time, I’m busy absorbing all of the information I can regarding my teaching ability. I want all of my students to come to my class and feel like they’ve deepened their practice after being with me for just 75 minutes. When I’m confident about that, I’d like to consider Advanced Teacher Training at GMY. Eventually I’d like to each to those who are unable to attend the studio (those confined to their homes) or those whose schedules are incompatible with our classes. After all, yoga is for everybody!
No matter how long you have been practicing yoga, attending one of Jaime’s Yoga Basics classes will without a doubt introduce you to more of the true meaning of why we all need to enrich our lives with a strong and consistent practice.
Thank you Jaime for allowing us to get to know you better and for all you do here at GMY!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Jamie, you are the seed of inspiration and of good things to come at GMY! Blessings to you and your family.
Nice to see you are moving into the main stream,as you know JP you only get out of life what you put in!!
Your Friend from across the pond.
Edwin
PS the axe is getting sharper.
love you yoga bro!
Keep on pursuing your passion. I wish for you true happiness and eternal peace. I love you! Thank you for all the splendor you continue delivering to my soul and at GMY.