Teacher Spotlight: Maren Weege
Magic Maren Weege is currently teaching us two super-nurturing and super-calming pregnancy classes a week: Mondays and Fridays at 6pm. We put her under the spotlight:
Which pose can’t you get enough of at the moment?
I have to say that recovering from a fractured third lumbar vertebrae (which meant major movement restrictions) made me appreciate being able to do ANY posture/movement! I am currently loving a high supported restorative child’s pose which gives my back muscles the chance to release the tightness they developed to protect my spine (feels like tiny bubble wrap bubbles bursting when the tissues release – quite entertaining). Also, loving basic breath-initiated movement seated, lying on the ground and being on all fours to increase mobility and strength and connect to my body.
How does yoga inspire you in your life off the mat?
During my posture, breathing and meditation home practice, I regularly have emotional/tension releases. Yoga has been both an anchor to keep me steady in turbulent times and one of the tools that broke through my protective shields to enable me to bring some of my body’s hidden stories to the surface opening the door for healing. Research shows that most of us hold trauma of some sort in our tissues. My personal experience of this in my self-practice and in classes/workshops and trainings over the years has created a deep empathy for everyone (on and off the mat) who is going through trauma and recovering from it and compassion and kindness. Also, I use the labour breath I teach to pregnant women in stressful situations – so calming!
Who do you love to teach and why?
I love teaching pregnant women. Just simply because it is a delight to support them on their journey into motherhood. I deeply care about sharing the power of the female body in this special state of health and share practices that benefit both mother and baby as well as yoga for labour and birth. Every woman deserves to feel in her power in this time of her life. I also love teaching everyone with a human experience! If you feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, lost or are in need of coming home to yourself, I hear you (been there). To meet the needs of the nervous system and emotional brain, my classes are multidimensional (not just focussed on the dimension of the physical body). The baseline is always breath awareness and body awareness. I often use visualisations and vocalised breath as well as different guided relaxations (including yoga nidra). The invitation is to create a connection to your body and yourself guided by compassionate curiosity and taking responsibility by meeting yourself where you are and making choices that serve you. This makes my classes a healing, nurturing space and trauma-sensitive. Once we feel safe and feel ourselves, we can make leaps in our healing and growth that we might not have thought possible.
What does yoga mean to you?
Healing, self-awareness, coming home to myself.
How do you encourage people in your life to start doing yoga?
Teaching by example. Whenever I have tried to convince someone that they could benefit from yoga it usually backfires! Simply letting those around me see how yoga affects me and keeping my self-practice up when I visit friends/family (there’s a challenge) leaves an impression (and keeps me sane). Everyone finds their own way and there are many different disciplines. My mother for example practices Qi Gong and we have great conversations about our experiences, no need to evangelise about yoga! I have learned some things from her and she has learned things from me.
If you had a superpower it would be:
IF I had a superpower?! I do have a superpower: hugs.