Meet YogaDownload Instructor of the Month, Megan Zamora! Megan is an inspiring and passionate teacher of Outlaw Yoga, a contemporary practice that is "technically simple and physically challenging." Yoga has transformed her from the inside out, and she began teaching so she could share the powerful practice with others. Read on to learn more about Megan and her inspiring journey.
When did you start practicing yoga?
I started practicing in 2011.
What has yoga brought to your life?
Yoga has brought a new sense of possibility into my life that has allowed me to tap into a space of self-acceptance and self-love that I never imagined was possible. Upon the foundation that yoga has created I have been able to make the bold choice to accept myself — to celebrate, to find contentment, and even joy with exactly where I am. Yoga has brought an opportunity for this inward connection, which has made me feel worthy of connecting to others. My yoga practice has set me free.
Why did you become a yoga instructor?
I’ve shed over 100 pounds since I started practicing yoga, and the heaviness that I’ve shed in the mind has been even more profound. I could see how much this practice changed me for the better and out of enthusiasm I wanted to share it with as many people as I could. I’m SO grateful to get to lead this practice and to hopefully show students what possibilities are present if they want to pursue it.
What impact can a regular yoga practice have on a person's life?
As big or small of an impact as they want. If a person is in it for the physical aspect, they will be served. They will become more flexible, toned and strong. This practice has the power to change us, to allow us to show up in the brightest way possible, to give us the tools we need to create the life we want to be living, and can give us a chance to choose happiness.
What advice would you give to someone that is just starting yoga?
Don’t take it too seriously, have fun and celebrate the small victories along the way.
What is special about the style of yoga you teach?
I’m honored to get to teach OUTLAW Yoga. It is a contemporary practice that is rooted in community. You will get a hit of this powerful community from the moment you walk in the door of our new studio, and hopefully even when you push play on our yogadownload.com videos. OUTLAW Yoga is technically simple and physically challenging. It will give you the platform to create change in your life by practicing taking on challenge.
What is your favorite yoga posture to teach, and why?
Crow Pose!! I wanted to be able to do crow pose since my very first yoga class and I didn’t have the strength or body awareness that it requires. I fell out of crow pose 1000 times and I got back up to try it 1001. It is a pose that symbolizes perseverance and that has the power to show a student that you can accomplish anything if you are willing to fall, dust yourself off and try again.
Please share some words of wisdom or advice for your yogadownload.com yoga students.
Well I’m 23 years old…I don’t have much wisdom, but I do have a lot of faith. I have faith in humanity and I trust that everyone is just trying to do his or her best in this confusing and challenging life. Make the best choices you can, do the things that make you happy, go out of your way to make someone else’s day better, practice forgiveness and say “I love you” fearlessly. Be kind to yourself, to our planet and to everyone who inhabits it.
Do you have a favorite quote you'd like to share?
A few of my favorites are:
“If you sit with any emotion long enough, it will become gratitude.” – Justin Kaliszewski
"Most people, are like falling leaves, which blow and turn in the air, and stagger and tumble to the ground. But others, fewer, are like stars, they travel in a fixed orbit, no wind reaches them, in themselves they have their law and their course." - Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
"It's difficult to believe in yourself because the idea of self is an artificial construction. You are, in fact, part of the glorious oneness of the universe. Everything beautiful in the world is within you." -Russell Brand
What do you like to do "off the mat"?
I spend quite a bit of time alone to recharge. I like to be outside and feel the sunshine on my skin, play my guitar, read and eat good food. I also love spending time with the people who are closest to me; it is these people who make my life feel meaningful. I get excited when I get to talk about philosophy and enthusiastically do anything I can to help drive the growth of OUTLAW Yoga. I’m still figuring out who I am and where I want this life to take me but I’m going to enjoy the ride as much as I can.
Download One of Megan's Inspiring Classes on the Outlaw Yoga Channel today:
Freedom Through Forgiveness
The Beauty of Your Body
Do the Discipline to Create Change
Pose Breakdown: Side Crow