Why I Volunteer: Cecilie Løvestam, Teacher

Cecilie

Løvestam

Exhale to Inhale Teacher Since 2018

Tell us about your volunteering experience with Exhale to Inhale.

I have volunteered with Exhale to Inhale since I completed my Exhale to Inhale trauma-informed training in September 2018. I choose to continue volunteering because their mission of serving survivors of sexual and domestic violence is extremely meaningful to me.

How has Exhale to Inhale changed you as a teacher and as a human? 

As a yoga teacher, I use elements of the Exhale to Inhale methodology in every single class I teach. This includes using invitational language, giving options, and always asking for consent. As a human, I believe Exhale to Inhale has made me more mindful about not making assumptions about other people and become more intentional about my language choices. 

What is a student story that has been most impactful for you?  

I had a regular student who stayed in a shelter tell me that she practiced the yoga movements and breathing exercises she had learned in my classes in her room when she felt stressed or anxious and that it made her feel more calm. I love this story because I think it speaks to how Exhale to Inhale classes can have a lasting positive effect on the students well-being and resilience off-the-mat and how the techniques we teach Exhale to Inhale students builds resources that can support the students in navigating challenges and stressful situations.

Speaking of off-the-mat resilience, what do you do to feel grounded off your mat?

Prioritizing sleep, moving my body, quality time with the people I love, and a lot of tea and dark chocolate!

What drew you to be a part of Exhale to Inhale?

I have a background in psychology, and when I first learned about trauma-informed yoga I was immediately fascinated by the integration of my passions: psychology, yoga, and mindfulness. I appreciate Exhale to Inhale’s mission of creating a sense of community and holding supportive spaces where students can explore how evidence-based techniques of mindful breath and movement can soothe their nervous systems, reduce stress, and promote well-being. The Exhale to Inhale training felt like a natural continuing education for me to pursue after completing my 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training and I'm so glad I did!

What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching for Exhale to Inhale?

It feels rewarding to teach yoga to people who otherwise might not have access to these practices and to have students express to me that they feel better/calmer/less stressed/more energized after class than they did before.

What is the most important message you'd like to share with our community?

Give yourself permission to take care of all aspects of your well-being!