Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Withers.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Haley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, I felt awkward, self-conscious and completely out of place. My desire was to travel the world and share my passion of photography around the world. Through photography, I fell into a short stint of modeling which enhanced the lack of confidence and eventually, I found yoga. This became my safe space, a place to move and feel and explore even when I felt stuck. I practiced yoga throughout high school and university. After university, I decided that to deepen my practice, I would go off to India and complete my teacher training (with absolutely no intention to teach). This teacher training set my whole path in motion. After the training, I began traveling and from there teaching throughout my travels which took me all over the globe. I have been lucky enough to teach in India, Egypt, Jordan, Nicaragua, Morocco, Portugal and many more. From this experience, I am currently working to bring my teaching online to reach a wider audience and connect with more people.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not! I think one of my biggest struggles is feeling like “who am I to share this practice?” The famous imposter syndrome. And while the intensity of the feeling ebbs and flows, it is still there in a little corner of my mind. I’d say that this is such a common fear and can be such a roadblock but some of the best advice that I’ve heard is to trust your experience. Trust what you know and trust what you have practiced. Teach or create from a place that is yours, not something you’ve read or seen.
Please tell us about your work.
I am a yoga + movement + embodiment coach. I struggle to say I am purely a yoga teacher as what I teach is a mixture of yoga, somatic practices, breath works and embodiment. I specialize in working with everyone to connect to their freedom. I believe in the power of play to connect to this freedom. You’ll find me making slightly inappropriate jokes in class and trying to evoke a sense of wonder from my students. I host international retreats and online mentorships as well as workshops and classes.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I believe one of the biggest barriers is women seeing other women as competition. I truly believe that if one woman rises, we all rise. I believe we must work together, create community, see each other as friends and sisters. This is where the shift happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.haleywithers.com
- Email: withershaley@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleywithersyoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haleywithersyoga/
Image Credit:
Otago Street Collective
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
