Betsey Strater

What's your superpower? / What do you want it to be?

I have predicted all three earthquakes that I have been in, since I was a little girl. I guess that’s a super power and also a curse… I hope no one is counting on me for the big one! Of course I’d like to fly and have more open hamstrings. I would use these to help redistribute resources to those in need and do the splits.

How do you express gratitude?

Gratitude is my favorite sensation. I practice it by having Gratitude Feasts with my best friend where we say one thing we are grateful for with each bite. I gather these items daily by noticing and savoring the beauty and opportunity that surrounds me. What I am often most grateful for are doors that open directly from something “bad.” My practice is to meet these with love and gratitude sooner.

Why do you share yoga?

Yoga taught me that I was powerful when I believed that I was weak. It helped me transform my life and ignited passion and love inside of me. If Yoga can do that for me, I know that it can do that for anyone, . I love to help people discover what is possible. Also, it’s so much fun!

What's your favorite pose? Why?

Warrior II makes me feel humble and powerful at the same time. I feel open and strong and ready. My fingers still tremble, a reminder that I am human, still in progress. I’d love to take that Warrior II to Half Moon too.

When was the last time you laughed out loud?

Today, teaching a class of preschoolers, we made a delicious imaginary smoothie. The cookies and avocado were an unexpected combination.

What always makes you smile?

Love –seeing it, feeling it, giving it. Donuts. Rose Tea. Sun. Snow.

What does flow mean to you?

Flow is a state of awareness and presence that creates connection, oneness. Stepping out of yourself to be part of something bigger.

What can our TGY friends expect from your class?

Together, we will work intentionally with breath and physicality to unclench, ground down, flow, and make space for something new. We will work with what happens off the mat, in life, to understand yoga and vice versa. We will work powerfully and playfully to challenge what we know and peer into possibility. I invite you to stand on your hands or take your most dramatic sigh, whenever you need to.

Betsey is an RYT 200 and certified Next Generation Kids’ Yoga Teacher. She is currently seeking Baptiste Tier I certification.