Angela Burgess
Where are you from? I was born in Valdosta, Georgia, but moved to Athens when I was a child. I have lived in Athens now for 32 years, so I guess you could say I’m from Athens.
What’s your passion? I love to inspire, empower, and hold space for healing and transformation. I’m passionate about cultivating love, health, joy, connection, and beauty within myself and the world. My family lights up my heart, whether we are hanging around the house or traveling the world. I want to be present for all of life’s experiences, to really steep myself in courage and gratitude. As one of my favorite authors Paulo Coelho writes, “Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitue experience.” This is my passion.
Favorite book? I can’t choose just one: The Alchemist, Jitterbug Perfume, and The Outlander Series
Favorite movie? The Princess Bride and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Favorite restaurant? The National and Taste of India
Favorite place you’ve been? Ireland
When did you start practicing yoga and why?
I started practicing yoga in 1997. It was an old school hatha class at the Athens Yoga Center with John Hawkins. I have always been into the metaphysical and somatic apects of life, so yoga gave me the opportunity and pleasure of exploring my body, mind, and spirit all at once. My practice has been a lifelong journey that has woven through the years, with ebbs and flows. At this point in my life, yoga seems like a dear old friend that I want to hang out with and do everything and nothing together all at once. Just like an old friend, yoga always teaches me something new if I show up and listen.
What’s your favorite yoga style?
Vinyasa Flow, from slow all the way to power, depending on what my body needs. I also have a soft place in my heart for some trusty Hatha yoga (sans flow).
What inspired you to teach?
I just graduated teacher training March 2019 and began teaching the following month. My background is in health education and nursing, so I have always been drawn to help inspire and empower people to connect in with the body’s wisdom and learn from this connection. Teaching yoga offers me the ability to hold space for healing and transformation, which is my passion.
What’s your advice to someone who is new to yoga?
Try a variety of classes and teachers. Ask yourself “What is my goal?” Then seek out classes that will support your needs. Listen to your body. Allow yourself to be surprised. Realize that yoga is a journey and everyone has different goals, so don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Yogis come in all shapes and sizes, with a broad range of abilities. Continue to practice to find what you like and make it your own. Enjoy the journey.
What is your favorite pose?
Vrksasana and Dancing Warrior
What’s your favorite class at M3?
Right now Slow Flow is my favorite to both teach and take.
What do you enjoy most about M3?
I love how there are such a wide variety of classes for every body. M3 is such a welcoming and inclusive community. I appreciate the realness and playfulness I experience when I’m there. I really feel like I’m welcome to come as I am and to be myself, no matter what.