Q&A: Amrit Singh, Yoga Teacher

1. When and why did you begin your yoga practice? Why did you decide to become a yoga teacher?

I began my yoga practice at the age of 27. I was in a difficult transition of my life, experiencing feelings of isolation and loss. My mom knew of the Kripalu yoga center on Wolf Rd. in Albany. She suggested I try yoga, she thought it would really help me. So, I did. I began with a few sessions in 2000 and continued practicing, even with a Maternity Yoga class in 2005, when I was pregnant with my oldest son.

From the beginning I wanted to become a teacher. In 2001 I explored the options for yoga teacher training. The only place I found was at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, in Lenox, Ma, about an hour away. I couldn’t figure out the logistics of the travel and the financial requirements so I let the idea rest until 2015. I had joined the Ciccotti Center in Colonie and was very much attached to the style and energy within the classes that I was attending. My teacher, Ashley, decided to offer her first yoga teacher training which began on January 1, 2016. I decided that I would not let this opportunity pass and jumped right in! I always thought I would take the teacher training so that I could also teach, as I love bringing good things to people’s lives, but I didn’t know if I would be a good teacher until I actually started in June 2016.

2. What is one important life lesson you like to share as a yoga teacher? 

I try to find the good. It’s easy to find the bad, ugly, troublesome features of someone’s personality. I try to focus on the good. It’s been my life’s work as I’m naturally inclined to look for the negative. Try to find the good so you don’t sink, so you can rise above.

3. Law school is a very hectic three years for many students, do you have a personal go-to practice to get you through difficult/chaotic times? 

Early in the morning, upon waking, find 2-3 yoga poses that you love or that you feel inclined to practice that morning. Spend a few quiet minutes…5-7…in meditation. When the mind wanders, thank it for being sharp, and remind it you can return to those thoughts at a later time. 

If you feel you need a more formalized and directed practice, try Yoga with Adriene online. She offers classes for everyone and every condition. And many of them are free.

4. What is your favorite style of yoga to practice? 

My favorite style of yoga to practice is gentle flow. I’ve always been attracted to a practice that moves continuously but now also really love a pace that offers time for pause, reflection, space. That’s when the healing begins for me.

5. What do you do when you’re not teaching yoga? 

I wish there was more time in the days! I love to exercise – walking, exercise bike, strength building. My partner, Eric, and I share 3 dogs – Ginger, Lia and Gennie. They are all rescues and although require a fair amount of work, are so loved by our family; we enjoy them so much. My boys, Naveen – 14 and Sohan – 10, are the loves of my life and have helped me to become a better, kinder person. They make me laugh like no one else in this world. As a family, sometimes with the dogs and sometimes without, we love to travel along the east coast. Our family is vegan (almost 13 years for me!) and we absolutely love finding vegan restaurants during our travels. One of our favorite places to visit is Farm Sanctuary, in Watkins Glen, NY, a sanctuary for rescued farm animals. Every summer we stay in the cabins on-site and enjoy the peace and tranquility from being in such a beautiful location.

I teach yoga part-time – 2 classes a week at the Rudy A. Ciccotti Center in Colonie. Aside from that and Albany Law, I teach once a month for the Kinderhook Runner’s Club. 

My full-time job is at Wildwood Programs. I am a licensed master’s social worker and the Coordinator of Family Support Services. I am fortunate to have such diversity in my work with both a macro and micro approach, administration and counseling. I also incorporate therapeutic yoga into my counseling sessions, as well as provide 1:1 yoga to individuals. I love what I do both at Wildwood and on the yoga mat.