Finding Presence Through Practice: Ani's Yoga Journey

Ani invites students into a space of authenticity, presence, and connection, grounded in the belief that “this moment is all we have—show up for it.” Her journey into yoga wasn’t love at first pose; in fact, she laughs about hating her first class in a sweltering Des Moines park in 2011. Yet, over time, yoga became a transformative practice of growth and self-discovery. Now a Yin teacher at Central West End Yoga, Ani creates a welcoming space to slow down, connect, and explore the art of being fully present.

Constance: Thanks for sitting down with me, Ani! Let’s dive right in—tell me about your journey with yoga. Where did it begin, and what made it stick?
Ani: My first class was in 2011, outdoors in Des Moines, Iowa. It was hot, and I hated it. Later, when I moved to St. Louis, a friend invited me to a deep stretch class. I didn’t have much going on and figured, “Why not?” That class ended up being a calming, gentle way to move my body—so different from the punishing exercise routines I was used to.

I kept going back because it felt good, not just physically but mentally too. Over time, my practice ebbed and flowed, but in 2019, I committed to it more consistently. The mental clarity it brought me was a game-changer.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, I had plans to start a yoga teacher training, but it got canceled. I was determined to wait for an in-person program, though. I completed my training with YogaHour in 2023, then a training in Yin yoga, and now I’m excited to be teaching.

Constance: What is yoga to you?
Ani: Each moment is your yoga practice. Yoga is not just about physical poses; it’s how we live our lives. The lessons learned on the mat—patience, resilience, self-awareness—extend far beyond it.

Constance: Beautiful. I know you’ve also thought about branching into coaching. How does yoga connect to that for you?
Ani: I’ve always loved helping people figure things out for themselves. I worked in academic advising for nearly a decade, and the best part was those one-on-one conversations—guiding students to their own answers.

Yoga has shown me how self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about finding what works for you. That’s where I see the overlap with coaching: helping people take care of themselves in a way that allows them to live fully and show up for their lives in a way that feels authentic to them.

Constance: I love that. You’re also a part of Campfire, a storytelling group and school. Do you think storytelling plays a role in your teaching?
Ani: Definitely. Storytelling is about connection. Hearing someone else’s story reminds us that we’re not so different—we’re all just figuring it out.

In yoga, I try to weave that same sense of connection into my classes. It’s not necessarily about sharing my own stories but guiding students toward connection and self-discovery within themselves.

Constance: The space for vulnerability and connection you create is so powerful. What would you say is your teaching philosophy?
Ani: For me, it’s all about presence. When students come to class, I want them to know this hour is theirs. The to-do lists and worries will be waiting, but this moment is yours.

Yoga is a chance to just be. It’s introspection, a time to actually listen to your thoughts without the noise of life—no TV, no emails, just you and your breath.

Constance: Before yoga, what was your relationship with just “being”?
Ani: Before yoga, I lived either in the past—rehashing what I could’ve done differently—or in the future, worrying about what might happen. Yoga taught me that the present is all we truly have.

This lesson really hit home after some significant losses in my life. It’s a practice, though—I still catch myself getting pulled away. But practicing yoga has taught me how to return to gratitude for simply being alive.

Constance: You’ve talked a lot about connection. How does community fit into your teaching?
Ani: Community is everything. My existential crises—because, let’s be real, there have been a few—always come back to this: the only thing that matters is how we treat each other. Yoga offers a unique kind of community. We’re all there, as we are, supporting one another. It’s a beautiful reminder that while we may have different stories, we’re all in this together.