Ashley McGee
Instructor Interviews
With Ashley McGee
What made you decide to move beyond being a student to become a teacher? / What were you doing before you taught yoga?
Before becoming a yoga teacher, I lived in NYC, acquiring 12+ years of experience spanning cultural institutions, global media companies, production studios, and the creative industry. I built most of my career at VICE as Global Account Director where I ran Intel’s Creators Project and Motherboard. I was Head of Business Development + Marketing at The FRONT, leading brand partnerships with companies such as National Geographic and Spotify. And, I served as Group Account Director at the Milk group.
A significant part of my journey becoming a yoga teacher has stemmed from my intimacy with fear and my desire to move closer to my inner truth. Since University, I found myself fighting personal fears and obstacles – fighting for respect as a young woman, fighting to “make it” in NYC, fighting to be “successful,” fighting to prove myself professionally, fighting to make a six-figure salary by the time I was 30, fighting to climb the corporate ladder, fighting for credentials and fighting to make a name for myself in my industry. While essentially achieving these conventional ideals, I was in an unhealthy vortex within the NYC hustle. I knew I was not the best version of myself. Yet, I was fearful of what would happen should I break away from these conventional goals. After many years in the NYC hustle, I began re-evaluating what was actually important to me in my life and what is the true meaning of “success.” It was time for a lifestyle change and to create space for new beginnings, so I handed in my resignation.
I had been practicing yoga at a variety of studios on and off for about a decade (my passion for surfing took up the little to no free time I found). Shortly after handing in my resignation, I felt a strong calling to become a yoga teacher where I could aim to be a light unto myself and to others. (I think I also had a bit of a eureka moment after multiple students I was practicing with were encouraging me to become a yoga teacher.)
How has your yoga practice changed since you began?
Since beginning my journey as a yoga teacher, my practice has been evolving indefinitely. Before teacher training, I was quick to go to my maximum, jam and force my body, and crunch my lower back. I had lower back pain most likely as a result. My ego and flexibility were getting in the way. I wasn’t really taking the time to listen. After beginning to practice with and study with my teachers, I became inspired by achieving precise anatomical alignment and inquiry of the subtle. I’m listening more. I’m taking more care of and listening to my body more. I’m finding my roots, my center, and then lengthening from there. I’m pulling out of my lower back instead of shortening it. I’m gripping less and softening more. Sometimes I make things easy. These teachings are applicable both on and off the mat by the way. :)
Is there a particular aspect of yoga you are especially intrigued with right now?
I’m especially intrigued with learning to play my harmonium, learning chants, and integrating harmonium chanting into my classes. It feels really good to chant. Since teacher training, when I was first really exposed to the harmonium, the instrument has triggered me emotionally. Everytime a teacher would begin playing the harmonium, I’d immediately be on the verge of/in tears.
What are some of your other practices or passions?
Surfing and music have both been significant elements in my life since I was in my mother’s womb. I relish being in or close by bodies of water. I adore animals and have always had a strong connection with them - more so than most humans. I love tending and harvesting bountiful produce from Mike and I’s beautiful garden. <3
When you really need grounding, what do you do?
Two of my favorite yoga poses when I really need grounding are Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and Virasana, Hero’s Pose. In Tadasana, I love feeling the whole surface of the feet planted on the earth, feeling a strong connection with Earth beneath the feet, and planting the body perpendicular to the earth. You can feel the latitude and longitude of the feet, the tailbone drop down into the waters of earth, the roots of the legs growing deeper. In Virasana (with a brick at its widest, lowest height underneath the sitting bones), I love spreading the pinky toes wide on the mat, encouraging all ten toes to be planted on mother earth and feeling the connection of the tops of the feet and the shins on the earth. There is a beautiful grounding of the legs, the sitting bones, and anchoring of the tailbone.
Anything else you'd like to share?
My work and my journey as a yoga teacher have just begun.