Jolie Parcher
Instructor Interviews
With Jolie Parcher
How were you first introduced to yoga?
I had a dance teacher who I really admired at Wesleyan U. I was awed by this woman’s passion for life and dance and the boldness and grace she embodied. So when she brought yoga into our dance classes I embraced it whole heartedly and fell in love.
What made you decide to move beyond being a student to become a teacher?
It was actually fate. It was 1990 and I was traveling in Khatmandu Nepal and looking for a yoga class. The studio I found was closed to drop-in students because they were just about to start a 200 hour teacher training. One woman had just dropped out so there was an opening and I signed up!
What were you doing before you taught yoga?
I was a special Ed teacher in East Hampton and a waitress over the summers and earlier on I baked bread in a great bakery in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
How has your yoga practice changed since you began?
My original training in khatmandu was about a yogic lifestyle; Ayurvedic eating, cleansing, chanting and the Yamas sand Niyamas. But back in NY in the ‘90s the classes being offered were more about getting into challenging shapes and increasing flexibility. So it took some searching and effort to find teachers I connected with more personally and create a practice that included postural integrity within a conscious living.
Is there a particular aspect of yoga you are especially intrigued with right now?
My whole focus is on listening to what my body, mind, breath and heart need and using my practice to turn on my joy and support the challenges in my life. This ends up being a combination of strong ashtanga flows, restorative practices, lots of pranayama and creative vinyasa that weaves in some dance and meditation.
What else have you studied in depth?
Ayurveda, essential oils, education, herbs and organic gardening, ceramics.
What are some of your other practices or passions?
Gardening, surfing, van travel, walking with people I love.
When you really need grounding what do you do?
Eat a warm meal, snuggle with my husband, watch a fantastical movie, light a fire, sit and watch the ocean, listen to Pema Chodren, do a slow steady breathing practice.