Yogi portrait in Guatemala
Maeve lives, practices, and teaches on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. She is the manager of Villa Sumaya, a spiritual retreat center, and occasionally teaches yoga at the local art gallery and a few other hotels around the lake. In December, I had the opportunity to stay at Villa Sumaya and experience a little bit of the Lake Atitlán magic, especially during my time spent with lovely Maeve for this sunrise shoot.
What do you appreciate about the Lake Atitlán yoga scene?
Lake Atitlán (and specifically Villa Sumaya, but I am biased!) is a magical place. So many of the foreigners living here were just backpacking through (including me, almost 5 years ago) and just felt the invitation to slow down and go a little deeper. There is a gentle, nurturing, feminine energy here. We have an incredible spiritual community of yogis and healers, as well as the heart-centered local indigenous Mayan population.
What do you love about teaching or practicing yoga?
My favorite part of teaching and practicing is actually learning. In my own practice, I learn by cultivating and exploring curiosity and acceptance for however it is I am showing up in that particular moment. While teaching, I believe there is always an opportunity to learn from our students if we pay attention.
For me, teaching a class is often a lesson in joy, compassion, and humility. I’m also grateful for the chance to witness the common human experience of frustration and accomplishment that we all feel sometimes. I was a middle school science teacher for 5 years which has actually influenced my yoga classes more than I ever could have expected!
What is your teaching style and how was that influenced?
I have completed teacher trainings in Kundalini, Tantra, and Ayurvedic yoga. My intention is always for my students to leave class feeling calm, centered, and grounded; this may mean an energetic flow or gentle movement… but always a nice long savasana!
What are you working on in your practice at the moment?
Discipline! Between my full-time job (we’re currently in the middle of high season), my long list of random hobbies, and friends and family scattered all over the globe, I’m working on finding balance and discipline in my personal practice and self-care routines.
Anything else you’d like fellow yogis to know?
The only other thing I’d like to share is my heartfelt gratitude for everything yoga has brought me and taught me, for my teachers and students, and for this opportunity to share a little bit of my story.
