Name & Hometown:
My name is Shawn Archer, I was born and raised in Saginaw, MI but I currently live in Brighton with my family which includes 4 boys, my husband, and 1 crazy dog.
Who or What inspired you to be a Yoga Instructor?
I honestly never planned to become a yoga instructor, but sometimes life has other plans and surprises for us. Although I have always loved yoga, I initially took a 200-hour yoga course only to learn more about yoga philosophy, and relax during COVID lockdown.
After completing my initial training, I began the Trauma Center-Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TC-TSY) program based in the Center of Trauma and Embodiment. I am also a therapist and have years of experience working with individuals who have experienced violence, so Trauma Sensitive Yoga is a perfect match for my passion for working with individuals who have a history of emotional or physical trauma. TC-TSY is an empirically validated, clinical intervention for complex trauma or chronic, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and because of this recognition, I can use TC-TSY to work with therapists and offer additional support to individuals who may be looking for non-traditional healing tools.
Describe your style of yoga:
My classes are a gentle, choice-based Hatha style encouraging individuals to explore the healing aspects of yoga movement while incorporating mindfulness, possible breathwork, and body awareness into each class. All the classes I offer are Trauma Sensitive.
What’s your favorite yoga pose?
I don’t know if it’s my favorite, but tree pose or Vrikshasana is fascinating. For me, it just depends on the day if the pose will work naturally or if the pose is going to be a struggle the whole time. Tree pose seems like a good metaphor for life. Sometimes it’s easy, some days I must work a little harder, and sometimes I just need to let it go and come back and try a different day.
What brings you to the mat?
I always come back to the mat because I know, after class, I will always feel better after I step off the mat.
If you teach, where? Feel free to list your classes & locations.
I have several locations for private and/or group classes, including Evolve Therapy Center and Yoga Center for Healthy Living. Anyone interested can find the most updated information on my website; www.gentlespirityoga.com. I also offer educational classes for yoga teachers and the community regarding the impact of trauma, so I travel all over for those as well!
How has being a member of YAGD helped you in your yoga career?
I am new to YAGD but I love meeting the members and learning from their experience. For new teachers, this group is a wonderful opportunity to network and learn from some incredible teachers!
Do you have a favorite yoga story from your teaching experience?
I don’t have one specific story, but one of my favorite things about teaching yoga is watching people find their voice through yoga, reconnecting with their body and making choices about how they want to move (or not move!)
Is there anything else you would like to add, like family… hobbies… karma yoga… or other professions?
My hobbies include reading, camping, traveling, shuffling 4 boys to wherever life takes them, and any chance I get you will find me somewhere driving around in my Jeep named TOWANDA – preferably off road, with the top down, and doors off! (If you are curious, my Jeep is named TOWANDA from the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. At one point in the movie TOWANDA is described as “the righter of wrongs, queen beyond compare.” I couldn’t think of a better way to drive around town on or off road !)