1. How has your understanding of yoga evolved since you first started practicing?
My practice has evolved significantly over the past 20 years. When I first began, my body was far less flexible, yet I was younger and more focused on achieving a certain “look” in my poses rather than cultivating mindfulness. Even after earning my 200-hour RYT in 2016, my approach remained highly physical, driven by a desire to prove I could perform the most challenging postures. Since completing my 300-hour training in 2020, my practice has shifted toward meeting my body where it is, using yoga as a tool for healing as well as strength. This evolution has deeply influenced my teaching, where I now emphasize presence, sustainability, and respect for individual bodies.
 
2. How has yoga influenced your everyday life? 
Yoga continually teaches me that being responsive is more valuable than being reactive. By pausing, breathing, and sitting with discomfort before responding, I’m able to approach situations with greater clarity and intention, leading to more thoughtful and measured outcomes.
 
3. What are some of the key lessons you learned during your teacher training?
 
While I gained many valuable skills during teacher training, the most important lesson was understanding that effective teaching begins with meeting students where they are. A meaningful practice must be adaptable, with thoughtful modifications and accommodations offered to support students of all levels and abilities. By shifting the focus from the teacher to the student, the practice becomes safer, healthier, and more inclusive, allowing each individual to engage in a way that best serves their needs.
 

BIO:
 
Heather Summers is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with over 20 years of personal practice and a deep love for movement that feels both strong and joyful. She is certified in Vinyasa, Chair Yoga, Aerial Yoga, and SUP Yoga, and is also a certified Aerial Sling and Hoop instructor. Heather believes yoga should meet you exactly where you are — whether that’s on the mat, in the air, or in a chair. Her classes blend mindful strength, creative flow, and a little Neverland magic, with plenty of options so every body can feel supported. She teaches online, private sessions, and in person at J.Rouge in New Milford, Connecticut.