Teacher Feature October 2010: Cindy Bender

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What got you into Yoga?

I became aware of yoga in the late 1970's, around the time I began a conscious spiritual journey, which includes regular prayer and meditation.

I began yoga practice regularly when faced with a severe asthma condition. I developed a strong home practice, and practiced exclusively at home for many years (mainly due to being a sickly, single parent, with little money and time). I used books and VHS videos to learn yoga. Pranayama healed a severe asthma condition, freeing me from having to rely on four different medications needed just to breathe. I also began to realize other wonderful benefits: quieter mind, healthy body, and opening heart.

When did you decide to expand your practice and approach?

I eventually reached a plateau in my practice and realized I needed to study with teachers to go beyond my understanding. I went to classes here and there, and continued my home practice. I experienced Ashtanga-based yoga while in California for a business trip, and fell in love with it. I met a lot of the Yoga Village yogis during that period at the Tampa Bay Yoga Studio, and was introduced to Hot Yoga and Kundalini there.

I finally committed to practicing regularly in a group setting at Tampa Bay Yoga, just before Linda and Jamie bought it and created Yoga Village. I was one of the first to join YV when it opened, and have been coming ever since. Yoga Village and the yogis here are a wonderful and important part of my life!

When and why did you decide to start teaching?

I decided to learn how to teach because I wanted to share this wonderful practice with others. My first teacher training was in Ashtanga-based yoga with Ally Ford. Then Linda and Jamie gave me an opportunity to begin teaching Hot Yoga at Yoga Village. Maria, Marianne, Mable, Lisa, and Barney have all helped me to become a teacher. I also began teaching on the Hatha Yoga rotation, and my friend Mei has been such a great partner and inspiration to me.

You're teaching Kundalini now, as well as Hatha. How did that come about?

Last year, when the Kundalini Teacher Training flyer came out, I was immediately drawn to it, and quickly rationalized why I should not go. However, the weekend before the training was to begin, I attended one of Updesh's 9AM Saturday classes (I rarely went to Kundalini classes then), and she announced the training. I signed up that day. I knew I was ready for this teaching and that inner voice said, "If not now, when?" 

The past year has been an amazing journey! I love all types of yoga and practice many styles. For me, Kundalini is the most balanced yoga in regard to the 8 limbs of yoga. Kundalini is a different kind of strength than the other styles I practice; and I have found that the Kundalini practice has strengthened my practice of Hot and Hatha yoga, too.

Which teachers have influenced you the most?

I have been blessed with many teachers on my yoga path. Early teachers include Richard Hittleman, Paramahansa Yogananda, Roy Eugene Davis, Baron Baptiste, Rodney Yee and Patricia Walden. More recently, Patabhi Jois, John Friend, Yogi Bhajan, and their students have strongly influenced and guided my practice.

What keeps you coming back to your mat?

My friends in our community (too many to name) are a daily inspiration and influence.My practice has become much lighter and joyful over the years.The self-discipline required has created a steadiness and stability that I can rely on.

Yoga has given me integrity, wholeness, and balance. I am grateful.

Cindy teaches on althernate Sundays for the 8:30AM Hatha and 10:30AM Hot classes. She subs for Updesh Kaur's Kundalini classes.