Teacher Feature // TEO

We interviewed the lovely Teo for our first official Teacher Feature. Teo shares Dharma Yoga + brings her beautiful balance of spirituality, strength + grace into her classes. Sign up for Teo's class, TUESDAYS at NOON + WEDNESDAYS at 4PM

1. What does “Spirituality” mean to you?

To me, spirituality is knowledge. Building up the courage to face our deepest fear – death. Knowing we know nothing, yet we are everything. Being open to anything that comes our way, accepting “the truth” when our being and individuality is being challenged. Bowing our heads, while keeping our hearts strong when admitting our mistakes, acknowledging they do not define us. Yet they are here to guide us. Being humble, knowing we are simply mirrors of one another, helping one another, but not being afraid to distance ourselves from those who do not match our current energy, in the same way we should act towards our very own mental patterns that do not serve us.

Spirituality is unique to each and every one of us. I may bow to the Buddhas, but I also bow to each person who comes my way and teaches me. Everyone will teach us something about ourselves, all we need to do is open our hearts and listen.

I feel ultimately spirituality is peeling ourselves one layer at the time until we get to the very core of the universe.

2. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Funny enough I wanted to become a priest. I grew up in a very religious Christian Orthodox family in Romania. I always had an inclination towards spirituality. I was told I cannot become a priest because I am a woman. A concept I could not grasp at that very young age. I guess Yoga allowed me in a way to be who I wanted to be when I was young. I always wanted to be there for people, to help in any way I can. If I can make one person's life easier then I am fulfilled.

3. How long have you practiced yoga?

I began with meditation almost 6 years ago. I took on a renunciation lifestyle. I was practicing Mahayana Buddhism. I did this for almost 3 years. In this time I started practicing Asana as well. After a year under the guide of my teacher, I began teaching meditation while using Asanas to deepen the experience. I started in Romania, then taught meditation for almost 2 years in Denmark. I've been in Vancouver for almost 2 years and have been teaching here for 1 year. I am lucky to be part of this community and have the chance to start my journey as a Yoga Teacher in Vancouver at the Dharma Temple.

4. What book are you currently loving?

Right now I am reading Agora – At the Left Hand of God by Robert E. Svoboda. I just finished Agora 2 – Kundalini and decided I need to read the first one as well. The books are incredible if you're interested in knowing what it means to be an Agori. There's so much knowledge in these books that can be applied in our spiritual practice regardless of what it looks like. It explains how the mind, soul and universe work and their beautiful interplay. In the second book it goes deeper into describing the process of raising Kundalini. Both books cite an Agori – Vimalananda who is my favorite person so far.

5. Favorite Music/Artist/Playlist right now.

I just started using Spotify! Funny coincidence you just asked me for a playlist. I made my first playlist with 4 songs I've been obsessively listening to. Here is the link

Check out a beautiful video of Teo on Youtube HERE