Vanessa Fleming is a passionate and inspiring yoga teacher known for her grounded presence and soulful approach to teaching. Her journey into yoga started as a personal path to healing, and it blossomed into a mission to help others reconnect with themselves through mindful movement and breath. Whether you’re new to the mat or deep in your journey, Vanessa’s story is a powerful reminder of why we practice yoga—not just for flexibility or strength, but to find clarity, calm, and connection within.

Why and When Did You Decide to Become a Yoga Teacher?

I’ve always been connected to movement, but I was very disconnected from my mind. I struggled with anxiety and depression for most of my life, and it started to overtake me. My doctor prescribed yoga.

I started going, and it was very difficult. But I didn’t want to half-ass it. I didn’t want to find the easy way out. It was the first time I showed up to something and found myself taking a journey inward to get to the bottom of why something was difficult.

And then one day, after a few years of practicing, I felt myself crying on my mat. I was connecting to something deep inside of me—something I had pressed down over and over again. I had awakened something in me, and it was then that I knew I wanted to share this with others. Yoga had brought me out of a very dark place many times over, and I wanted to do my part to help others connect with themselves.

What Do You Enjoy Most About Teaching Yoga?

My students. The “aha” moments I see them have. The questions they ask, and the bond we create. When they come up to me after class and tell me what they experienced, or that something finally “clicked” for them—that’s what makes it worth it.

How Has the Choice to Practice Yoga Affected You Personally?

The deeper I get into my practice, the more in tune with my body, the universe, and my being I become.

• Physically, I’m stronger and healthier.

• Mentally, I have more clarity.

• Emotionally, I’m far more conscious of the decisions I make—what I consume, who I surround myself with, how I treat myself and others.

Those are my top reasons to continue to practice yoga daily.

Advice for New Yoga Students

For someone new to the asana (physical) practice and maybe feeling intimidated, the most important—and hardest—part is simply showing up. Once you’re on your mat, you are on your way.

Still not convinced? Think about the last selfless thing you did, or the smile you gave to a stranger. Guess what? That’s yogic. So you’ve already started the journey. That counts tremendously.

What Changes Do You Notice in Students Who Practice Yoga Regularly?

The “shift.” Certainly, the physical benefits are there—more strength and flexibility—but what really stands out is how students start to become more connected with their own bodies.

They begin to understand how their body works in conjunction with strength and breath. Most people don’t realize they don’t actually know how to breathe until they start paying attention to it.

We all breathe to live, but to practice yoga is to learn how to breathe with awareness—and that opens the door to transformation.

Why a Yoga Retreat Enhances Your Practice

A yoga retreat provides a depth of attention and immersion that a regular class can’t always provide.

Classes allow you to practice yoga in short bursts, but retreats help you connect with others, go deeper physically and spiritually, and shut out the “noise” of daily life.

The environment, nature, community, and focused energy of a retreat support a fuller, more meaningful practice and a sense of serenity that can be hard to find elsewhere.

Why It’s Worth It to Practice Yoga

Vanessa’s story is a powerful reminder of how deeply healing it can be to practice yoga. From mental clarity to emotional growth and physical strength, yoga is not just exercise—it’s a way to connect with ourselves on a much deeper level.

Whether you’re brand new or experienced, the journey begins the moment you show up on your mat. The shift might be slow, but it’s always worth it.

If you’re looking to find balance, breathe better, or simply feel more like yourself again, take that first step—practice yoga.

This interview was first published in 2016.