Marita J.

Instructor

Motto Yoga

I discovered yoga at a local gym, almost 3 decades ago. At one of those classes, I started crying uncontrollably “for no good reason”. This both stumped me and peaked my curiosity (why was I crying when I was so happy that day? It wasn’t tears of happiness either. It was something deeper.) This led me to explore and look at my own practice with a new pair of eyes. I simply needed to know more! The newfound wisdom I discovered in YTT gave me a real desire to teach and share the different aspects of yoga – especially around the mind – body – soul connection.After losing my husband of nearly 30 years, in the most traumatic way in early 2018 – (we had the most perfect life together - so the loss was beyond devastating) - Yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices played a big role in the healing process. It still does. It gives me something tangible to lean into. When “sorting through my life”, Motto along with some select studios in Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix, were far enough from where I taught my daily classes, which allowed me to show up on my own mat, and do my own practice without any external interference. Deep down I know that this is something we can do at any place and any time. This is at least the idea. That said - Motto was a wonderful place for me to “land”. Between 2018 and when COVID restrictions came into place I was still teaching several classes across the valley, then zoom classes became a thing until it wasn’t. With the loss of my husband came financial instability. I ended up taking a corporate job to make ends meet. I shaved down on and eventually stopped teaching studio classes some time in 2022 – and rather kept my focus on private students and various events I was hired to do.I have since furthered my Yoga education to include Trauma Informed Yoga, a deeper understanding of Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, the healing effects of Sound, Meditation and the Mudras of Yoga (Yoga Hand Gestures).Out of the blue came the offer to teach at Motto, and I simply could not resist! It works perfectly with my current life and schedule, and I realize just how much I have missed connecting with my students in a weekly group setting like this.Aside from yoga, I travel as often as I can. I would love nothing more than to see the whole wide world with my own eyes instead of through the lens of someone else’s documentary. I feel fortunate to be able to go my home country of Norway every so often to be with family and friends.At some point we all live lives we never planned on (divorce, loss, health issues - financial struggles - you name it!) as life can change in an instant. So it is with me. We have no choice but to surrender to the ups and downs whether we want to or not. Currently for me; life is on an upswing - one I would like to hold onto for a while - it has been a lot lovelier in ways I couldn’t have ever imagined. Once again I get to share my life with someone special. This time with a most beautiful (inside and out) Spaniard who came into my life in the best serendipitous way. My four children are grown and navigating their own journeys, and I can’t wait to see in what ways they will change the world. If I can share anything with you - I hope I can assist in you finding a way back to yourself through the beautiful and profound practice of yoga both on and off your own mat.