4 Questions with Infinity Yoga Teacher Mollee Sheehan

Mollee Sheehan answers questions about herself and her teaching style. Read on for Mollee in her own words!


1.  What is your teaching philosophy?

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My short answer: Ancient + Modern.

I have a deep reverence for the ancient intentions of yoga as a path for self-realization and transcending human suffering.

I also make space for modern science and the ability of yoga to heal modern-day suffering — chronic stress, distraction and disconnection, and its impacts like anxiety, attention issues, and depression.

2.  What are your classes like?

By holding close to yoga’s ancient roots, the yoga I teach might not look like yoga often practiced in America today. The word yoga translates to union. I focus on supporting union of breath and movement, of body, mind and spirit. And building and strengthening not just the body but our relationship with ourselves, the outer and inner.

A student once said, “Your class didn’t seem like yoga. Yoga is so difficult and puts your body in all kinds of uncomfortable positions. Your class felt different. I feel so good! I feel so calm! What did you do?” My first thought: I was doing yoga!

The word for yoga postures, asana, is defined as a “steady, comfortable posture.” I guide students to find comfort and steadiness — physically and mentally. It’s rewarding to see tension soften when they are given permission to be themselves and let go of the struggle to “perform” a pose or look a certain way. The result is greater ease in mind and body.

3.  What is your teaching background and style?

I bring trauma-informed principles to every class I teach — whether teaching to the general population or leading healing-focused series.

That isn’t how I started. In the late 90s, I was a fitness instructor at the YMCA when yoga was beginning to gain popularity in the fitness world. So to my kickboxing and step aerobic repertoire I added fitness-style yoga as a physical fitness tool.

I eventually found my way to Iyengar Yoga, which taught me alignment and introduced me to the idea that yoga was much more than physical postures — that there were eight limbs of yoga, and physical practice was only one. I was intrigued at first Om. 😉

I taught at the Y until 2005 or so when career and family took priority. I left teaching but continued practicing and learning.

A few years ago, I experienced an extremely traumatic event I didn’t think I’d come back from. I haven’t yet. Not completely. I’ve made tremendous progress but am still healing.

The most significant therapy I experienced on my recovery path from PTSD is trauma-informed yoga. It’s saved my life, and I felt inspired to share this powerful healing tool with others.

I enrolled in a 200-hour yoga teacher certification program to develop my teaching, and became certified to lead trauma-informed yoga.

I’m continuing on the therapeutic yoga track and am finishing my 500-hour and Yoga Therapy training. I’m also completing Ayurveda and holistic wellness counseling training — that applies the tools of yoga, Ayurveda and modern psychology to support healing and thriving through one-on-one and group work.

4. Why do you teach yoga?

As a dedicated student, I’m continuously learning and evolving my understanding of this rich practice; the classes I teach shift and evolve along with me. I enjoy being on this journey alongside those who join me. We’re exploring and growing together.

Yoga has been one of the greatest gifts and healers in my life. I am honored to share it with anyone and everyone!