Melissa Sloan
How did you get to Telluride?
I worked on a ranch outside of Creede, CO in the summer of 2013. I had a buddy there who lived in Telluride in the winter and needed a roommate. I moved here in October 2013 and ended up staying a while.
What is your astrological sign?
Aries
What brings you the most joy?
Being in nature, exploring new places, petting my dog, tasting delicious food, feeling after a great workout, and discovering new music.
Who or what influences your teaching style?
I started going to Bikram in high school with my mom who was and is an avid Bikram practitioner. I loved it immediately. From there I started practicing lots of different styles of yoga and movement. I was certified in 2014 (ish) with Baptise Power Yoga which is a systematized power yoga methodology. I have definitely drifted from that strict structure and power base, but those alignment principles have stuck with me. I have also always been an athlete in various sports and the mind-body connection I developed through decades of athletics is a big influence on my teaching style. For me, the simplest path to a quiet mind is through movement.
How do you apply practice to your life?
Practice gives me space. I see it working in my life when I can find a second between my thoughts and my words or actions. That second is what keeps me coming back. It is also the best modality I have found to complement an active lifestyle. I can feel a difference in how my body senses space and weight when I am practicing regularly.
About Mel:
I grew up taking summer trips to Colorado with my family. We never made it all the way to Telluride, but I knew I would land somewhere in this state. I arrived in Telluride to move here having never laid eyes on it. I was floored and am in continual awe that I call these mountains home. I am grateful to get to share a practice that can bring ease and strength to a community I deeply care about.
What to expect from a class with Mel:
Options for all levels, an invitation to explore, a focus on breath, a curated playlist, a relief from the day's pressures, and hopefully a laugh.