Breaking Boundaries: Tori Mahe's Yoga Journey with Mind Your Mat Collective
Victoria Mahe, fondly known as Tori, is not just a yoga instructor; she's a beacon of inclusivity and accessibility in the world of yoga. Her journey with Mind Your Mat Collective began with a simple yet profound love for yoga that blossomed in 2020. Tori's passion for yoga led her to pursue a Yoga Teaching Certification, and upon graduating in 2021, she faced a challenge familiar to many new instructors: the lack of space to audition and share their practice.
In response to this challenge, Tori and her classmates decided to create their own space, giving birth to Mind Your Mat Collective. This mobile yoga studio was founded with the mission of making yoga accessible to everyone. Starting as a donation-based pop-up, Mind Your Mat Collective quickly gained traction, offering classes in various locations to reach a broader audience. As the studio continues to grow, Tori plans to expand its reach into corporate wellness and apartment benefits, ensuring that yoga is available to all, regardless of their circumstances.
“I like to bring humor and dance into my classes. We call it a flow for a reason. It doesn’t need to be rigorous. If you fall out of a pose, dance it off, breathe, and join us again.”
One of the key elements that sets Tori's approach to yoga apart is her creativity and inclusivity. She infuses humor and dance into her classes, creating a welcoming and light-hearted atmosphere. Tori believes that everyone has their own unique "secret sauce," and hers includes inviting energy, quirky humor, and a genuine desire to ensure that everyone feels seen and heard in her classes.
Social media plays a crucial role in Tori's journey, allowing her to connect with her community and share her passion for yoga authentically. She uses platforms to announce upcoming events, share the journeys of her teachers, and showcase her own practice, including the challenges and successes.
“It can be easy to go on auto-pilot … I have been working on mindful moments. Being present while I eat and embracing all five senses. I try to integrate this into my teachings by reminding my students to be present in their practice.”
Mindfulness is a central theme in Tori's life and teachings. She emphasizes the importance of being present and integrates mindful moments into her classes, encouraging her students to embrace the present moment in their practice.
One particularly impactful moment for Tori was when a student found a safe space within the Mind Your Mat community and shared a heartfelt moment with her. This student later pursued her Yoga Teacher Certification and auditioned, embodying the spirit of growth and community that Mind Your Mat Collective fosters.
To stay motivated and continue growing as a yoga instructor, Tori prioritizes her own practice and seeks inspiration from different studios and teachers. She believes in learning from others and bringing new experiences back to her classes.
“I work to stay true to my practice. I can’t teach from an empty cup and I have learned that. I like to find different studios, test out their trial period, go everyday, take different teachers and learn from them.”
For those interested in starting a yoga practice, Tori offers simple yet profound advice: "Mind Your Mat." By focusing on your practice and the four corners of your mat, you can find a sense of peace and belonging in the yoga community.
Looking ahead, Tori plans to continue partnering with brands and organizations to offer donation-based or free classes, bringing yoga to a wider audience. She believes that the greatness of Mind Your Mat Collective lies in its community—the teachers, the yogis, and the supporters who all believe in the mission of making yoga accessible to all.
Mind Your Mat Collective is not just a yoga studio; it's a community-driven space that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the transformative power of yoga. Tori's journey with Mind Your Mat Collective is a testament to the profound impact that yoga can have on individuals and communities, inspiring us all to embrace our practice and share it with others.
a quote to live by:
Mind your mat, stay in your lane - Keith Bautista
a song to push you:
fast facts on tori:
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Dead Bug
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Lunges!
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Leg Day
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Outdoor
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Blossom B., Fitness & Lifestyle Influencer
Sean Towns Jr. , Fitness Trainer
