Erica Blitz / Sthitaprajna

I have to say Mrs. Blitz is the perfect yogi. Not only is she great at her practice, she is one Vancouver best teachers. I had the privilege of taking her Teachers Training in April and July of 2009 at Highgate YYoga in Burnaby, BC. Erica knows her stuff!!! I don’t know if she is better at Sanskrit or English. Her sequencing is phenomenal; throughout teacher training, she made us work hard but in a very comfortable manner. There was no time we felt out of place or that we said something wrong. Erica has a way with words, even if your sequencing is completely wrong Erica would tell you with a gentleness that would make anyone feel special. Every time she spoke we would all listen in awe. Erica thinks before she speaks, if she tells you something, there is reason behind it. She teaches through Sanskrit and anatomy. She’s smart, ancient, wise, funny and truthful – a combination that you can’t find in many teachers. Her first rule is safety. There is not one second you don’t feel safe in her teachers training. She can bring 6 foot 2, 230-pound man out hand as if he was as light as a feather. Erica truly dedicates her time to her students. Not only in the studio but also after work, she is still there for you. Once I received an email from her at 7:30 in the morning reminding that teachers training started that day, then I received another email way after midnight one night answering a question that I had e mailed her at 11 pm. She is truly a multitasker. YYoga is truly lucky to have her on their team. I am proud to have studied under Erica. She has definitely put a mark in my heart that will never go away. Erica changed my life and I’m sure she made a mark in everyone’s life that has walked near or has come into her path. I can’t wait to see what Erica career will unfold to. Even if Erica stopped work right now, she has completed more life goals than any body I know. Not only is Erica smart, understanding and a great teacher she is also gorgeous inside and out. You can see Erica’s aura a mile away and soul that shines even on Vancouver’s rainiest days.

At what age did you start practicing Yoga?

It was back in 1996.

How long did you study at KYM? & What did you learn most from there?

I was at the KYM for about 2 week for a program called The Power of Yoga which focused on the profound effects yoga can have to heal ourselves on any level, albeit physical, emotional or spiritual. I learned more than what I had signed up for, but the most profound was to remain being open minded no matter what type of a situation you may find yourself in.

You have studied under many greats is there any yogi or life teacher that made an impact on your life?

Each and every teacher I have had has made an impression in my heart and for that I am eternally grateful.

You did a Teachers training in China. Was it hard to work with a translator?

I was blessed with a knowledgeable translator who was a pilates instructor and also had a background in yoga which made it much easier for us to communicate between English (and sometimes Sanskrit) and Mandarin. It was like we had a specific rhythm between what I said, to my pausing then to her translating and then back again. It motivated me to really think before I spoke and to slow my thought processes down. She also had a great personality so we got along well. She ended up being an incredible host during my time there taking me to some local spots that I would have never found on my own.

You have dabbled in many styles of yoga do you have favorite?

Vinyasa Flow

Are you planning to do any workshops in different places in the world?

Yes! I have a retreat with YYoga booked for Spring 2010 (April 3-10) and more on the horizon so stay tuned, ericablitz.com.

Would you maybe consider doing our 500hr teacher training maybe in Costa Rica?

Absolutely! The sun and surf always calls me…

You are also a writer is there any place; we can go to right now to read your work?

I have a yoga column in the Vancouver View.

& The last question, that you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. Where are you going on your honeymoon?

Ha ha. California. Fun, sun and surf!