Debra Mulnick
MUSE: What is your vow as a teacher?
Debra: I try to help students find ways of practicing yoga that are beneficial for them. I teach with care, giving practical help, out of a love of helping and sharing what I love. It is my belief that there is no one way, or one style of yoga that is correct for everyone. Each person has to find the yoga that is "right" for them, taking into account age, situation in life, physical needs, etc. Learning to be sensitive to our needs in yoga is both the goal and the process, as our needs are constantly changing.
Sthirasukham asanam (YS II.46). With this brief and famous sutra written thousands of years ago, Patanjali gives us the qualities of an effective asana practice. Stability and ease or comfort, are the essential ingredients of any intelligent yoga practice. I guide students to observe what is taking place in their bodies, breath, hearts and minds. Developing awareness is the key to practicing yoga in an authentic way—which can be as unique as each one of us. Inner stability (of both body and mind) and relaxation are discovered through all aspects of yoga—awareness and self-study, study of yoga philosophy, breathing, meditation, asana, and deep relaxation.
MUSE: Therefore, who is your student?
Debra: Anyone interested in learning more about himself or herself may enjoy my classes, from beginners to more advanced students. After teaching yoga for 17 years, I offer therapeutic, one on one private yoga instruction for people as a way to help recover from injury, cope with illness or define a personal practice. Having taught yoga to people with cancer for 10 years through MSTI/St. Luke’s, this is a natural extension of my role as a nurse and educator. Teaching yoga in chairs is one of my favorite ways to introduce beginners to this empowering practice.
MUSE: What do you think is the most profound aspect of the study of yoga?
Debra: The benefits of yoga are too many and varied to list, and can be quite surprising. If you can breathe, you can do yoga. Anyone, regardless of age or physical ability can find a sense of peace, well-being, and inner stillness through yoga.
Debra Mulnick's Bio
Debra Mulnick RN, E-RYT (Experienced, Registered Yoga Teacher, 500-hr level) has been a nurse for 30 years, and has been teaching yoga for the past 18 years. Debra offers yoga programs for patients and employees through MSTI/St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center in Boise where she has taught yoga for people with cancer for the past 10 years. Debra regularly attends yoga teacher training programs and is a member of the MSTI Integrative Medicine committee, the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and the American Holistic Nurses Association. She presents workshops and educational programs on Yoga and MindBody medicine.
