Gretchen Williams
How did you get to Telluride? Love brought me here. My partner came to Telluride in the early 90's and we met while traveling and after my first Summertime visit, I knew Telluride would be a big part of my life.
What’s your astrological sign? I'm an Aries sun sign with a Virgo rising.
What brings you the most joy? Hiking with our dogs, spending time outdoors, teaching classes, connecting with people who are curious and pausing often during my day for moments of gratitude
Who or what influences your teaching style? I was a multi-sport, competitive athlete most of my life until I tore my achilles tendon. The breakdown of my "body ego" in the months that followed really required me to reckon with all of the unsupportive habits, stories and expectations of my body that I had created and fed over time. Learning how to work with where my body is at any given time in my life has been a transformative experience. I'm fascinated with the inner workings and anatomy of all of our body's systems and am interested in weaving traditional teachings with modern science, biomechanics and myofascial studies. It's important we learn to mindfully move in ways that create mobility and stability in our joints, length and strength in our muscle tissues and sustainable practices that allow us to stay active and fit for as long as possible.
How do you apply practice to your life? As a recovering perfectionist, learning how to approach everything as a practice has been liberating. I work diligently to apply the beginner's mind not only to my life, but also those who I come into contact with. Meditation, yoga, and practicing mindful awareness has helped me become a much more stable, peaceful, kind and happy person. With this approach, I feel ready and able to manage the challenges life presents because I give myself the space to absorb, learn and grow rather than needing to get it right immediately and beat myself up when I don't.
About Gretchen: I was fortunate to train with exceptional teachers in New York City, and after several years of "competitive teaching" I shifted gears and taught to a wide variety of bodies of all ages on the Pacific Coast of Mexico for several years before landing in Telluride. I believe a good teacher meets students where they're at rather than trying to force them into ideal body shapes and movement patterns. Learning how to see oneself clearly and realistically is something I enjoy helping students understand.
It's important to me to offer supportive and clear cues to help students feel and safely explore something in their body that provides both a sense of well-being but also curiosity to learn more. I enjoy creating playlists that fit the mood of the class, and sometimes weave a bit of philosophical teachings when appropriate. I'm grounded, calm, and inviting and prioritize creating an environment where anyone would feel comfortable joining, regardless of skill level or familiarity.