Meet Martha Dickerson | Yoga Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Martha Dickerson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Martha, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
The industry of Yoga promotes yoga with svelte, young people in trendy yoga gear. I would like for people to understand that yoga is for Every Body. I have people of all ages and walks of life tell me “I can’t practice Yoga because of age, flexibility, I can’t touch my toes or the class is to slow for me.” I became a certified yoga teacher in 2017 after I retired from a corporate job. I was 63 when I went through my 200 hour yoga teacher training. I was and I am older and I do have less flexibility than some but I also think some of those challenges are not age related but body related. I tell people when they say they can’t touch their toes, bend your knees to touch your toes, use a block, touch your shins. For the people that make a comment about the class moving slower than they like. I usually tell them your type of personality needs it the most to slow down, I am one of the hurry up and get it done people myself. The average human walking around can do yoga with the body they have today, As teachers we have many modifications in any pose for your body. I also teach chair yoga as an option to move your body without getting on the floor. I always tell the students you are your best teacher in the class. To be aware of not letting the ego get in the way to push you harder than your body is able to go. Yoga is about connecting body, breath, mind and spirit. Yoga is also about being creative with your classes within the yoga practice. Staying fresh by going to workshops learning new aspects about how to teach with sequencing, anatomy and cues. As a yoga teacher I am always the student.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am number five of eight children from a loving home however my Father died when I was 13 leaving 6 children still at home. I found out early if I wanted to have a path of success, It would be up to me. I grew up in a small town and couldn’t wait to get out of it for years that was my goal. It took some years and experience to understand my community that I grew up in set the standards for my life. So many memories of growing up in a small town were making and developing activities with a team. Playing in a team sport, on committees, a cheerleader with a team. I grew up in the 60’s and early 70’s but with a small town environment, we were in our own little bubble in the world. I decided early on that I was interested in the retail business. I moved to Atlanta for school and I worked part-time at Davidson’s now Macy’s that was my start in retail. It was an eye opener. My challenges were coming from a small town. Asking myself am I smart enough to do this job? I had and still do have self confidence issues but I get in there and do it anyway. Fake it to you make it, is a true statement for me. I was always determined and a hard worker, still am with plenty of energy. I have worked in the business world my whole career from retail to the wholesale business. The last 18 years of my career I was a GM of a wholesale company helping it to grow from a new company to a multi-million dollar business. I wore many hats in that job helping me to understand the challenges of running a business with all the ups and downs. I want the world to know, don’t let age (applies to the younger set too) or circumstances stop you from doing what you love. Pivot and make another choice if what you use to do is not a viable option now. Take some responsibility for your health most of the time by eating the right foods and moving your body. One of my teachers made the comment 80% effort and 20% go ahead and enjoy the cake. Strive for a B- in your life not an A+. I want the world to know you are never to old to make a change in your life. Don’t let age be a factor. I am a very dedicated Yoga Teacher wanting to help people thrive in there life on and off the mat. Yahoola Yoga Studio was created for Every Body and for all levels of yoga experience! I am always a student. Be Curious.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would start out with an early morning walk at the Yahoola Creek Reservoir after a class in my studio, Yahoola Yoga Studio. Have a quick coffee/tea break at Jethro’s Coffee & Public House. I always have a London fog tea and a blueberry scone. Later we would take a stroll around the downtown square browsing in the art galleries and the antique stores, always visiting Brad Walker Pottery. We wouldn’t miss hitting the Fudge Factory that is the best chocolate in town. We can sit outside, have a glass of wine, at the Bleu Gallery after browsing and having a wine tasting of GA wines. Make our way to Consolidated Gold Mine for a tour of the mine and hopefully get lucky panning for gold. During the week we would make sure we visited all of our favorite places. We would take a day and float down the river with Appalachian Outfitters in a tube or kayak. Eating and hanging out at Shenanigans Irish Pub, sitting outside with an easy flow of music and a friendly staff. Bourbon Street brunch would be another highlight of the week sitting on the porch of this historic building looking out at the square. Eating delicious beignets and sipping mimosas. Another day of hiking over at Boggs Creek with some fishing. They have picnic tables, to have a picnic in a shady spot to sit for hours quiet and peaceful, wading in the creek. Heart Yoga Studio in town would be a visit for us to take a class or two. In 2018 Dahlonega became official. The Dahlonega Plateau in northern Georgia was recognized as a viticultural area, which means the unique soil quality, sun exposure, climate make it extra special for growing wine. We would take a wine tour always hitting Wolf Mountain Winery, having lunch, it is our favorite because of their wines and views. We can always check out the live music scene around town or catch a show at The Holly Theater. Always something to do in Dahlonega.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My path in yoga started about 20 plus years ago when I walked into a class taught by Akasha Searcey, I was hooked. As the years went by and Akasha opened her studio in a different spot, I followed her there. She was my teacher! I attended her classes while I was working, she became a friend and a mentor. I retired in February of 2017. Akasha was starting another session teaching a 200 hour registered yoga certification. I decided to sign up, I had reservations about it, due to the requirements, writing papers and getting up in front of a class as their teacher, I hate to admit another reservation was my age. The yoga community and Akasha were with me through it all. I have always been a teacher in the jobs I had through the years with training, managing people and being successful with projects. My family and friends were very supportive with my undertaking, cheering me on. I became a certified 200 hour RYT in October 2017, continuing my classes with Akasha for the 300 hour program becoming a 500 hour RYT a couple of years later. After several years of teaching I told my son Adam Fleming I should have done this a long time ago. His answer was “you weren’t ready yet Mom.” That was a light bulb moment for me understanding how opportunities come to you when it is the right time. My husband Gary, my daughter Erin, Adam and granddaughter Myah have supported me with pride and joy as their Mother, Grandmother and soon to be a Great Grandmother living my life as an active and happy yoga teacher at 71. I have had so many students, teachers and books that have supported and inspired me as they still do. I did become aware that I am a different teacher than Akasha but I am a better teacher and a more mindful person because of her. My goal is to inspire others.

Website: https://yahoolayogastudio.com

Instagram: marthanelld

Facebook: Martha Dickerson

Image Credits
Gary