Micki with her grandson Bruce,almost 5 years old, "playing" yoga.
Micki "Padma" first became interested in yoga at the age of 56 while watching an "Oprah" show in April of 2001 featuring yoga for stress relief with Rodney Yee. This began her personal life changing journey.
What began as a "once in a while stress relief class" became a passion for the practice of yoga.Through the guidance of her first teacher, Eryn Boudreau, she began teacher training in 2003, graduating in 2004 from Discovery Yoga, St. Augustine,FL, receiving a 200 hour certification in Discovery and Kripalu Yoga from Deva Parnell.
Since that time Micki has continued her personal growth studying with nationally known teachers and also attending many workshops and seminars.
Her first studio teaching position came when Mirit Eder-Turley opened "Sacred Postures Yoga Studio" in Flagler Beach, FL early in the year of 2005, teaching three classes a week until the studio closed almost a year later.
When "Sacred Postures" closed Micki began teaching independently, informally starting "Padma Yoga" with a core of students from "Sacred Postures Yoga Studio."
Having earned her 200 hour certification in 2004, she is now completing her professional 500 certification.
In early 2007 Micki found it increasingly difficult to continue in her "regular" job and also teach yoga. Listening to her "inner voice" she took "a leap of faith" and retired early at age 62 to teach yoga full time. She has never regretted that decision.
In November, 2009 Micki opened "Padma Yoga", A center for Yoga,Health and Wellness, at 5 Utility Drive, Ste.# 15, in Palm Coast, FL 32137
She also teaches in the private communinity of Grand Haven and additionally subs for other teachers at "Fitness One."
"I am always, a student first, learning from other teachers and also from my own students whom I am privileged to teach and guide. Yoga has been a true transformation for me. Sharing the gifts of knowledge my teachers have given me and helping others to make positive changes in their lives through yoga is my priority.
Thanks to all my teachers who have so generously shared their knowledge.
Thank you, Deva Parnell and Discovery Yoga for the caring and teaching me in the ways of a teacher.
Thank you, Mirit, for your confidence in me and allowing me the experience of teaching in your studio.
Thanks to my students , past and present, for caring about yourselves and allowing me to help you on your healing journey of yoga. I have learned so much from all of you.
Thank you, Valerie Carruthers, my dear friend,for your support and help since "Sacred Postures" closed and also your wonderful gift of true friendship. It is truly a blessing.
And a very special Thank you to Eryn Boudreau for the gentle "push"and seeing in me what I could not. I will always be grateful to you, my first teacher. You hold a special place in my heart. Namaste."
Peace and Love to all,
Micki "Padma"
Other certifications include:
"Prenatal Yoga "with Janice Clarfield.
"Karma Kids Yoga' with Shari Vilchez Blatt.
"Safe Yoga for Osteoporosis and Skeletal Health" with Sara Meeks.
"Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga" (LVCYT)
with Lakshmi Voelker.
Teaching and Guiding Meditation
with Christopher Baxter
Workshops and other studies include:
"Advanced Postures and Hands-On Assisting" with Deb Vinyard
"Meditation, Pranyama and the Chakras" with Christopher Baxter
"Yoga and Ayurveda" with Beverly Segel
"The Art of Teaching, Level II" with Deva Parnell.
"Hip Openers", "Holding in the Postures", "Inversions and Arm Balances" all with Eryn Boudreau.
" Iyengar Yoga Basics" with John Charping and Betty Larsen.
"Yin Yoga" with Arla Larson.
"Yamas and Niyamas" with Connie Windon.
"The Four Core Practices of Yoga" with Christopher Baxter.
"Sanskrit and Hindi, Reading, Writing and Chanting" with Aradhika Webber.
"Restorative Yoga with Kate Cordell.
"Mandala Yoga" (yoga in the "round") through Madrona Yoga in Point Roberts, WA
Micki has also completed two workshops on "Sacred Postures, Archetypes through Yoga" with Mirit Eder- Turley.
Testimonials
I have been a student of yoga for over 20 years, and have encountered
many teachers. Padma is by far the best technical teacher I have met.
Not only are her classes varied and interesting, she gives very special
attention to the detail of each position with hints and tricks to help her
students go deeper into the position.. Even after about five years, I still
learn something from her almost every class. She is very "hands on" and continuously checks each student to make sure they are getting the most
from the position. Even in a mixed level class, she still watches me and
gives me guidance to a better fulfillment of my practice. I would strongly recommend classes with Padma as she is truly dedicated to teaching yoga.
Marialice Wells Flagler Beach, Florida
I love her class. She emphasizes the spiritual and gentle side of yoga. I feel that I am getting to know what my body wants and needs. She inspires me.
Eileen S. Palm Coast
My first yoga session was about 5 yrs. ago in Ft. Myers, FL. I felt it wasn't
for me. I was doing the Curves circuit and signed up for a Pilates class
which I liked. That class was discontinued and two women fr. NJ bought
the studio and dedicated their time to just yoga classes. I decided to try it
again and gave up going to Curves. I haven't looked back since and feel it
has embellished my life by giving me body toning, balance, peace and
serenity and clarity of mind in my every day world. I took yoga for over
3 yrs. in Ft. Myers and then moved to Palm Coast, FL. One of my biggest
fears was not being able to find a yoga instructor I could bond with. When
Micki Higgins started teaching in Grand Haven I felt very comfortable
with her and have enjoyed her classes ever since. She is patient and teaches
us to do what our bodies feel the need to do. I look forward to every class and also her personal touch and readings at the end.
Linda N. Palm Coast, FL
An email reply printed with permission:
Subject: Re: from Danna Faulds book "From Root to Bloom, Yoga Poems and Other Writings.
Thank you SO much, Mickie. I so enjoyed reading it and intend on sharing it
with certain of my friends and children. I'm sure if one listens, there is a
message here for everyone of us.
I just want to let you know, too, that your classes become more enjoyable with each practice. Judy and I often comment after class how far you have come in
your teaching from those first classes. Your self-assurance and commitment to the practice of Yoga is evident. I feel very blessed to be one of your students. Valerie K., Palm Coast, FL
Micki is such a caring, giving and helpful teacher. Thanks to her and her
classes my body is moving much better this days and I am more relaxed
and at peace. Micki is so good at teaching step by step that I can follow her
voice and do the practice with my eyes closed. Her verbal cues allow me
greater focus. Her yoga classes allow you to practice no matter where you
are with yoga- a newbie or a seasoned yoga student. I am so grateful for
Micki and for her gentle spirit. Debbie S. -Palm Coast, Fl
After class this morning for the first time in a very long time, I walked up the stairs without holding on to the banister for dear
life. Another example of the teacher showing up when the student is
ready. Thank you for that.... and I will take you up on your invitation to attend the
program on back pain on Saturday.Evelyn P. Palm Coast
Micki's classes are wonderful. I have been taking yoga for several years, but did not really fully understand the poses, use of core, and breathing. Micki's teaching has enabled me to fully connect with Yoga. Every class is geared to all students and she has a great way of connecting with all. The studio is a wonderful and relaxing atmosphere for the entire yoga experience. Thank You!! Dee F., Palm Coast, FL
Prenatal
Thanks to Micki and my prenatal yoga class, my pregnancy experience was amazing. Not only was I able to accentuate my self awareness during the most remarkable experience in a lifetime, but also I was able to find odd new flexibilities while my body adjusted to its situation. And to add icing to the cake, the childbirth was exceptional. I dilated to 6 cm at home without medication using breathing and stretching techniques learned from Micki, and my beautiful son was born after 20 mins. of active labor. I fully attribute this to my prenatal yoga experience.
Diana H., Palm Coast, FL
I was so relieved to find a prenatal yoga class in Palm Coast, and a great one at that. I would recommend prenatal yoga to any woman out there even if you have been pregnant before and have no yoga experience, Micki will make you feel comfortable, and teach you excellent stretches and valuable relaxation, & breathing techniques. I was so satisfied with the class's that I will be doing with my next pregnancy instead of taking a birthing or Lamaze class. I did both Birthing Class and Yoga with my first and Prenatal Yoga was perfect for me! -Megan Rizzo, Palm Coast
