Pete Guinosso
Past Retreats
Pete Guinosso
Years Teaching
16+ years
Style
Deep Vinyasa flow
Inspiration
Community practicing compassion
FAQ
What inspired you to teach yoga?
I am reminded of a quote by Maya Angelou: "I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." This quote has always been a huge inspiration to me. I graduated from my initial teacher training unsure if I wanted to teach. When I embarked on my journey to share my passion for yoga with students, I began to realize that I had been given an amazing opportunity to help people feel better and connect into their authentic selves. This is my main inspiration for teaching: to help my students feel good in their bodies, both physically and emotionally
Who are your most influential teachers?
How would you describe your style?
Light-hearted. Compassionate. Challenging.
My classes incorporate sequences and intentions that help us explore who we are in the world. Longer holds and a focus on breathing and body awareness provide my students with a vigorous class that also allows space to connect the body, mind, and spirit. There are moments that we cry and moments that we laugh out loud. My hope is that we always sweat and have a good time, even when we are moving through challenges. I want my students to feel cared for in a space that is safe and supportive.
What is your favorite pose to teach?
What is your favorite pose to practice?
What are your favorite places to travel?
Why do you feel retreats are transformational?
Retreats are transformational in many ways but in particular because they are an amazing place to build community. People have already set aside the time to be in one space for a few days. Shared experience is a powerful thing, and when people are together in this way, connections can form really quickly.
I like to start my retreats out with a sharing circle, so that students can share something unique about themselves, along with what they hope to get out of the experience. I find that this really helps open people up to learning about each other, and sets the tone for having community as a big part of the retreat experience.
I try to set up additional activities beyond yoga—like group hikes or dinners or day trips. These activities create opportunities for conversation and bonding. Over time, I think people have also started to come on my retreats because of the community that builds on each trip, so students are helping to continue the strong sense of connection each time.