A few nice things people have said about Heidi
Heidi is an eternally valued friend, colleague and teacher. She has taught me that sitting with discomfort and asking hard questions is how we can truly learn about ourselves and one another. When I attend Heidi’s classes I feel supported. Her teaching is intentional and skillful, but it is the broad range of students in the room that delivers a true sense of inclusive community. Heidi actively supports diversity and inclusion by identifying where there are barriers to practice and tirelessly works to minimize them. Heidi has had a marked influence on my life both personally and professionally, and I am grateful for her past, present, and future presence.
I have been visiting Tofino frequently for the past six years, and yoga with Heidi has always been a “must do” and highlight of my trip. Yoga with Heidi, whether on the beach or at the yoga studio, nourishes me — my body, mind and nature are always inextricably linked in Heidi’s classes. Heidi skillfully guides her students towards connecting with their internal and external landscapes. She embodies the medicine and nourishment of the West Coast rainforest and ocean.
If you are not lucky enough to be visiting Tofino, you could also reap the benefits of yoga with Heidi via Zoom. Her online classes are engaging, because her nourishing energy is almost palpable, even through a computer screen.
I understand yoga has many purposes, meanings and objectives. What I have learned from Heidi is she can recognize, acknowledge, practice, and teach others that reconciliation of any kind begins at the cultural intersections. I especially was drawn to her ability to recognize how an indigenous woman such as myself might have a challenge of facing difficult juxtaposition.
Whether Heidi is the teacher or a learner. I like her willingness and respect to practice our indigenous cultural protocols. And, her choice to move forward, acknowledging our traditional territory.
I know she uses her vast knowledge in her own practice and freely shares it. She engages in what I see as true reciprocity in that what she does not know she asks about, and will until she is confident that she knows what she is being taught.
For these and many more reasons, I trust Heidi. She has truly helped me remove a barrier of trust. Up until meeting her and taking her classes, her practice has brought me trust outside my culture. She has also led me to wanting more out of myself and yoga.
“I was drawn to Heidi’s teachings because she encouraged curiosity within moments of vulnerability. Each time I practiced, I felt more connected and empowered to learn more about myself. I love that she teaches from the perspective of intersectionality and thresholds — she weaves her own ancestral wisdom into the traditions of yoga and inspires me to do the same.”
I have been a yoga student of Heidi MacPherson’s since 2015. From the very first class of hers, I attended, her teaching style and calm nature resonated with me. Heidi’s authentic passion and energy for her teachings are apparent in every class she leads and has been a significant influence in growing my practice ever since.
Heidi’s ability to share her wisdom and educate has inspired my yoga journey. In 2020, with Heidi’s encouragement and support, I signed up for the opportunity to earn my first 200h Yoga Teacher Training — an experience that was both transformational and invaluable for my personal growth.
In addition to our teacher-student relationship, in 2017, we developed a working relationship when Heidi assisted me in developing the yoga program at Pacific Sands Beach Resort. Heidi has since been solely responsible for managing and delivering the program to our guests. I trust her professional and caring interactions and know she takes great pride in offering our guests a memorable experience.
It has been amazing to witness Heidi grow and evolve as a teacher over the years. I am wholeheartedly grateful for how Heidi has supported me personally and professionally throughout. I consider Heidi a wonderful friend, great teacher, and respected mentor.
As retired physicians, we are very aware of the importance of health, both mentally physically, emotionally and spiritually. Yoga with Heidi is a lovely blend of all of the above. She reinforces agency within our mature bodies, the grace of wisdom and experience and we love how tall, bright and empowered we feel after each session.