A Modern Yogi’s Q&A: Harriet Smith

Q&A With Harriet Smith

Harriet Smith first discovered yoga in 2006. Her love of the practice eventually took her to India to complete her 200HR YTT. Cut to 2022 and you’ll find her teaching phenomenal classes at our Bondi studio, coaching our new teachers, and supporting our in-person teacher trainings!

As a Lead Teacher and Performance Coach, Harriet is an irreplaceable and integral part of our Bondi Beach studio community. You will leave her classes feeling grounded, joyful, and probably will have had a laugh or two along the way! And you will definitely leave sweaty!

We sat down with Harriet, affectionately known at Bondi as Harri, to chat about her yoga journey, teaching, and what her yoga mat keeps teaching her. 

1. WHO HAVE YOU STUDIED WITH?

Aside from my 200HR YTT in India, I have studied under Duncan Peak, Annie Carpenter, and completed a mentorship with Gina Brescianini. I’ve obtained an Advanced Diploma in Classical Yoga, and completed Trauma-informed yoga training which I now also teach!

2. WHAT WAS ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MOMENTS UNDER ONE OF YOUR TEACHERS?

During my mentorship with Gina, I really learned how to find my voice and believe that I had something important to say! I learned to trust my own voice, bring my own flair to teaching, and really let that shine. 

I also had some incredible physical breakthroughs in my own practice during my Annie Carpenter trainings. They really cemented my understanding of the physical practice. 

3. WHAT ARE YOU BEST KNOWN FOR AS A YOGA TEACHER, AND WHY?

Strong classes! While my classes are physically strong, they are light in energy. We need to have a bit of fun in the fire!

4. WHY DO YOU LOVE TEACHING YOGA?

I feel lucky. It’s my passion, my dream, and I have gotten so much from it. The connection to community is incredible, and my job allows me to have that on a daily basis. 

I also love weaving classical philosophy throughout my classes, paired with the modern alignment knowledge I have learned from my teachers. As modern yogi’s we can learn from both ancient and modern principles to keep evolving our understanding of the practice! I recently led our 30-day Elevate program and I always love bringing the focus back to yoga’s ancient wisdom. 

5. IF YOU DIDN’T TEACH YOGA, WHAT WOULD YOU DO INSTEAD?

Something to do with travel – a lot of travel! I’ve been in Bondi since 2014 and this is the longest I’ve stayed in one place!

6. YOUR PERSONAL SELF-CARE RITUAL:

Showing up for my asana practice. I am very consistent with making it to my mat! Currently, I am trying to balance this out with self-care that is more yin in energy – more rest. 

7. WHAT YOGA POSE could you not live without?

Wild thing!

8. WHAT IS YOUR YOGA PRACTICE OFFERING YOU RIGHT NOW?

Yoga is a tool for life! I use it as a mirror and a way to navigate through all the ups and downs. I also love how yoga keeps us both physically and mentally strong. You don’t need anything else. Just you and a mat. 

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You can practice with Harri at our Bondi Beach & Livestream studio! You can also learn from a few of her mentors in our upcoming Annie Carpenter Virtual Retreat, Gina’s Coaching & Mentoring program, and The Art of Assisting.