Spiritually Fly, with Faith Hunter

Ella Isakov, Yoga Editor: A pleasure to interview Faith Hunter, a yoga teacher based in New York and founder of “Spiritually Fly”. Faith’s passion, authenticity and boldness is evident as she leads by example with her teachings and how she leads her life. Enjoy this inspiring interview to see how yoga helped Faith overcome loss and stay present in challenging times.

Parvati Magazine: You discovered yoga in the early 1990’s and it was a huge vehicle to help you cope with the loss of your brother to AIDS. What was the key factor that yoga brought into your life that kept you present when times seemed unbearable?

Faith Hunter: During this time yoga and meditation served as tools for calming my mind, finding stillness, and provided a safe space for me to work through my pain and anger. My brother was one of thousands of hemophiliacs that were diagnosed in the early 80s, and our family dealt with this challenge for a very long time. During those years, I lost faith in God. The single factor that yoga brought me was my reconnection to the divine.

PMAG: You created “Spiritually Fly”, which by knowing your story and seeing you in social media I suspect you want to inspire people to appreciate every moment in their life, but do so gracefully. How do you bring forth this message through what you teach?

FH: This philosophy is about being in the present, living a full life and following your dreams. I make a conscious effort to invite people to be open to spirit, to utilize the practice is a physical tool of reconnection to one’s divine self, and that we all have the ability and capacity to evolve when we are fully open to our higher self. I merge these message into my dharma talks, specials moments throughout the asana practice, and during meditation.

PMAG: You give “Soul Nuggets”, mantras or spiritual messages you want to hopefully inspire others to live with greater depth of well-being and joy. What “Soul Nugget” do you have for people going through a challenging time?

FH: It really depends on the type of challenging time, but I would probably say “Let the Tears Fall.” Too often we hold back the tears, and suppress our deepest feelings because we are afraid of being vulnerable or we attempt to shield others of our pain. I find that crying reminds me of my human sensibilities, cleanses the soul of emotional toxins, opens a portal for clarity, and brings me closer to the divine.

PMAG: Life can get overwhelming at times and often people move towards avoidance, numbing of emotions or self-destructive behaviour to deal. What steps do you recommend for people where balance, healing and well-being can be cultivated?
FH: Of course yoga and meditation are great ways to find balance and heal; however, these should not be used as tools for avoiding the situation. I would encourage people to face their fears around the challenge, acknowledge their human vulnerabilities in the struggle, and give themselves permission to feel the pain. I often do this while meditating, practicing asana, and journaling. I also recommend talking to a friend or family member that can compassionately hold space for your heart, and provide the loving support you need to heal.

PMAG: I have been following you for a while on social media. You have taken fearless steps to make changes in your life, and are not afraid to be seen. You live with grace along your path. How do you maintain this presence?
FH:I am deeply honoured by your statement. Trust me, I don’t have anything mastered. I stumble, fall and sometimes I feel like I’m drowning. In those moments, I honestly do the things I shared above. I wake up, give thanks for my life, and roll out of bed with an open heart. If I’m blind-sided by a challenge, I remind myself of my own power, strength, and resilience. I give myself permission to fall, and I dig deep for the ability to push forward. It isn’t easy, but I’m motivated by the beautiful memories of my brother and father, inspired by my students and teachers, and I deeply believe my dharma is to reveal all of who I am so others may find the strength to move on.

Faith Hunter headshotFaith Hunter Faith Hunter is a New York City based Yoga instructor, global traveler, & Lifestylist, sprinkled with a dash of Louisiana charm. Faith began her life-long love affair with yoga in the early 90s as a way to cope as her beloved brother Michael was dying from a complication related to AIDS. Through meditation and mindfulness Faith was able to release her fears and experience an awakening from within. From that day forward, she committed herself to sharing these practices with the world. She is the creator of Spiritually Fly™ a philosophy that uses chanting & music, breath, and movement, in a fresh and modern way to encourage students to embrace their unique flow in life – on and off the mat.