Alex McLaughlin, LGSW, MSW, RYT 200 (they/them) is an AuDHD, non-binary, queer multi-passionate human. Some of the hats Alex wears are: therapist, trauma-aware yoga leader, Etsy Creator & Autism, ADHD & mental health advocate. Alex live on the ancestral land of Wahpekute first nation peoples (AKA, St. Paul / Minneapolis, MN) with their loving rescue dog, Sadie. Alex is passionate about helping folks come back to them selves and life their lives in a way that is more authentic to who they are. 

Alex began practicing yoga asana (the physical practice) in 2010 for the grounding and centering aspects it offered. After practicing regularly, they noticed their mind would chatter less, they held less tension in their body and approached difficult situations with a greater sense of calm and adaptability. Alex also appreciated the physical benefits of asana; feeling more strength, agility, flexibility and overall comfort in their body which lead to a deeper awareness of their body and a desire to lead a healthier lifestyle. Alex believes that the time we spend on our mats is a sacred time; time to ground, center and become more in touch in our inner wisdom and true selves.

Seeing the benefits that yoga has brought to their life, Alex wanted to create space in which others could find more balance and connect with their true selves through this ancient practice. 

Alex received their 200-hour teacher training in August of 2016 through Green Lotus Yoga and Healing Center and received their Yin training in November of 2016.  In February of 2019, Alex received Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor training through Street Yoga. Alex teaches from trauma-conscious lens; having both the lived experience as a survivor or trauma, and the educational and vocational knowledge to put into practice. Alex is currently working toward their 300-Hr certificate, and has had additional trainings through Yess Yoga; Inclusivity & Adaptations, Ayurveda Yoga, Mantra & In-Depth Vinyasa, and Yin & Energy Medicine. 

Alex aims to create spaces and practices that are inclusive and affirming to all ethnic identities, gender identities, sexual identities, religious affiliations, body types, ages and experience levels. Alex specializes in Hatha, Gentle, slow flow, and Yin yoga.

More than a Physical Practice (Asana)

Alex aims to live out the yamas and niyamas (yoga's ethical guidelines) and believes that yoga is both a practice and a state of being and hopes that folks are able to reconnect to self, to a higher power & engage in the processes of healing & transformation. 

As well, Alex feels that the practice of yoga is a tool we can use toward social equity. While it is much more nuanced than this; Alex feels that the practice of yoga can aide us toward living life as our true selves; and a tool to examine our social and societal conditioning, give us the awareness to choose a different path. Yoga can be a tool to compassionately examine the ways in which we uphold systems of oppression and the awareness to make choices that do not cause harm to others (ahimsa). It can be a tool to help us slow down and live a life that is more embodied and heart centered.

Alex is honored to have the opportunities to share this practice with others and raise the collective consciousness.