Voices of Discover: Meet Haley Long, Teacher
At Discover Yoga, our teachers are more than instructors — they are students, community members, and steady presences on and off the mat. This month, we’re highlighting Haley, whose teaching style is introspective, breath-centered, and deeply rooted in connection.
What drew you to teach at Discover Yoga?
“I practiced yoga at Discover first. Over the years of practicing, Chelsea kept encouraging me to take yoga teacher training, and eventually I did. I knew that I wanted to serve the community through Discover by teaching and just give back what I’d learned and be a part of the Discover community in a bigger way.”
What do you teach beyond the poses?
“Beyond the poses, I think I teach a lot of breath. That’s kind of a thread you’ll find woven through pretty much all of my classes in some way, shape, or form.”
How has yoga changed you as a person?
“Yoga’s changed me in a lot of ways — it’s hard to narrow it down to just one thing. I think the biggest thing is it’s taught me to surrender. It’s taught me to let go, to trust, to not try to control everything. It’s taught me to step back and just be along for the ride.”
What’s something students don’t see about being a teacher?
“Something that I don’t think students see or realize is that being a teacher is really making this commitment to be a student. I’m so committed to deepening my own practice and learning more so that I can better serve you when you come to class.”
What do you hope students feel when they leave your class?
“I just hope you feel connected — connected to your body, your breath, your experience in some way that maybe you weren’t when you came in. Just getting back into your body from a day of working or whatever it is that you do… coming back to yourself on your mat. That’s really all I hope you leave with.”
What would you say to someone nervous to walk through our doors?
“Truly, you belong here. The other students won’t let you feel awkward — somebody will talk to you and introduce themselves. The community is so welcoming, and we have such a diverse group of practitioners here. We love seeing new faces. Everyone is really welcome, and everyone can find a place where they belong.”
What does Discover mean to you?
“I think Discover really means connection to me. It was something that I found as a student — connection not only to myself and my own practice, but connection to the other people here. And now as a teacher, connection to the greater community in some way. I even feel more connected to Fort Wayne teaching here. So connection in big ways and small — that’s what I associate with Discover.”
Rapid Fire
Coffee or matcha?
Coffee. 100%.
Morning class or evening class?
Morning.
Yin or power?
Something in between.
Favorite pose right now?
Revolved hand to big toe. I want to teach that one all the time.
Least favorite pose?
Dancer. Any variation. Even with the strap — I struggle.
Playlist or silence?
I practice in silence most of the time, but I’ll play a playlist for class.
One word that describes your teaching style?
Introspective.
“I do a lot of forward folding, a lot of holds. I like that space to notice.”
Connection in big ways and small — that’s what Discover is about. And teachers like Haley help us live that every day.
If you’d like to practice with Haley, you can find her on the schedule:
Tuesdays – 12:15pm (45-Minute Flow)
Wednesdays – 9:30am Flow
Wednesdays – 6:00pm Peak Pose Flow
Thursdays – 12:15pm (45-Minute Flow)
Thursdays – 6:00pm Flow Yoga
We can’t wait for you to experience her introspective, breath-centered teaching for yourself 🤍
