At the Yoga Center of Columbia, we strive to cultivate a space where students and instructors feel a sense of community and belonging for all abilities, all bodies, and all ages. Today we’re honoring our teachers, who use their knowledge and expertise to adapt their leadership to meet the needs of all students, providing a welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone.
Meet one of them: Brigid Wethington, RYT 200, Yin Yoga teacher, and Sound Healing Practitioner, who has been a dedicated yoga practitioner for over 27 years, the last two of them as a teacher at YCC!
Check out Brigid’s teacher page for a full list of her upcoming classes and workshops, including her new Saturday morning Yin Yoga weekly class, and her upcoming Recovery Workshop: 11th Step Study, Meditation, and Restorative Yoga on Saturday, November 14th! Read on to discover more about Brigid and her experience and relationship to yoga and to our studio.
How long have you been practicing yoga or a related discipline?
I have been practicing yoga for 27 years, over half my life.
What have you learned or how have you grown since becoming a YCC instructor?
Since becoming an instructor at Columbia Yoga Center, I have learned that patience, consistency, and cultivating our kula—our yoga community—are just as important as the poses we practice. While I initially focused on sharing yoga techniques and philosophy, I have come to appreciate the profound impact of creating a welcoming space where people feel seen, supported, and connected.
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching has been watching students build relationships with one another. Seeing familiar faces greet each other with warmth, share conversations before and after class, and genuinely enjoy practicing together reminds me that yoga is about much more than movement. It is about connection.
Over time, I've learned that our yoga family becomes a source of strength and belonging. Through practicing together week after week, we create a community that supports personal growth, resilience, and compassion. That sense of connection with others often helps us discover a deeper connection within ourselves. Being a part of fostering that environment has been one of the greatest gifts of my teaching journey.
What are your most memorable trips or experiences relating to your yoga, Pilates, meditation and/or qigong practices?
Without a doubt, my most memorable yoga-related experience was traveling to Northern India at the end of my yoga teacher training journey. It felt like the perfect culmination of a year spent studying, practicing, and deepening my understanding of yoga.
The trip was an incredible immersion into a culture that has nurtured these teachings for thousands of years. We enjoyed delicious local cuisine, practiced yoga together in the mornings, explored ancient palaces, and embraced countless adventures along the way. One memory that still makes me smile is taking a TukTuk after hours through winding streets to visit a fabric boutique—a spontaneous adventure that perfectly captured the magic of travel in India.
The highlight of the journey, however, was our time in Rishikesh along the banks of the Ganges River. Participating in the evening fire ceremony was a deeply moving experience filled with contemplation, gratitude, and joy. Standing there among people from all over the world, I felt a profound sense of connection—to the tradition of yoga, to the present moment, and to something much larger than myself.
During that ceremony, I set an intention for my life that continues to guide me today. Years later, the lessons, inspiration, and sense of purpose I found in India still influence both my personal practice and the way I share yoga with others.
Do you have any current areas of independent focus/study/interest related to these practices and what are they?
One area of study that has captured my heart recently is Sound Healing. In 2025, I had the wonderful opportunity to complete a Sound Healing Practitioner training, and it became much more than an educational experience—it was truly transformative.
During the training, we practiced sound healing on one another, allowing us to experience its effects firsthand. At the time, I was navigating some personal challenges, and through the course of the training, I noticed a profound shift in my own well-being. I emerged feeling lighter, more grounded, and more connected to myself. In many ways, it marked the beginning of a deeper healing journey.
That experience showed me just how powerful sound can be as a tool for relaxation, self-discovery, and healing. It also made me realize how much there is still to learn. Sound healing is a vast and fascinating field, and I continue to study and explore its many traditions, techniques, and applications.
Since completing my training, I have invested in a variety of sound healing instruments and have begun incorporating them into my teaching. I am excited to continue sharing these practices with our community each Saturday, creating opportunities for students to slow down, rest deeply, and experience the transformative power of sound for themselves.
Do you have some favorite quotes or mantras? What are they?
One of my favorite mantras is beautifully simple: "Inhale, I breathe in. Exhale, I breathe out." Popularized by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, this mindfulness practice has become an anchor for me both on and off the mat.
What I love most about it is its simplicity. There is nothing complicated to remember or achieve. No matter how busy life becomes or how much my mind wanders, I can always return to the breath. That mantra reminds me that peace is available in the present moment, one inhale and one exhale at a time.
Another quote that has deeply influenced my teaching comes from Yin Yoga teacher Bernie Clark: "We don't use the body to get into the pose. We use the pose to get into the body."
This quote beautifully captures the essence of functional yoga and the philosophy that guides my classes. Yoga is not about forcing the body into a particular shape or striving for perfection. Instead, it is an invitation to listen, explore, and connect with what is happening within. The pose becomes a tool for awareness, helping us cultivate presence, curiosity, and self-understanding.
Together, these teachings remind me that yoga is less about doing and more about being—being present, being aware, and being fully at home in ourselves.
Do you have any current favorite books, philosophies, or teachers in your area of focus and what or who are they?
I am drawn to books and teachings that connect ancient wisdom to the challenges of modern life. One of the most impactful texts I have read is the Bhagavad Gita. Although it was written thousands of years ago, its themes of purpose, duty, inner conflict, and self-discovery remain incredibly relevant today. I find it humbling to realize that many of the struggles we face as humans are the same struggles people have wrestled with throughout history.
More recently, I have enjoyed reading Prana by Bernie Clark. The book explores the history and practice of pranayama, while also sharing Bernie’s own personal experiences and challenges with breathwork. I appreciate his honest, practical approach and his ability to make complex concepts accessible and relatable.
Another favorite is The Tao of Pooh. Its gentle introduction to Taoist philosophy offers a refreshing reminder not to take ourselves too seriously. The book highlights the wisdom of simplicity, ease, and living in harmony with the natural flow of life—lessons that continue to influence both my yoga practice and my teaching.
Together, these books remind me that growth doesn't always come from striving harder. Sometimes it comes from slowing down, paying attention, breathing deeply, and learning to trust the journey.
What is your favorite part of being part of the YCC family?
My favorite part of being a member of the Columbia Yoga Center family is the deep sense of connection I share with both the teachers and students. Over the years, I have learned so much from my students, and I have formed meaningful relationships that I never could have imagined when I first stepped into the studio.
My journey with YCC began in 2006 when my daughter was just six months old. The first class I attended regularly was Baby & Mommy Yoga, and remarkably, I am still friends with several of the mothers I met in that class. That experience taught me early on that yoga studios are about much more than movement—they are places where community and lifelong friendships can grow.
For many years, Monday night Yoga 2 with Rimmi was the anchor of my week. It was where I deepened my practice, learned the principles of Iyengar-style yoga, and built friendships that continue to enrich my life today. The consistency of returning to that class week after week helped shape not only my yoga practice but also my sense of belonging.
I am also incredibly grateful for the teachings of Ayurveda that I received from both Rimmi and Kelly. The wisdom, tools, and practices they shared have had a lasting impact on my health and well-being. They are lessons I carry with me every day and will continue to benefit from for the rest of my life.
When I reflect on my twenty years with YCC, what stands out most is the community. The friendships, mentorship, shared experiences, and opportunities to grow together are what make this place feel like home.
Your teaching style / what students can expect in class:
My teaching style is deeply influenced by Yin Yoga and the principles of functional movement. In my classes, how a pose feels in your body is far more important than how it looks. Every body is unique, and I encourage students to honor their own anatomy, practice with curiosity, and find a shape that supports them rather than forcing themselves into an idealized version of a pose.
I enjoy weaving the wisdom of ancient yoga philosophy into my classes, especially the teachings of the Yamas, Niyamas, and Chakras. These timeless practices offer practical guidance for living with greater awareness, compassion, balance, and connection both on and off the mat.
Above all, my classes are an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and be present. While yoga can be transformative, it doesn't have to be serious. I believe in finding moments of joy, lightness, and ease along the way. Students can expect a welcoming environment where they are encouraged to relax, listen to their bodies, and simply enjoy the experience of being exactly where they are.
Are there any upcoming community events in which you are participating or community organizations that you support?
One community organization that is especially meaningful to me is the Oakland Mills High School Athletic Boosters, where I currently serve as President. I stepped into the role in 2025, and it has been one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences of my life. Every bit of time and energy I invest seems to come back tenfold through the relationships, community spirit, and opportunities to support local students.
The Booster Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Oakland Mills High School athletes and athletic programs. We raise funds through concessions, spirit wear sales, sponsorships from local businesses, and community events. These efforts help provide resources and opportunities that directly benefit student-athletes throughout the year.
One of the things I love most about the organization is how it brings together students, families, coaches, alumni, and local businesses in support of a common goal. It is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community works together.
I am especially grateful that Columbia Yoga Center is a proud sponsor of the Booster Club. The support of local businesses and organizations like YCC helps us continue our mission of serving student-athletes and strengthening our community.
Do you have a profession or hobby outside of the yoga studio?
I’m the Principle Interior Designer at B. Chic Interiors.
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