Today we’d like to introduce you to Linh James.
Hi Linh, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story, like many, begins in a place far removed from where I find myself today—both geographically and in every other conceivable way. Born in Vietnam during the turbulent times of the Vietnam War, my very existence is intertwined with a love story that crossed cultural and continental boundaries. My dad, an American soldier, fell in love in a war-torn country, a testament to the fact that even in the midst of chaos, there’s room for profound human connections. His love for my mom was so strong that it brought him back to Vietnam, serving multiple terms, and during that time, my sister and I came into this world.
The war’s end marked the beginning of a new chapter for us. In an extraordinary effort to keep us together, my dad managed to bring us to the United States. We eventually landed in South Dakota. Imagine, from the warm, tropical climate of Vietnam to what felt like the coldest place on earth, in an all-white community where I stood out like a sore thumb. From the get-go, it was clear I was different, and I felt that difference every single day.
To make matters worse, as I entered the school system, I was diagnosed with a learning disability. Reading, writing, and comprehension were mountains I couldn’t seem to climb. The teasing from other kids was relentless; I was labeled ‘the stupid one.’ To address my struggles, the school placed me in what was officially known as the resource room, but to the kids, it was cruelly nicknamed ‘the retarded room.’ This label, meant to isolate and define me, instead became a turning point in my life.
In this so-called ‘retarded room,’ I found something unexpected: a sanctuary. It was there that I met educators who believed in me, who saw past the labels and recognized my potential. They taught me not just how to read and write but how to see my learning disability not as a limitation but as a unique lens through which I could view the world. This perspective shift wasn’t easy; it required every ounce of my resilience and determination. But gradually, I began to excel, not in spite of my learning disability, but because of the unique strengths it had fostered in me.
This early lesson in overcoming adversity, finding strength in my differences, and the importance of supportive communities became the bedrock of my character and, eventually, my career. It taught me that with the right support and a relentless pursuit of one’s goals, even the most insurmountable challenges can be overcome. My journey from a misunderstood kid in South Dakota to where I stand today is a testament to this belief. It’s a story not just of personal triumph but of the profound impact empathy, understanding, and education can have on an individual’s life.
Feeling out of place in South Dakota only fueled my dreams and determination. I knew from a young age that I wanted more than what my immediate surroundings offered. I craved a place where diversity was embraced. This longing led me on a journey of self-discovery, pushing me to explore beyond the familiar.
I landed in what I call Paradise: sunny California. The transition was a culture shock, to say the least. My first foray into the workforce landed me in Corporate America, where I quickly realized I was chasing someone else’s dream.
Determined to carve out my own path, I started small with a retail cart in the mall and eventually expanded to become the Halloween Queen, owning multiple 15,000-square-foot stores.
Life threw me another curveball when I joined the ranks of the divorced—a heartbreak that propelled me onto a spiritual journey. I sought answers to life’s biggest questions: Why am I here? Why is life so challenging? My quest for understanding led me down various paths—I’ve taken every personal development course imaginable, became certified in four yoga traditions, delved into meditation, sound therapy, breathing techniques, and even earned a Mastery Degree in Spiritual Psychology.
Through it all, I’ve learned that life itself is the greatest teacher. Every challenge, every setback, has been a lesson in disguise, shaping me into the person I am today.
It doesn’t matter where you start or what life throws at you. What matters is how you choose to see these experiences—as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
My journey through feeling like an outsider, grappling with a learning disability, enduring heartache, and more has prepared me for my life’s work. These experiences have solidified my resolve and informed my career path. I sold my Halloween business to pursue my childhood dream of teaching, making a difference just as my teachers did for me.
In 2011, I transitioned from being a part-time yoga instructor to teaching full-time, leading workshops and retreats across the globe. Today, I’m dedicated to bringing people together, fostering a sense of community, and helping others find their path just as I found mine.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth, especially with the unexpected twists and turns life throws our way. One of the most significant challenges I faced came with the onset of COVID-19. Before the pandemic, I was living my dream—teaching full-time in studios across Los Angeles and leading retreats worldwide. Then, almost overnight, everything changed.
Some of the studio’s transition to virtual teaching helped maintain some continuity, but the real shock came when I received a call from my manager informing me that I was being furloughed, effective immediately.
My heart sank at the thought of the students being left in the lurch, especially during such an uncertain time. It was clear I had to do something—so I decided to create my own platform. I’m the least tech-savvy person I know. Yet, the urgency to keep our yoga community connected pushed me beyond my limits.
Time was of the essence; I had just four days to pull everything together before the next scheduled class. Those four days were a whirlwind of activity, learning, and creation. I dove into the world of web development, figuring out the technology and logistics to make it happen on my own terms.
I embraced a virtual model for my business, transcending the limitations of physical location and allowing me to connect with clients worldwide. This transformation was not just about adapting to a new way of working; it was about reimagining the possibilities of connection and service in a digital age. Behind every screen, there’s a story, a person seeking to learn, grow, or overcome challenges. Recognizing this has been the heart of my journey—turning virtual interactions into genuine human connections. As a result, my business has flourished in a virtual landscape, enabling me to reach and impact a diverse global audience.
I feel so blessed to be a part of such an amazing community. The first month was anything but perfect; the sessions were far from the polished experiences we were used to. Yet, the students didn’t give up on me, and I didn’t give up on them. Their patience and encouragement fueled my determination to improve, to learn, and to make each session better than the last.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my journey as a yoga instructor and spiritual guide, I have had the privilege of blending a multifaceted background in various yoga traditions and healing modalities to create a unique practice that resonates with students across the globe. My expertise spans Kundalini, Hatha, Yin, and Restorative yoga, enriched by deep studies in Breathwork, Sound Healing, Trauma-informed yoga, and Reiki.
Holding a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology, I infuse my teaching with a profound understanding of the human spirit, enabling me to weave spiritual wisdom into each session. This encourages students to explore beyond physical asanas into emotional healing and personal growth realms.
I’m particularly proud that this year marks my 10th Anniversary at Equinox, which is not merely a fitness club but a luxury lifestyle living club where I lead a weekly Soundbath Meditation at the Newport Beach location in Orange County.
In the wake of the global changes brought on by COVID-19, I embraced a virtual business model for all my other classes, which allowed me to transcend the limitations of physical location and connect with clients worldwide. So today, you can find me leading workshops and teaching in LA and OC, grounding my work in the communities I love while maintaining a solid virtual presence that spans continents.
I’m most proud of the vibrant yoga community we’ve cultivated together, which sets my business apart from others. Our yoga family extends far beyond the mat. We travel the world together and celebrate life together, partaking in garden tours, whale-watching adventures, birthday and New Year’s parties, and much more. This sense of community, belonging to a yoga family that supports and celebrates each other in all facets of life, makes us different.
Renowned for creating fun, down-to-earth, and accessible classes, I gently encourage students out of their comfort zones and into spaces of true growth. My approach is one of empowerment, urging individuals to listen to their inner voice of love and navigate life’s challenges with grace. My commitment to creating an immersive class experience is underscored by using various sound instruments, from drums to Tibetan and Quartz crystal singing bowls and gongs. These instruments not only enhance the physical practice but also support a deeper spiritual awakening and emotional release.
Dedicated to making yoga and spiritual practice accessible to all, my work—whether through teaching, leading retreats, or my role at Terminal Island—is aimed at fostering greater love, happiness, and connection in the world.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One surprising aspect that even those familiar with my work might not realize is my deep connection to a setting quite unlike any other. I teach in the confines of Terminal Island prison, an all men’s Federal Correction Institution; it is my favorite place to teach.
This preference might surprise people because it diverges significantly from the serene settings traditionally associated with yoga. I began my journey at Terminal Island as a humble volunteer, driven by a simple desire to make a meaningful difference.
Teaching at Terminal Island for nearly two decades has affirmed my belief in the transformative power of yoga, demonstrating its potential to bring about change not just in tranquil studios or scenic retreats but in every corner of society. It showcases the universal applicability of yoga and its capacity to touch lives in the most unlikely places.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LinhJames.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linhjamesxo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuruMitar
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/linhjames
Image Credits
Christina Noel
