yoga

Yoga holds many gifts for people in all stages of life. It is a system of gentle medicine that teaches us that our bodies are wise and empowers us to heal ourselves. It is a practice that embraces our whole being and helps us come back to ourselves and look inward when the external forces in our lives continue to draw us outwards. It is an art of infinite layers, that when practiced regularly, allows us to peel away superficial layers, leading us to a deeper understanding of ourselves as dynamic beings with changing needs. Since the whole being is addressed in yoga it brings us into balance, peace and union with ourselves as well as with the world around us. The word yoga itself translates as "union", the union between inside and outside, union of body and mind, union of mother and child, union of partners, union of breath and movement. One of the most exciting things about yoga is its versatility and the fact that once learned on a basic level the practitioner will always have the knowledge with them, wherever they go. Thus yoga is invaluable for pregnant and birthing women, new mothers, partners, support providers, and even unborn children.

My approach to yoga is playful yet precise, creative yet clear, honest and sincere. I hope to assist my students to awaken awareness and cultivate comfort within their yoga as well as throughout their lives. My students are encouraged to discover the effects of each pose for themselves and consider how the practice can be taken out of the studio and into their own lives. I see the practice of yoga as reaching far beyond the confines of the mat and hope that in each class or private session, I allow for an opportunity for my students to share with me what's going on for them, and from there I construct my sequences and practice. I find that not only my students' words, but also their energy, will inspire me to create a practice that best serves the present circumstances. I am often inspired by the weather, current events and holidays within my classes as yet another way of engaging in the interplay between yoga and one's life. I encourage my students to be constantly evaluating where they are in their own bodies and to work from that new place, each day.

My classes are appropriate for people at all levels of yoga experience, physical ability, and age. All you need is the willingness to start where you are and be open to whatever arises.

The content and pace of my classes varies, though within a given month I make a point to teach restoratives, pranayama, meditation, therapeutics, vinyasa (flowing sequences), standing and seated poses, inversions, twists, forward and back bends. I place a strong emphasis on the movement of the breath within the body and enjoy helping people discover how the breath is what changes, feeds and moves the body.

I don't have a label or name for the yoga I teach and practice, as my influences are varied and have blended together over the years. The main foundation in my yoga instruction and practice is based on the alignment principles and teachings of BKS and Geeta Iyengar. The Iyengars have an amazing and thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology and thus have developed a precise system that emphasizes the therapeutic applications of yoga as an effective tool for healing and the promotion of wellbeing in every phase of one's life. Thus, this is the prefect system to start from in teaching pregnant women, as well as beginners and those with injuries or specific limitations. I have recently begun to study TKV Desikachar's system of Viniyoga and am slowly integrating those teachings into my practice and teachings as well. My most influential teachers have been: Judith Lasater, Manouso Manos, Colette Crawford, Patricia Sullivan, Deborah Franzini, Kate Holcomb, Ramanand Patel, Lois Steinberg and Allison Post. I compliment my asana practice with my studies and practice of Vipassana (Buddhist insight) meditation with Howard Cohn and find that my yoga has becoming more meditative and breath oriented as a result. I enjoy creatively combining the yoga postures, breathing and philosophy to craft a balanced practice that connects the body, mind and spirit.