Yoga

Why Yoga Works

The tools of yoga are indestructible as long as we are conscious. We carry them with us at all times and no one can take them away from us. That in and of itself is an empowering reason to consider yoga as a healing practice. Aside from the sustainability and accessibility of yoga, the practices themselves refine  one’s ability to adapt from context to context. This is done by paying attention- on a very basic level yoga works because it teaches people how to pay attention. Why is paying attention useful?

From my pair of eyes  life seems to fall into two categories. The things we can change and the things we cant change. Life does not fall into these categories neatly, rather much of our experiences weave in and out of these two fields. On one hand, we need to surrender to a mystery and on the other hand we need to create and be agents of change. Yoga works because it gives us tools to let go and allow the fluidity of life to unravel and it also gives us tools to effectively exert ourselves and shape our lives. For instance, bringing one’s awareness to the rhythm of the breath is a practice of receptivity, as one pays attention to the breath it will begin to change. The catalyst is not force , instead it is a subtle shift of focus, which sets off a domino effect, in the nervous system and subtle layers of experience. Yoga is the practice of healing the mind-body, spirit and emotions by creating a foundation for presence. This sturdy anchor in our attention allows for change to occur, not by forcing it, but by  listening and allowing for whatever emerges to occur. Once we are anchored and paying attention to one steady focus we can determine what our desired effect or change is and we continually draw our mind and energy back to that intention with our imagination, movement and breath. Yoga rewires the mind-body by continually using the process of focusing, experiencing what arises, redirecting and focusing again. This practice of paying attention creates a fabric for catching and holding ourselves, others and the wonderful spiritual mystery that we each embody in our own unique way.This practice does require a leap of faith though. The practice asks for the practitioner to consider that we are inclined towards holism  and health. That when we get out of the way of our “life-force”, it will go where it is supposed to go.

My Philosophy

“The curious paradox is when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Carl Rogers

Yoga is an avenue for acceptance and receiving life in a unified way.  Yoga is a practice of remembering our true self and of embodying the divine love we were and are created of.  Yoga teaches me to embrace the present and to live fully now and not at some other time when the perfect feelings and circumstances arise. Having a consistent practice to integrate my mind-body-spirit, conditions me to choose growth and grattitude in the face of both challenge and privilege. My inner resilient self continues to emerge, be tested and in love.

My yoga training story

My training has been in the Krishnamacharya lineage. I studied Ashtanga- Vinyasa, Anusara, Iyengar(esque), restorative yoga and therapeutic yoga. I recently completed a 500hr. in depth studies at Piedmont Yoga and  an Urban Zen Integrative Therapy (uzit) training . Additionally, I am a certified level 1 and 2 Reiki practitioner.

My Trainings and Certificates

  • yoga and the subtle body (shiatsu)- Piedmont Yoga
  • 200 hr. Yoga and Yoga LIfestyle (Red Lotus Yoga)
  • 300 hr. Piedmont Yoga (Yoga and the eightfold/tenfold path)
  • 300 hr. Piedmont Yoga (Yoga and the eightfold/tenfold path)
  • 100 hr. Urban Zen Integrative Therapy (Reiki, Aromatherapy, Restorative Yoga, Breath Awareness)
  • 20 hr. Trauma Sensitive Yoga
  • 20 hr. Yoga for the Pelvic Floor (Leslie Howard 5 day immersion)
  • 6 hr. The Bandura Method
  • 6 hr. Yoga Tune Up (Hips and Shoulders)
  • Reiki 1 & 2 and Master level certification (Usui Tradition)
  • Holistic Health Consultant (Institute for Integrative Health)