What is yoga?

Yoga is more than stretching. Yoga means "union," describing the union between the body and spirit as well as individual consciousness with universal consciousness. When we practice yoga, we seek to become one with ourselves, one another, and a higher power.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is one of the oldest forms of yoga. As a structured system of yoga, it dates back to around 1100 CE, but yoga itself likely originated over 5,000 years ago in Northern India. Hatha yoga is a foundational, slower style of yoga that focuses on postures (asanas) and breathwork (pranayama) to balance solar (ha/sun) and lunar (tha/moon) energies to promote strength, flexibility, and inner peace. Many modern styles of yoga have emerged from Hatha yoga.

What to expect in a class: 

• Warm-up

• Asana (poses) 

• Pranayama (breathing techniques)

• Meditation/Stillness

Benefits

• Increased strength and flexibility

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Enhanced focus and mental clarity

• A deeper understanding of yoga fundamentals

Meditation

Traditionally, yoga asanas (postures) were intended to prepare the body and mind for meditation.  In meditation, we cultivate sustained focus on the breath and/or a mantra, which helps to calm mental chatter, leading to greater states of peace and relaxation. 

In simple terms, meditation gives the brain and body a break from everyday stress. It takes time to develop a meditation practice, but the benefits are worth it.

What is mantra?

A mantra is a sound vibration, word or phrase that has specific effects on consciousness, such as the Sanskrit syllable  "Om," a sound that represents the union of body, mind, and spirit.

Certifications 

• ShambhavAnanda Yoga 200-hr yoga teacher training, Shoshoni Yoga Retreat, 2016.

• ShambhavAnanda Yoga Adjustments yoga teacher training, Shoshoni Yoga Retreat, 2018.

Services

For about two years, I taught yoga through a combination of fitness center classes and independent community offerings. This included after-school and special events yoga for educators and custom yoga sessions for retreat attendees and wedding parties. I enjoy creating ritualistic flows centered on themes, honoring the collective and individual energies of those who come to the practice.

While I am not currently teaching ongoing classes, I continue to practice regularly and welcome opportunities to offer one-time or special-event yoga sessions for gatherings, retreats, or meaningful occasions.