| …May every moment
of our lives be our greatest teacher.
In Sanskrit Yoga means union, the practice of balancing the
physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of the self. An ancient
tradition, over 5,000 years old, includes physical postures,
breath control, relaxation techniques, mediation, and the
study of ancient texts. It is not a religion. Yoga deals with
universal truths and is therefore compatible with all faiths
and none.
Yoga, originating in India, was passed on as an oral tradition.
Patanjali has been credited for putting it in writing thousands
of years ago in the Yoga
Sutras. Here he defines the 8-limbs of yoga which is the
base for all the different types of yoga we practice here
in the west. All the yoga postures that we now do were originally
devised to prepare the body so that it can sit perfectly still
for long periods in meditation.
The eight limbs of yoga:
- Yama: abstentions
- Ahimsa (non-violence)
- Satya (truthfulness)
- Asteya (non-stealing)
- Bramacharya (illicit) sexual restraint
- Aparigraha (non-greed)
- Niyama: observances
- Saucha (purity)
- Santosa (contentment)
- Tapas (discipline)
- Svadhyaya (study of self)
- Isvara Pranidhana (surrender to god)
- Asana: steady posture
- Pranayama: Control of prana or vital breath
- Pratyahara: restraint of the senses
- Dharana: Concentration
- Dhyana: Meditation
- Samadhi: Super-conscious state (state of liberation)
I was first introduced to yoga in the late 1970’s shortly
after arriving in New York City from Louisiana. Yoga became
intertwined with my training as a modern dancer. Later, in
the mid 1990’s, as I began transitioning from a career
as a professional dancer I began studying yoga seriously and
developed my own practice. Like many, I went with convenience.
I started at Jivamukti,
which was two blocks from my apartment, and Om
Yoga at the time was across from my office. I currently
practice at The
Shala and with Sondra Loring as well.
I have observed that people of all ages benefit from yoga,
being a very practical practice. The asanas loosen joints
and stretch muscles to improve posture and maintain strength
and flexibility. The exercises improve circulation and have
a wide range of therapeutic benefits. Breathing exercises
boost energy, calm the mind and the nervous system and improve
the efficiency of the bodily systems. Relaxation counteracts
the effects of stress and allows the body to recharge. Over
time, yoga will make you more supple, stronger and relaxed,
promoting health and well-being. The
American Council on Exercise has done a study on the benefits
of yoga.
I’m a certified Yoga teacher registered with the Yoga
Alliance. I completed a yearlong yoga teacher-training program
at Satya
Yoga center in Rhinebeck NY. I teach a ‘basic’
level and ‘introduction to yoga’ class at Sadhana
Center for Yoga and Meditation in Hudson NY. I also teach
an all levels Vinyasa class in New York City. I created an
“Anatomy for Yoga” workshop that I have and do
teach as part of teacher training programs, at Om Yoga and
Satya Yoga Center.
I bring to my teaching my love of movement and the amazement
of the human body. I’m in awe of the endless depth and
multiple layers that creates each individual. I am honored
to introduce you to this wonderful journey and aid the development
of your individual practice. Look forward to meeting you on
the mat.
Yoga Sutra 1.2: Yogas chitta vritti
nirodhah
Yoga is the control of the modifications of the mind-stuff
Namaste
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