I have recently earned my 700-hour yoga therapy certification, which is 500-hour advanced yoga instructor through Yoga Impact along with my 200-hour yoga instructor through Kripalu. I have been in training mostly since 2013, and will continue toward my 1000-hour yoga therapy certification next year.
After an in-depth discussion with my mentor, Nancy Candea, I have validated my progress and direction, and determined the appropriate steps to move forward. I see this as a tipping point more than an accomplishment. I am finally doing the work that is aligned with my values, and it is with great joy and gratitude that I continue to learn, share and practice. This is a commitment that I make to myself and my community.
Why did I choose this? I've been through a lot. I have gained lessons and deep realizations from all that I've experienced. I use the tools from my yoga practice to sort through my thoughts and feelings, acknowledge what is present, release what no longer serves me, and decide what experience I want to create for myself.
I use the physical practice of yoga to connect with my body. I want to feel good in my body, to be strong and healthy. For many years, I was so disconnected. I ate and drank for comfort, smoked and spend too many hours on the couch. When I first started taking yoga classes, I cried a lot. Connecting back to myself was scary and hurt like hell. All the years of talk therapy didn't do what yoga did. Something happens when the body is held in different shapes and moved it in different ways while mindfully breathing. This is something that I need to do everyday.
Meditation has taught me to use my mind, rather than being controlled by it. When I first began practicing meditation, my mind went everywhere! I would get so frustrated and angry with myself. Then I found some guided meditations, chanting mantras, and hand positions that helped me focus. With practice, it became easier. I began to notice when my mind would wander off, and I could bring it back without feeling bad. I use the practice of meditation throughout my day, by noticing more around me, noticing how it affects me, and choosing if and how to respond.
Spirituality is the intimate relationship with that which is greater than the self. People have their own beliefs and understandings of what that is for them, which I deeply honor. As with yoga and meditation, I take time everyday for prayer. In yoga, I focus on the breath as the spiritual connection. In Latin, "spirare" translates to breathe. Spirare is the root word for spirit, respiration, inspire and aspire. In Sanskrit, "prana" translates as life-force and "pranayama" is restraining or controlling of life-force energy.When we deliberately and mindfully control the inhale and exhale, we strengthen the connection with our body, mind and spirit.
Moving forward, I continue to expand my knowledge and experience of these practices. I study the anatomy of the human body, psychology, trauma, diseases and other conditions that can be alleviated with yoga. I read and listen to spiritual teachings, both ancient and modern. I offer yoga therapy in yoga studios, health centers, private group and individual sessions.
This world can be chaotic, distracting, and upsetting. So many people are going through so much. I am here to help more people be strong, relaxed and empowered using the practice of yoga.
