Yoga
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices that incorporate breathing techniques, exercise and meditation to improve health and happiness. The discipline originated in ancient India and has eight limbs: the yamas (restraints), niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana (concentration), dhyani (meditation), and samadhi (oneness).
Why Do I Teach Yoga?
Before practicing yoga I was very overweight and extremely anxious about my future. I was constantly worried about failure, and had a difficult time keeping my thoughts and emotions in check. Yoga has a beautiful way of assessing the mind through the physical body. As you start to practice the shapes, more and more, you start to understand what is most important to you. When you see things more clearly, the little everyday stressors that normally consume your thoughts and emotions don’t bother you as much. Yoga has helped me reduce my stress level and has helped me accept many things in life that are beyond my control. I teach to give back and offer what I have learned in the hope that you might leave my class feeling a little better. Some days that is all we can do for one another, and it can mean the world.
I draw on three main styles of yoga in my Vinyasa classes: Ashtanga, Prana Flow, and Iyengar with an emphasis on strength. Expect a dynamic Vinyasa-based class with a focus on asana, alignment, breath, bandhas, and mindfulness. I love music and a great playlist to accompany the sound track of your breath. I also believe that yoga needs humor to keep you humble—losing your focus or balance is a gift—another opportunity to begin again. As my mother used to always say, “Remember, it’s a practice not a perfect”!
Take a Class with Me!
Currently I’m only offering private sessions and doing workshops. Please check my workshops tab or connect with me to explore options.
Yoga Teacher Training
Check back for details on the next Soulful Elephant teacher training offerings!
Book a Private Session
Private and semi-private sessions are great ways to deepen your practice! One-on-one work can help take the mind-body connection to the next level and allow you space to tune in to how you really feel. I can travel to your home or studio, meet you for a private session at a studio in the DC area, or invite you to practice in my home studio. Get in touch to book a session!
Is your organization or group interested in an on-site class for employees or clients? I offer office and corporate yoga classes, or month to yearlong wellness programs that can be tailored to fit your work environment. Email me for more information about programming, rates, and availability.
Yoga for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
After completing the 15-hour Mindful Yoga Therapy program I decided to continue work in the field of yoga therapy to help veterans, survivors, and those managing trauma using a 12-week protocol.
I look forward to completing an extensive 100 hour Yoga Alliance certified nationally respected program hosted by The Give Back Yoga Foundation. If you have any questions about movement and meditation for PTSD or want to know more about booking a therapeutic yoga class for yourself or an organization please get in touch!
Education & Certifications
My E-RYT designation means that I'm an "experienced" yoga teacher who has taught more 1000 hours of yoga throughout my career. I consider myself a student first and foremost, and have been traveling near and far to learn from inspirational teachers. Some of my most memorable trainings include:
• 300 hour RYT – Jules Mitchell Yoga Biomechanics (November 2018)
• 20 hour – Yoga for Osteoporosis, Sivananda Yoga Center (March 2017)
• 18 hour – YoKid Training (July 2016)
• 15 hour – Shakti Inspired Prenatal and Postnatal Training (June 2016)
• 30 hour – ISHTA Yoga Advanced Bridge Training (March 2015)
• 15 hour – Mindful Therapy for Veterans (November 2014)
• 12 hour – Restorative Teacher training (October 2014)
• 25 hour – Yoga Teacher Training with Sean Corn (May 2012)
• 200 hour RYT – Flow Yoga Center in Washington D.C (February 2011)
In addition to certification courses, I've also attended intensive immersion trainings with with Jules Mitchell, Shiva Rea, David Williams, Sean Corn, Shawn Parell, David Swenson, Lesile Kaminoff, April Puciata and Judith Hanson Laster.