Yoga

Yoga is a science of self-realization that dates back over 5,000 years. It is one of the few spiritual traditions that has maintained an unbroken development throughout history.

Through ethical disciplines, physical postures, breath control, withdrawal of the senses, mindful attention and other meditative disciplines, yogic methods teach us to move from our outer attachments and thought waves to awareness of our inner consciousness within the heart. It is more than standing in “tree pose.” It is a science of learning to master the mind’s fluctuations, to experience a mind-body connection that is steady and calm, and know our true nature.

Approach

As an RYT 500 hour certified yoga instructor, I have a profound passion for helping my students find their own unique version of wellness when attending my classes at Prana Yoga in Geneva, Illinois. In our work, I may suggest some principles, poses, breathwork or meditation to move energy in a way to find more mind-body balance. These yogic concepts tend to the wellbeing of the physical, energetic, mental, and emotional layers of the Self. 

I craft each class with a unique set of asana poses to challenge and soothe through breathwork and focused movement. I also assign a seasonally-appropriate theme to each class based on my favorite yoga and wellness texts, helping my students set their own personal intentions so they can fully engage with the yoga practice mentally, physically and emotionally.

Vinyasa 

The yoga classes I teach are best described as Vinyasa yoga classes. Yoga Journal defines Vinyasa yoga as follows, “‘Vinyasa’ is derived from the Sanskrit term nyasa, which means ‘to place,’ and the prefix vi, ‘in a special way’—as in the arrangement of notes in a raga (song), the steps along a path to the top of a mountain, or the linking of one asana (pose) to the next. In the yoga world the most common understanding of vinyasa is as a flowing sequence of specific asanas coordinated with the movements of the breath.” I enjoy Vinyasa yoga, as it is just challenging enough to effectively clear the mind, improve mental clarity and release endorphins, allowing us to make our own internal sunshine.