MY TEACHERS

Pattabhi Jois and I at his birthday puja.




Deepak Chopra...one of my first teachers!!!




Rameen Peyrow, my Ashtanga teacher.
What I love about his style of teaching is that he allows me to be me...discovering my own yoga journey...



Sharath and I at the Shala in Mysore, India

I was doing yoga poses even before I knew it was yoga. Sitting on the floor playing with my babies, I would stretch and pose because it felt good. Now I realize I was doing shoulder stand, plow and back bends. With a background in sports and marathon running, yoga soon became the most rewarding experience for my mind and body. It has been said that people come to yoga through the "Asanas" or physical poses. I am finding out that other amazing self-discoveries are learned through the yoga journey.

Not only do I feel physically wonderful, but I am inspired and excited by what the body is capable of. Inside, I feel calmer and more 'in the moment'. Yoga has a peaceful affect on the mind as well as the body. The stillness of mind and focus on breathing really brings one into an awareness, away from the distractions of daily life. I love watching my children practice yoga; they are naturally flexible and physical movement is just play. As adults we sit in chairs all day long, rarely sitting on the floor (which opens the hips!)

Practicing in Mysore, India at the Shala with Sharath, Saraswati and Patabhi Jois was a humbling, awe-inspiring experience. As was my teacher training certification 'boot camp' in California. Exploring new methodologies and modalities opened my mind and my repertoire for sharing the yoga gift with others. However, my heart belongs at the Yoga Loft, with Rameen as my teacher.

"Freedom is not given to us by anyone; we have to cultivate it ourselves. It is a daily practice... No one can prevent you from being aware of each step you take or each breath in and breath out."

—Thich Nhat Hanh