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I took my first yoga class here at Willow Street
about three years ago. My son Oliver had just been born, and having
a place to go stretch and relax once a week was just what I needed.
I had both performed and taught dance and stretch conditioning for
13 years before that. With yoga, I felt great joy in finding new ways
to move. The principles of alignment introduced my body to a new sense
of sturdiness and ease. Beyond that, the principles of Anusara Yoga
opened me to the notion that I had the ability within to cultivate
compassion and forgiveness, and had the faith to open to Grace.
My first couple of years of yoga were both inspiring and terribly challenging.
I was challenged to move in a whole new way - from the inside out.
I was moved to look at a darkness that had sat within me for many years,
all the while reminded that I had the courage and presence of grace
to enter into such a tender place. It was during these times that I
envisioned myself teaching yoga. It culminated in a visceral, liberating,
and yet terrifying moment when I knew I had to participate in the YTT
program at Willow Street. There I learned to become a clearer and more
efficient student. I knew that if I could gain the confidence in myself
in being the student that I visualized, I could begin to teach yoga
from an understanding of my own experience and practice.
My dance background continues to be a source of inspiration. I was
blessed with wonderful choreographers and teachers who instilled in
me an appreciation for movement, commitment to practice, and respect
for the body. My mother's spiritual teachings have been and continue
to be the foundation to my own spirituality. Her commitment to social
justice and peace came from a deep inner peace with her God. She always
reminded me that such peace was not meant to be stored away, but rather
to be put into action through faith. My yoga practice and teaching
are definitely inspired by the example my mother leaves for me.
I am truly grateful to be a part of the community at Willow Street.
It reminds me that though yoga practice can lead us to a very private
and reflective place, it can also create a community of support, practice
and mindful teaching, where in seeing our own light we are able to
acknowledge that same light in each other.
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