Yogic practices support overall health through bringing care and attention to mind and body in specific ways designed to cultivate union with one’s self and harmony with others. Physical aspects of yoga include gentle stretching, stillness, strengthening, focus and releasing tension, which can help with various conditions. Yoga postures can be modified for safety and accessibility so anyone of any body shape, size, age or ability can experience the benefits.
“Yoga is the artwork of awareness on the canvas of body, mind, and soul.”
— Amit Ray
Why I Share Yoga
When I became pregnant with my second child in 2002, I knew I needed more support and preparation than I had with my firstborn. As I looked into options, I found yoga for pregnancy and developed a practice that nourished both my baby and me.
Each morning, and sometimes throughout the day, I would move through a series of yoga asana postures, reciting a poem for my baby’s strength and wisdom. Yoga movements, meditation, breathing and vocal toning became my safe haven during pregnancy — as well as a solid preparation for what was to come.
My son’s birth was smooth due to the months of yoga practice and a solid support person who encouraged me to use what I had learned to ride contractions and bring my baby into the world peacefully. Each subsequent pregnancy was supported similarly (five children in all), and yoga continues to hold a special place in my life.
Almost twenty years after that first yoga class, I took part in three trainings to share yoga with others: Yoga to Transform Trauma with Catherine Ashton, Well-Bean Children’s Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training with Jen Rapanos and Keri Kenney’s 200 Hour Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher Training. All three of these trainings highlighted the importance of supporting people in sacred space, extending the practices in welcoming ways that nourish body, mind and the creation of community. Sharing these transformational practices in a trauma sensitive way opens the door for people to befriend themselves with curiosity, gentleness and courage – no matter what is going on for them, or what they’ve been through.
Although yoga has come to be viewed as a trend in some areas, any practice which is timeless and has health benefits will outlast a trend. Yoga stands the test of time and the invitation to practice is open for anyone who chooses to explore how it could be supportive for them. What I love most about yoga is its accessibility and adaptability. Anyone can reap the benefits because yoga is an art of coming inward to ourselves, our relationships and our lives with curiosity, care and attention which supports quality of life and health.
Yoga is offered through local classes, workshops, gatherings, retreats and programs for organizations. Please email to learn more about current yoga offerings.