Bio
I began my study of Iyengar style hatha and ashtanga yoga in 1983 with Julie Kimball at the University of California at Santa Cruz. The last 3 of six years I assisted her in her classes.
I teach a rigorous style of vinyasa, or flow, restorative yoga, and Deep Dharana, or Presence in Asana: more than just moving through the pose mechanically without a chance to be in the body, nor to develop mind-body awareness.
We explore sustained explorations of action in poses as it affects alignment, breath, energy, thought and emotion. Each class is heavily influenced by years of study of ayurvedic & yogic physiology and sciences. Understanding prana, or energy, understanding breath as the bridge between mind and body, between thought and action between thought and emotion, and manifesting this understanding in the practice is at the root of what I teach. Classes are intense, challenging while staying playful, full of a spirit, of adventure.
I study mostly with Ramanand Patel, who I initially met when in Julie’s class in Santa Cruz, then in San Francisco when I moved here in 1989.I have studied and apprenticed with Ramanand for many years, assisting in his classes whenever I get the chance. I have also apprenticed with Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher Evlaleah Howard; and taken frequent workshops from Judith Lasater, Patricia Walden, Francois Raoult, Roger Cole, Manouso Manos, and Ramanand Patel, Shandor Remete (“Shadow” Yoga), Eric Schiffman, and others.. And many thanks to the teachers of The Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco where I did the two year 500 hour teacher training program as well as the many teachers from many methods that I have explored through the years…
I went to India for the first time in February 1996 to study with BKS Iyengar at Rishikesh in Northern India. Then again I went in 2000 with Ramananda and Mukesh to Swami Dayananda’s ashram.
In 1997 I began studying Vedanta with Swami Dayananda Saraswati, thanks to Ramanand. Every year I have either gone to Swami Dayananda’s in PA, and once in Rishikesh. While readings are great, the knowledge and joy is not imparted like the workshops with Swami Dayananda. I continue study of Vedanta and use Swamiji’s materials when teaching courses on the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras.
The study of Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita has significantly changed my practice and influenced my teaching. Watch her for more on Vedanta, the yoga sutras, vedic chants, the Baghvad Gita. Interested in vedanta, sutras, or chanting groups?
