Yoga

My most recent inspiration comes from the ascent intensive with Sharon Gannon of the jivamukti ( www.jivamuktiyoga.com) yoga system. One of the most dynamic and inspiring people I have come in contact with. A real spirit of devotion is the theme in all yoga practice. Many thanks to the universe for this experience and drive to keep moving forward.

I have been trained in Hatha and Power yoga, completing a 200 hour yoga teachers training course with Rhonda Fogul and Grant Couture at the Wandering Yogi Studio in 2003. I also acquired another yoga teachers training with Trinity Yoga and have been trained in a dynamic style of yoga similar to a strong Hatha flow or Power yoga taught by Mary-Jo Fetterly and Jennifer Steed.

Hatha yoga is better known in the West because of its earlier introduction. This yoga system involves thousands of postures enabling many positive changes in the body and subsequently in the mind. In each class, the instructor may choose a variety of postures or have a theme of postures that focus on certain areas of the body.

The Ashtanga yoga system has been derived from the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhhi Jois. This yoga has a sequence of postures in a certain order to balance and counteract every movement. This method utilizes every muscle and joint of the body in a safe and effective manner.

Hatha and Ashtanga yoga techniques have many benefits. They increase the circulation of the blood and lymphatic systems and promote relaxation and well-being. The practice of yoga releases toxins from the skin and muscles. It also strengthens and tones the body while increasing flexibility.

What does Yoga mean to Me?

Yoga is a life style expanding my truth, unfolding my innocence and innate purity. It is a tool to release my judgments of others and myself encouraging compassion and love. It is the embodyment of softening my gaze, unclenching my fists and trusting that I am safe, that I am not alone, that I don't have to defend the fact that I am alive.

Yoga is allowing a space for nurturing and safety from my separated intellect (Ahimsa: non violence to other and oneself). It means inspiration tickling my intellect, softening my heart and clearing my vessel.

It is the equality of me and you, rich and poor, black and white, all the
same source looking and searching for the same goal. It is the bridge between all things that pertain in my life. My hope is yoga will be my intoxication, my high and my drunkenness.

Natasha
July 27, 2004