My Yoga Journey
I was first introduced to yoga as a child when my older sister would do poses in our living room in front of the TV and I would mimic her. Years later, as a newlywed, I took some classes with my husband in NYC and a short time after that, I inherited my mother-in-law’s discarded Jane Fonda Yoga video and went through routines with her and later, Patricia Walden and Rodney Yee, adding to my video collection.
After the birth of my second child, I was in need of physical movement to get my body back in shape post-pregnancy and I was in a time of spiritual questioning. A friend recommended a local yoga studio, and when I walked through the doors of that studio on the river, I soon discovered a second home.
Teacher
My teacher, mentor and now, dear friend, Brahmani Liebman, introduced my husband and me to the amazing practice of Kripalu yoga. On the mat I came home to myself time again and again, learning to appreciate and strengthen my physical body and calm my often-anxious mind. I found a deeper connection to the Divine in a year or two on that mat than I did from 30+ years in the church pew. I also discovered a community of like-minded souls, who offered love and support and a sense of belonging.
Kripalu
Brahmani also introduced us to The Kripalu Yoga Center for Yoga and Health in the Berkshires in Lennox, MA.. Each time Scott and I visited Kripalu, we felt so alive and refreshed that we started finding ways to “bring home” a little piece of Kripalu and incorporate it into our lives.
It started with a certain tea we liked and cushions, books and malas from the gift shop. It culminated in our buying a home in the woods of Westchester County, NY and installing a hot tub. Along the way, I took a nine-month yoga teacher training with Brahmani , diving deeply into the practice and witnessing how yoga served all 16 of us in the program through births, deaths, pregnancy, new love and lost jobs. I also discovered how seamlessly I could shift from teaching artist to yoga teacher. So many of my skills transferred easily and I was delighted to share this practice that had taught me so much!
Teaching
It was ten years later, as my dear teacher moved West, that I assumed the role of Co-Owner and Director of the Rivertown Center for Yoga and Health. It was a remarkable adventure to steward the community that had launched my yoga journey and to welcome new folks into the fold of classes, workshops, yoga dance, and Reiki the way I had once been welcomed.
Eventually, I found ways to teach closer to home and brought more mindfulness and movement to the children Scott and I sang to in the school assemblies and workshops. , I started offering staff development and self care workshops to teachers and other communities.
With the pandemic of COVID-19, I moved my teaching online and once again have circled our sangha together virtually, so that we can continue to dive deeply into our own practice and hold space for and connection with one another. I invite you to join me to start or continue your yoga journey.
