The Essence of Yoga

is learning how to practice in a way that is most beneficial to our needs and abilities as they shift daily and through time. In the Essence of Yoga, I have outlined 6 concepts and courses that increase knowledge of Yoga, affirm the importance and value of one’s own experience; and support an approach to life that is beneficial and fun.

Why I Created these Sequences and Course

1. After having studied for a long time, I still found it difficult to know exactly what to practice on any given day. Inspired by Jehangir Palkhivala's Mother Sequence "templates", I created additional sequences that can be practiced vinyasa style or be segmented to explore themes and principles in a holistic practice. I have included pranayamas (breathing exercises) and key yoga sutras, stories, mantras and meditations that deepen each practice in a way that I find interesting and fun while sticking to tradition. 

2. After 13 years of mostly “Iyengar-style” alignment-based, therapeutic yoga I began practicing “Primary” vinyasa series created by Pattabhi Jois. While noting the popularity of the vinyasa method, I also observed that many people were only practicing that one sequence daily, while also becoming injured with a host of overuse and misuse injuries. I enjoy the opportunity to slow down and gather knowledge through exploration and expertise so wanted to offer that to others. After 30 years of seeking and study, I find myself again and again drawn back to B.K.S. Iyengar and Raja Yoga.

While sticking to general “best practice” in sequencing, I offer accessible components and variations of asana so practitioners can "own the practice" as it relates to their uniqueness, be unbound by what is considered "convention", and be truly empowered from the inside out.

3. I love Yoga! and am fascinated by nature and the human body. These sequences and additional practices allow us to experiment and experience our reactions with and without the use of props and structure. This makes sense to me and has allowed me to become absorbed physically and intellectually in the depth of exploration, creativity, and what is most beneficial to mental and spiritual development.

4. “Ashtanga Yoga” refers to the 8-limbed path explained by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. More accurately it is Raja Yoga - “spiritual” practice that leads you to be the "king" ("raj") of your mind. The “Yoga” is fundamentally HOW you arrive at mastering your mental process, and the experience of that arrival - with curious attention, whole-heartedness, and a desire to know.

5. I believe that to take time to understand and practice proper alignment, explore the body's subtle energetic currents, learn the language and culture from which Yoga was born, and establish a practice that leads one to peace and understanding is the most valuable thing each and every person can do to make a positive impact in the world.

AND

6. Yoga is experienced through intelligent action - action that can, if done with commitment, care and consistency - lead us all to the well of peace, love and delight and our own connection to Divinity.