The Philosophy of Supported Self-Practice
Yoga is a system of practices designed to bring us greater balance, insight, compassion, and equanimity – and thus greater joy.  While the process of yoga is largely internal, the energy and perspective from external sources – teacher and community – are important ingredients in a potent practice.  My goal is to create a space for ‘Supported Self-Practice’, in which each individual can practice on their own in a way that supports their specific needs at the moment, in the context of a community of practitioners (sangha, in Sanskrit) and with the support of a teacher.  As a teacher, my studies of postures (asana), breathwork (pranayama), and meditation in several yogic lineages, including Ashtanga, Iyengar, ParaYoga, and Viniyoga allow me to develop individualized practices that address the body, mind and spirit together, to help people move out of pain and suffering and live more joyful and satisfying lives.

The yoga studio is a place for the entire range of human experience – bliss, pain, sweat, desire, tears, laughter and even apathy – creating the possibility for great personal shifts, as we learn about ourselves and repattern our minds and bodies to align with the best expression of our true selves.

Upcoming Supported Self-Practice Days & Times:
Friday, Jan. 8, 8-10:30 AM
Sunday, Jan. 10, 8-10:30 AM
79 Southworth St., Apt. 1
(donations accepted)

FAQ
Why “Self-Practice”?  I like going to yoga classes in part because I like not having to think!
To me, practicing yoga only in led classes is like only seeing your boyfriend at the bar.  There are many compelling reasons to begin to take ownership of your own practice.  First, the poses, breathing methods, etc. have effects on you, so doing a self-practice allows you to create a practice that will give the desired effects.  For instance, you can work on strengthening a weak area in your body or mitigating anxiety.  It may seem difficult to get started, but that’s where the support of a teacher is helpful in developing a practice that’s right for you.  The rest will come from listening to yourself, as you begin to focus inwardly during your practice.

Which leads to a second important reason for self-practice.  When you are listening to a teacher tell you what to do in a class, you are outwardly focused.  But, the “juice” in yoga comes from listening deeply within.  So, removing the external stimulus helps us re-orient inward, thus facilitating the process of transformation.