Karen
I started doing yoga when I lived in New York City in 1996. I found that it helped keep me grounded and calm in the midst of the craziness while working in live television.
I found that I was drawn to teachers who had a lighthearted approach to yoga. The philosophy of yoga is serious and deep, but the asana practice can be fun. I think I’m a pretty silly person and this part of me is very present in my classes.
I trained with yogiraj, Alan Finger in NYC where I received both my 200hr & 500hr certifications. I was drawn to Alan and ISHTA yoga because Al is so lighthearted and clear. He’s the anti guru guru. In a world where everyone seems to be trying to climb ladders and get more and more recognition I appreciate that Alan does not allow himself to be put on a pedestal. When I go back to New York for visits I usually work with Alan one on one taking my education deeper.
I was taught that any class that I teach comes through me, not from me.
My approach to teaching restorative yoga is one of service and nurturing. I am deeply rewarded by the calm, serene faces at the end of a restorative class, and I love that it’s not because of me but rather what has come through me.
I was trained using Iyengar alignment principles, and so I talk a lot about alignment and safety in asana poses. ISHTA means “individualized”, and I think that plays in nicely with Iyengar’s philosophy of making yoga accessible to everyone.
Namaste,
Karen
What is ISHTA yoga?
Alan and Mani Finger created ISHTA yoga in a response to the many lineages and systems they experienced in South Africa and a desire to relate all these teachings back to the individual quest for self-awareness, self-knowledge and healing.
ISHTA has a two-fold
meaning: an acronym for the Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra and Ayurveda,
and a Sanskrit word meaning personalized, or individualized. Recognizing the
uniqueness of the individual soul, ISHTA yoga recognizes that every individual
needs their own unique practice that will best address their own needs,
development, and self-awareness.
ISHTA yoga embraces elements from a variety of styles and seeks to help its
students discover the exact blend of postures, breathing, and meditation
techniques necessary to bring out their fullest potential.
For more information about ISHTA yoga go to www.ishtayoga.com