Yoga
As part of Ayurveda, yoga is unto itself, a vast and complex practice. It is a technology of reintegration and awakening. We have much bastardized it in its translation to the west; while I see that as with all things, the west translates and modifies things to its liking, and that this has nurtured some innovations, I also work to stay true to its root intentions of liberation, freedom in body and mind, and wise living. I am at once reverent of yogas illustrious history, (thank you rishis), and also happy to interpret some of the less enlightened teachings on gender, ability, personalization, and extremism with a kinder, modern tone.
My experience of yoga is unbranded and inimitable. My background is in Iyengar, therapeutics, with some study of Ashtanga, Viniyoga, and much contemporary training in all 8 limbs of the practice. My own time on the mat looks a variety of ways, from fierce and sweaty (rarely, as I use sports to take care of this need/desire), to completely still and restorative. The middle ground most interests me, and why most of my public classes fall under the category of “hatha”. Each class is unique, layered, and experiential. I aim to truly teach and to lead by example. I bring a nerdy passion for anatomy, breath, biomechanics, feeling great, poetry, and permission to my sessions. I teach at UCSF, and privately and publicly in the greater Bay Area, and do retreats beyond. I am certified at the highest level with Yoga Alliance, E-RYT and am a member of IAYT, as well as NAMA, the National Ayurvedic Medical Association.