Sattva Yoga

I have been involved in yoga and other forms of movement for most of my life. Always pulled to music and rhythm, I found my way into many types of dance and different forms of healing movement. An injury during an African dance course many years ago led me to study African drumming to keep the rhythm and movement close, which I remain serious about to this day. As a therapist, I have always believed that genuine healing and growth must engage more than just the mind; effective work must stir the body, heart and spirit.

In 2013, upon returning from an extended time abroad, I met Anand Mehrotra, Founder and Master Teacher of Sattva Yoga. Sattva Yoga immediately attracted me given its demand for full engagement, its rootedness in ancient traditions and its embrace of evolving practices. Sattva Yoga is a holistic system of teachings from the Himalayan wisdom tradition, born in Rishikesh -- long considered the birthplace of yoga. The practice combines meditation, pranayama (breath work), hatha asana (postures), laya (flow), kriya (intensive, 'electric' movement) and free dance to penetrate the energy layers of the body and generate a sense of radical aliveness. The practice aims to invoke freedom, transformation and access to a more authentic sense of Self.

One of my favorite messages of Anand’s during Teacher Training is “we can choose to be safe or free”. For me, the practice of Sattva Yoga is all about choosing freedom in each moment: stretching beyond our comfort zones, pushing past perceived limits, releasing our blocks, speaking our Truth, walking our talk, surrendering to what is and searching for the gift in every experience. To me, Sattva is about never shying away from an opportunity to grow and never choosing safety over a chance to feel more liberated and awake.

As Sattva Yoga teachers, we are encouraged to be creative. We incorporate powerful mixes of music and rhythm and structure classes around themes (such as Joy, Abundance, Breaking Free, Balance, and Fierce Presence). In this way, each class becomes a journey that enlists not just our bodies, but our intellect, heart and spirit. Journeys are accessible to students at all levels and require only a sense of adventure, a desire to move and a sincere presence! For more information about regular and/or private classes, contact me or email me at [email protected]. I feel blessed to share the inspiration that Sattva has brought into my life.