I began to practice yoga in 2002 to augment a long-distance running regimen that I had been dedicated to since the 1970s. It soon became clear to me that reduced injury and improved running performance were only part of yoga's benefits. My time in meditation, in study, and on the mat has expanded my appreciation for and devotion to an ever-widening gamut of yogic wisdom.
Within the practice, I have discovered, profound transformation takes place on many levels - it's a constantly unfolding journey. As a symbol, the opening blossom of a lotus flower expresses it well. There are so many petals, each one perfect in its own right, each one an increment of the realization of the full bloom.
I have had some wonderful teachers over the years and good fortune brings new ones from time to time as well. Last September I took the first step toward becoming a teacher myself by undertaking a six-month yoga teacher certification program in Vancouver. This is now completed and I'm venturing into a new way of practicing - as a teacher dedicated to bringing the benefits of holistic yoga to my students. I co-teach workshops with (and occasionally sub for) Sue Whitlock at Emerging Heart Yoga in Gibsons, a beautiful space between Chaster Creek at its estuary, and the ever-changing Salish Sea. This summer (2011) I taught early morning Holistic Hatha Flow classes on Mondays and Fridays at Yoga By The Sea, in the heart of Roberts Creek. (See Announcements/Classes page.) For the fall, I have moved those classes to 7 am and have added a Vinyasa Flow class at 6:30 pm Tuesday.
In the 1990s I earned a Bachelor's degree in depth psychology through a progressive interdisciplinary program at Antioch University Seattle. Among my favourite studies were Zen Buddhism, World Religions, and Grail Mythology; my psychology focus was on spiritual transformation and creativity.
For the past 25 years I have worked as a writer and editor. Teaching yoga will now be integrated into my life within the context of who I am, and which involves a five-acre farm I have recently purchased with family members in Roberts Creek, B.C. Organic gardening, beekeeping and workshop studio plans are underway.
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