Who/what influences your teaching and practice currently?

In the last few years, I became a student and practitioner of lomi-lomi, or traditional Hawaiian massage. I learned that wisdom lives in the bones. So, bones inspire me. Alignment inspires me. Alignment is both physical and metaphysical, for example; we may align our spine's natural curvature, or we may align our actions with our values. When the bones are in alignment, it's as though a kink in a hose comes undone, and energy flows. The effect of alignment is exponential. By the simple act of aligning the body in a way that promotes flow, we can then breathe more deeply, and thus perceive more clearly, and seamlessly align ourselves with the best possible outcomes in life. It's true!

How do you apply yoga practice to your every day life?

Finding ease amid mild discomfort in my yoga practice helps me to find peace in uncomfortable moments off the mat. Breathing calmly through a demanding asana or potent meditation translates to maintaining grace while being held underwater by the crashing lip of a monstrous wave. A consistent yoga practice strengthens my ability to accept what is.

What is a fun fact about you?

I'm out of practice, but I play the alto saxophone.

What can students expect from your class?

My teaching style is strong and slow. There is time in each posture to find alignment and breathe deep, while maintaining a cadence and flow. I don't play overstimulating music and I don't cue movement faster than an intentional complete breath. I typically cue a lot of muscular engagement and specific alignment suggestions, followed by a reminder to find ease within the effort. I invite students to truly take what they need, whether it is to be challenged, to take rest, or simply to breathe in community. My class usually has a peak posture in mind, so expect to prepare the body to safely express that shape, then wind down with counterposes and a sweet savasana.

All levels are welcome.