My Story
My Yoga Journey:
Path to Transformation
Twenty-five years ago, my yoga journey began with the discovery of Ashtanga after the birth of my first child. Having grown up immersed in ballet and various dance forms, transitioning into Ashtanga—the mother of flow yoga—felt like a natural evolution.
I initially embraced the practice for its physical benefits, enjoying how it helped me shed the baby weight in just weeks. However, as life presented its challenges, yoga became an essential tool for managing my depression.
Sharing the gift of yoga with others is a beautiful opportunity to change lives—a gift that truly keeps giving.
For several years, I practiced on my own until the arrival of my second child. I was fortunate to connect with Maty Ezraty and Chuck Miller, the original founders of Yoga Works, who helped me develop a strong foundation in the primary series. I was honored to be part of their final 200-hour teacher training program before the studio transitioned to corporate ownership.
My journey as a mother continued when I gave birth to my third child at home, in my bathtub, after a three-day labor. I credit my yoga practice with making that experience possible. Juggling the demands of motherhood meant I had limited time for practice, but even small amounts of time on the mat made a significant difference. In reflecting on my life, I realize that my yoga practice was the one constant that brought me peace and clarity.
Life took me to Uganda for several years, where I worked with orphans through “Yoga off the Mat,” attempting to run a non-profit. During this time, my practice diminished to just 45 minutes a day.
A turning point came when my eldest daughter and a bone disease led me back to my mat. Doctors warned I might need to walk with a cane due to avascular necrosis in my right hip, with a risky surgery as the only option.
Inspired by my daughter, who had discovered Ashtanga videos on YouTube, I began exploring intermediate series poses, particularly those with intense hip openers. This exploration led me to Omkar108 and a renewed commitment to practice six days a week with Jorgen Christiansson, who encouraged me to journey to Mysore, India.
I made three trips, totaling six months, to study Ashtanga Yoga KPJY with the inspiring Saraswati Joies—an experience that deeply enriched my practice.
Over the years, I've had the privilege of learning from some of the world’s best yoga teachers, including Mark Robberds, Deepika Mehta, Day Christenson, Kino Macgregor and many others.
Ashtanga healed my hip but it also presented new challenges, such as tendinitis in my left shoulder. This prompted me to dissect my practice and integrate restorative yoga, dance movements, Kin stretch, and Controlled Articular Rotations (CARS) into my routine.
Despite the physical hurdles, I am grateful for this journey. My injuries have shaped me into a more empathetic teacher. As a young dancer, I excelled in advanced poses but lacked an understanding of my students' physical limitations.
With age comes wisdom, and I now approach my practice with a deeper awareness.
The journey continues. A restorative practice in Bali with Mark Robberds and Deepika Mehta came with its own challenges, as I contracted Dengue fever—truly a "bone-breaking disease."
Then, the onset of COVID brought new health struggles, including a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia—the “suicide disease” due to its excruciating pain. Faced with more potential surgeries and the realities of degenerative disc disease and the need for two new hips, I also navigated the upheaval of peri-menopause, battling hot flashes, insomnia, and anxiety.
Inspired by Krishnamacharya, who at 96 refused surgery for his ailments and instead relied on his yoga practice, I adapted my routine once again. No longer rising at 4 a.m. for three hours of Ashtanga, I began visiting Costa Rica to heal in nature. The healing properties of waterfalls and hot springs have become integral to my restorative practice.
Today, I listen to my body. I am mindful not to push into poses without active flexibility, using mirrors for self-adjustment—a practice often discouraged in Ashtanga.
I incorporate props when needed and limit my practice to two hours, including time for shavasana and meditation.
Embracing movement, I even explore belly dance, a departure from traditional Ashtanga norms. As my favorite teacher says, “Do simple shit.”
Focusing on arm and core strength, I allow my practice to unfold organically. Progressing through the series has become less about achievement and more about honoring my body.
Ashtanga might be designed to break us down to rebuild stronger; however, I see a need for an updated approach for those starting their practice in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
