LisaMarie

The Wellness Center: Yoga & Therapies

My Journey to yoga began over 20 years ago when I was looking for an activity that would improve my flexibility. I jumped into some classes to try it out. What I soon discovered was the poses, or asanas were just a tiny piece of the practice of yoga. I started to notice that my stress levels were being better managed, my respiration or breathing was improving as I was breathing more fully and deeply. My sleep improved and I was developing an overall sense of calm in my day to day routines. The misconception with yoga at times can be that the pose has to be perfect, or you have to master the most challenging/difficult pose in order to be seen as succeeding in your yoga practice. Although these aspirations are nice, they can overshadow the deeper aspects of a yoga practice. Wanting to take my practice deeper I started an Ashtanga yoga practice. I learned to breathe with the movement. I learned to listen to my body. I learned to slow down and be present with my breath, and I got hooked on Ashtanga. Soon after I signed up for YTT training with Ignite Yoga to learn even more about the practice of yoga and all its many benefits that go beyond the physical. After completing the 200 hour certification, I then went on to dive deeper into the Yin practice getting a certification in Yin, and doing a 12 month Yin mentorship with Ignite. I am also certified in meditation, wall yoga, and chair yoga, Yes the physical benefits of yoga are very real, improved strength, more toned, flexible and stronger body, but there is so much more beyond that. Being able to handle stress, reducing tension, being more present and mindful, improved cognitive function, and developing a grateful spirit are just some of the other wonderful benefits of yoga. I am passionate about what I do as a yoga teacher and I love seeing students come to yoga to find tranquility, reduce tension and stress, being more present, while getting stronger not just in the body but also in the mind and spirit