(Canandaigua) Grounded By Yoga

NYI 1000, RCYT, RPYT,E-RYT, RYS
International Association of Yoga Therapists
Interdisciplinary Yoga
Restorative Yoga Certified
Principal Based Partner Yoga Certified
Director of: RYT200, RYT500, PreNatal, Kids and Restorative Yoga Teacher Training, Yin Yoga 

Yoga is far beyond the physical postures on the magazine cover.Sandy's classes are designed to take you to a higher consciousness, intertwining the other limbs of Yoga.

The discovery of Transcendental Meditation at 11 allowed Sandy to reinforce the ability to 'just be' and lead a peaceful, compassionate life.Hitch hiking to Omega Holistic Institute became her summer weekends and retreating at the Feathered Piped Ranch pulled Sandy into close and intimate teachings of Sri T. Krishnamacharya, RamDass, BKS Iyengar, Jack Kornfield, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Tara Brach, and Garmukh Kaur Khalsa. In the late 80's and 90's Sandy continued with extensive studying with Sri Dharma Mittra and Brahman Stapleton.So much soul and health in it all. After all, they all lead to the same place.

My young and old life is mainly the practice and path of Raja and Jnana Yoga.

I hold respect for all lineages - they all have something wonderful to offer.There is a large amount of beauty and wisdom in expanding into so many lineages. It's a 5000 year old toolbox! I enjoy providing yoga to all students of abilities. 

I am grateful to teach what I live, and possess a deep care for my students and offering light on their path. Arrive and land on your mat as an open vessel - give yourself permission to receive.

I enjoy offering a class that comes from my heart. At times there will some challenge,some stillness, some gentleness,some inner soul, some wisdomt. I enjoy sharing yogic philosophy and how it relates to to our journey in life.

Teaching Yoga is not about me; it is about my students! My students all have different needs. Each of them is unique and that is just the way it should be! And....each of my students is MY teacher.

My Gentle Classes are very gentle physically, I instruct according to who attends. Its important to let me know any concerns (ie: Can't be on knees, recent surgeries, chronic aches etc). Slowing down is key to deepening and exploring our inner self, shedding unwanted layers of life and centering through stillness.

 My Level 1-2 Classes offer many variations and lots of exploring. The choice to be challenged or remain where you are comfortable. Extended holds for strength and flexibility advancement.

 My Level 2-3 Classes are rather physically challenging but in a fun way!

 Advanced Yoga is offered by inquiry or invitation. This session meets twice per week with a focus on Dharana and Dhyana with use of the spinal breath, Bandhas, Pranayama. Each session is 75 minutes anchored with Satsang. (once per week in summer months)

As with any class I teach, modifications are always offered.

May you live a peaceful and compassionate life,

~ Sandy

A Yoga Alliance teacher will be subbing for our regular teacher. Normally its one of our other teachers here! 

Open Sky 200 RYT

Judith Hanson Lasater Restorative Yoga 32 hours Level 1

MY STORY

Yoga came into my life in 2008 at the age of 58. The practice of Yoga, not only of asana but the deep spiritual teachings and wisdom handed down for centuries, has carried me through some difficult times and given me inspiration, a newfound courage and a sense of completeness in my life.

It is a profound responsibility and honor to teach yoga. My classes will focus on proper alignment and the breath. Finding that “effortless effort” BKS Iyengar spoke about in asana. Learning to be still and listen closely. Embracing ever present change. I will incorporate some chair and deep restorative postures to offer a rich and varied experience.

“We take this practice for the benefit of all beings”

Veterans Yoga Project Graduate

My name is Romy and I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Most of my childhood was spent participating in competitive gymnastics, Irish dance, and various other sports. This athleticism led me to join the Marine Corps in 2004, and I served for 8 years. After sustaining a serious spinal injury as a Drill Instructor at Parris Island, my career on active duty came to an end in 2013. I spent many years after my discharge trying to find mental and physical relief for my injuries. I tried all kinds of gentle physical exercise, but none of it was really helping with my emotional struggles from the past. Eventually, a veteran friend of mine invited me to a yoga class led by fellow military veterans. It was just what I needed and more! During the 2020 pandemic, I seized an opportunity to become a yoga teacher. The training experience was life changing and gave me a sense of purpose with my life. Yoga is a way of life for me now, and it has allowed me to navigate the human experience with a little more peace. 

I currently live in Canandaigua, New York with my two children and two dogs. My husband is an active duty Marine and is deployed overseas until 2023. 

RYT 200 Grounded by Yoga Interdisciplinary Yoga / Trauma Informed

Wendy
200 RYT KRIPALU
YIN YOGA Certified

After living in New York City for two and a half decades, I moved to the Finger Lakes region in 2005 where I could be near my mother. In New York, I earned an M. Div from Union Theological Seminary and worked with the chronically

homeless, who were often mentally ill and addicted. I was first introduced to Yoga in 1998 during a period of intense personal transition and the practice has become a central aspect of my life ever since. After a couple of years of regular classes I began to take notice the power of the breath in my life off the mat - especially when confronted with the crisis situations so common in my work. The ability to breathe, observe without judgment, and resist reacting impulsively served me well in volatile environments.

When I relocated upstate I had the opportunity to surrender to my love of Yoga and earned my 200 hour Kripalu certification. With my Kripalu certification and trainings with Sarah Powers in Yin Yoga, my offerings reach deeply into the body, mind and heart.

Om Shanti ~ Wendy

wendy.stoddard@att.net

200RYT Interdisciplinery Yoga

Certified through Grounded by Yoga

*Trauma Informed

Why I love yoga, how I started........

I love yoga for all the freedom it offers every individual.  Anyone can practice yoga anytime.  Reading the ancient texts and learning from the greats has been humbling and a privilege.  Especially, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.   The sutras opened my mind to the fact that we have all the answers to achieve bliss in our lifetime.  I started “going to yoga”, off and on for about 15 years.  I was so discouraged from never feeling like I fit in at a class, so I started using an app.  It wasn’t long before I knew I needed more and a real human to show me the way.  I came to Grounded by Yoga, very nervous for an informational meeting about teacher training.  Sandy accepted me into the program and I was changed for life, in all the right ways.  The love of yoga is truly a union of all beings, just as we are, perfect in every way.