Greetings,
A bit about me. From around the age of 12 I felt interested and drawn to Eastern philosophies and practices. At some point in my early 40’s I realized and accepted that I had reached serious low points in my emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health and well-being and it was time for a change. I decided to follow my instincts and seek out a Yoga class believing that some positive answers might reside there to improve my life and lifestyle. I found an Integral Yoga class in Richmond, VA. where I was living at the time. Although my physical limitations at the time (275 lbs) made it challenging to even sit cross legged on the floor, I made it through the first class to Yoga Nidra (guided deep relaxation) and Pranayama (Yogic breathing) and I was hooked.
After the class I acquired some literature from the teacher about Integral Yoga and its founder, Sri Swami Satchidananda. His teachings, message and example of health and wellness through the practice of Hatha Yoga, vegetarian diet, non-violence and selfless service (Karma Yoga) resonated directly in my heart. I became a fixture in my weekly Yoga class and soon after that a regular at his ashram in Yogaville in Buckingham, VA. where I was able to learn directly from him about his suggestions and recommendations for an easeful, peaceful and useful life. I began applying his advice and slowly realized many positive changes in all those aspects of my life that had been so lacking. I was inspired and encouraged by my teacher from Richmond to take the residential, Month-long Integral Yoga Teacher Training in Yogaville. I graduated in 1998 during which my transformation physically as well as emotionally, mentally and spiritually accelerated. I experienced a natural weight loss of 30lbs. during the Teacher Training. Shortly after the training I relocated permanently to the ashram to deepen my practices and be with Swami Satchidananda as much as possible to directly experience his example of the teachings and continue learning and practicing with the support of the entire Yogaville community. I eventually lost 100lbs., discovered my love of Karma Yoga (Selfless Service) which for me was realized as an Integral Yoga teacher sharing these wonderful teachings that have been and continue to be the catalyst for my ongoing transformation and eventually leading to my Vows of Service as an Integral Yoga Minister in 2006.
During my nearly 10 years of living and serving at the Ashram I received all my subsequent Teacher Training certifications there. In 2003 I became the Founder, Director and Principal Instructor of the Integral Yoga Center of Lynchburg and I have been teaching Yoga classes and leading workshops throughout Central Virginia and Lynchburg for 24 years.
My personal Yoga practice and what I share in my classes has evolved over many years of practice, study and teaching ALL paths of Yoga. Including Hatha Yoga, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga.
