|
a pennimo approach to teaching…
“When I decided to teach yoga, I drew upon a lifetime of learning through mentors and personal studies. I knew that “private yoga” as opposed to “gym yoga” created an opportunity for me to develop not a style of yoga, but my own unique style in presentation of this 5,000 year-old discipline. In conceptualizing the development of my studio, I imagined I was choosing a gift for a loved one.
I asked myself: What choices do I have? What styles do I prefer? Are the instructions inside the gift clear and precise? What sort of ambient gift-wrap best showcases my presentation? How shall I determine what each recipient is seeking and needs? How do I respectfully offer my gift so that they truly embrace yoga?
|
|
After flowing through these thoughts, Yoga & Beyond by pennimo studio materialized. My class formats are very stream-of-consciousness meaning that within correct sequencing, each class has an “in the moment” flow. It is evident that I embrace an “Integrative” approach to yoga as opposed to a “Purist” approach…both in style and philosophy. Mother Nature, Christianity, Buddhism, and Sanskrit create a singular philosophical presence. Chinese wellness traditions, especially connectivity to meridians, are woven into my teachings. Gentle Hatha Yoga, Iyengar precision with props, dynamic Ashtanga poses, the liquidity of Vinyasa Flow and embracing prana through Kundalini techniques are integrated into my classes. Classes are completely structured around the needs of a specific student on a specific day. Health limitations are addressed with modifications and stress levels are addressed with sequence variations. Each class begins with deep breathing and stretching that moves into asanas. Classes may be mellow or demanding but always end with guided meditation. Guided meditation is a spiritual digestion of our practice and without it we do not fully reap the benefits of yoga. It can be compared to allowing time to digest a wholesome meal and reaping the nutritional benefits.
First we, ground ourselves by properly absorbing oxygen through deep breathing; we grow roots and prepare our trunk with focused stretching; branch out into beautiful asanas or poses; and then, grow to our tallest canopy reaching upward in guided meditation. Each session is its own tree of life…the reforestation of our earth life.
|
|
|
