In 2016, I began practicing the beautiful system of Anusara yoga – Yoga of the Heart, and in 2017 completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training program from the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga. I studied and continue to practice at Happy U/Riffs OB in Ocean Beach with Robin Christ.
“Anusara yoga means “flowing with Grace” and as such promotes deep personal growth and transformative experiences on all levels. The power of Anusara yoga, as a method, comes from it’s comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to the physical, mental, spiritual and mystical aspects of yoga. Through community, movement, meditation, breath-work and Tantric philosophy, Anusara yoga aligns your mind, body and heart, thus giving you the opportunity to connect to your deeper self.” (https://www.anusarayoga.com/)
From the first class, I fell in love with Anusara yoga in November of 2016. I completed an introductory month, and then quickly signed up for a monthly membership so that I could consistently attend class. Not only did I find a path to regular physical exercise, Anusara yoga has roots in the spiritual aspects of yoga which I was immediately drawn too. I could feel the alignment of my physical body, as well as my subtle or energetic body after every class, and I was hooked.
Soon after, in December of 2016 I lost a dear client, and went through some other personal hardships that I would call a “dark night of the soul”. During this time, my Anusara yoga classes became my saving grace, and kept me moving forward, with my heart courageously open. There was a level of support from my teacher and my community that kept me connected to a sense of purpose during that tough time. To immerse myself fully, I signed up for the Anusara Immersion, as well as Anusara Elements Yoga Teacher Training.
During our Immersion, we studied the book “Tantra Illuminated” by Christopher “Hareesh” Wallis, and had the opportunity to learn from the author directly at our yoga studio for a weekend workshop. This text had a deep impact on my view of reality, and knowing my essence nature as a spiritual being, which brought me back to a place of happiness and wholeness.
Anusara yoga incorporates a system of postural alignment principals, which are the foundation to a healthy, strong, and flexible musculoskeletal system, as well as connect you to your true essence nature or divine blueprint. This connection to the central channel, the core of your being, and your spiritual heart create a foundation for experiencing the bliss of living in the present moment with conscious awareness.
I will be incorporating the postural alignment education as yoga therapy to support my acupuncture treatment plans, as this system is very powerful for creating peace and harmony in the body-mind, heart, and soul.