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I took my very first yoga class in 1996 in Hoboken, NJ. My gym offered 3 classes a week & because I had always been a dancer, I was interested in trying it to maintain my flexibility. I had also been hearing about yoga in the news for a while – mostly that all the “super models” were doing it. So – needless to say, I started out for all the wrong reasons. However, it was the best misperception that I had ever had.
For that first class the teacher was a very petite, yet surprisingly strong woman. I knew nothing of yoga, but remember being absolutely amazed by her flexibility & grace. And as class finished, I had a realization. Something in me had shifted. I forgot myself & let go. Afterwards I was intrigued & curious about why I felt the way I did. So I went back. Again & again, I was returned to this inner peace & calm after each class. So much so that I thought one day I may become a teacher.
In 2006, my path led me to Swami Kripalu & the Kripalu Center, where I became a certified yoga instructor & followed that calling from so long ago. I decided to go to the Kripalu Center for my teacher training without doing much research. The real reason was because I had often seen Swami’s picture in the CNY Yoga Center & liked his gentle eyes. It wasn’t until I actually got to Kripalu that I realized why I was there for my training. As I learned more about the namesake of the Kripalu Center, my connection to him grew. I felt as though I had found a kindred spirit in Bapuji (dear father) as his disciples affectionately called him. I knew I was meant to study there because when I read Bapuji’s teachings on love, I felt as though Bapuji had written it by looking into my heart.
For over a decade I have studied yoga with many gifted teachers, who have each guided & influenced me in a unique way. I am so honored & appreciative of each of them for sharing their gifts with me. And I am especially humbled & grateful to Lorie Bebber & Lisa Sarick for their limitless love & support. Both have given me such an immense amount of inspiration & knowledge & have been so instrumental in my growth as a teacher & a student. Words could never express my gratitude at being so blessed to have both of them.
I am also thankful to each of my students, past, present & future; who have allowed me to be a part of their practice. My goal is to work with each of you so you may live your own personal yoga & tap into your highest good. It is truly an honor to walk this path with you…Jai Bhagwan
”Truly the wise proclaim that love is the only path, love is the only God & love is the only scripture…Love is my only path. In fact, I am a pilgrim on the path of love.” – Swami Kripalu
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