MY JOURNEY
“Yoga is the journey of the Self, to the Self, through the Self”
— THE BHAGAVAD GITA
Yoga was my first true love . . .
As a dancer and competitive figure skater for nearly 15 years, I’ve always been fascinated by the mind-body connection. At an early age I discovered movement as a form of artistry and self-expression, yet over time, my love for the sport turned into a pressure-filled quest for perfection.
When I stopped skating I felt a profound sense of loss - not only for the sport, but also within myself. At the age of 16, I spiraled into one of the darkest periods of my life, overwhelmed by debilitating anxiety and facing serious physical, mental and emotional health issues. I felt lost and hopeless, unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel - until I found yoga, or as some would say, until yoga found me.
My first Yoga class at Cleveland Yoga undoubtedly changed my life. I remember laying in Savasana and feeling more than I’d felt in years. I remember being moved to tears by the sheer experience of hope. I remember a softening, an unfreezing, a tenderness that had been missing for far too long. I felt a sense of aliveness and gratitude - grateful to have found a practice that was helping me to remember what I’d forgotten; grateful for an opportunity to start over; grateful to feel inspired to reclaim my power and, my life.
The yoga studio quickly became a home away from home. I started volunteering at the front desk and practicing everyday; inspired by my teachers, connecting with like-minded people, and slowly but surely, healing. To this day, I credit Yoga as the practice that ultimately saved my life.
I completed by first 200-hour training in 2011 with Anusara and Jivamukti teacher, Marni Task in Cleveland, Ohio. I moved to San Francisco in 2014 to pursue a job opportunity and just two years later, I quit my job and began teaching yoga full time. Over the last 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of studying under master teachers, including Jason Crandell, Tias Little, Janet Stone, Judith Lasater, Stephanie Snyder and Annie Carpenter.
I’m passionate about sharing Yoga philosophy in an accessible way and continue to study 1:1 with my Sanskrit and Yoga Sutra teacher, Kate Holcolmb. In addition, I’m currently continuing my education with Tias and Surya Little, focusing on Somatics, Yoga therapy and the art of healing. I currently lead public classes, workshops and trainings in the San Francisco Bay Area and retreats all over the world.
My mission is to share yoga as a life practice; to curate experiences that support students of all ages and backgrounds in cultivating a greater sense of aliveness and embodied presence.
It’s my sincere hope that the practices and teachings of Yoga can pave the way to greater inspiration, insight and intimacy with Self, with others and with the world at large.
May your practice help you to remember.
May your practice support your healing journey.
May your practice be a source of inspiration and insight.
May your practice bring you home to your heart -
Moment by Moment, Breath by Breath.
In Gratitude,
Lauren
