Author & Yoga Therapist
Suffering certainly is a part of human life, however we are NOT meant to stay in it forever. The ancient teachings of Yoga enabled me to overcome a lot of stress and loss, and adversity. This is why I teach and write from this model for living. Over the past 20 years, I have tried to embody ‘True Yoga,’ and my first book (which holds this title) was crafted to help others do the same. After practicing the yoga teachings personally, and sharing them with hundreds of clients, I wholeheartedly believe we can live in joy and peace.
But let’s back up… Years ago my life was anything but joyful. I had a rocky marriage, a colicky baby, an unstable career, and I was battling depression. To make sense of it all, I started studying Spiritual Psychology and began practicing physical yoga and then yoga philosophy. Eventually I developed a practice of Yoga Therapy, combining the best of my Spiritual Psychology training with the centuries old wisdom of the classical yogic teachings. Each day I get to help people, as teacher/coach/cheerleader/spiritual mentor, to find the practices they need to live a life of love, beauty, peace and joy!
To do this, I begin with questions. So I thought I would share some of my own answers to life’s most important questions...
Who are you?
Fundamental to yoga is the discovery of true self. I am a wife, mom, friend, writer, teacher, student, meditator, surfer, and hiker. But I am also love, light, energy, laughter, joy, breath, spirit, stillness and so much more.
What Gives Your Life Meaning?
Purpose matters. For me, it’s practicing love at full capacity, serving in the best ways I can, and continuously striving to evolve.
What do you know for sure?
I know that we are one big human family in this crazy journey of life together. I know that change is not easy for anyone, but that when we are really ready, it can happen in an instant. Most importantly, I know that we find joy when we act only, and always, from Love.
What are you committed to?
My deepest commitment is to spiritual growth, my marriage, and parenting – which to me are all one in the same. They are the journey of awakening, the challenge of compassion, and the path of pure devotion.
Now some questions for you…
Are you committed to your personal growth?
If you are, I will be a great coach, fearlessly honest and gently challenging you to optimal integration and wellbeing. You can expect inspiration to move toward greater levels of authenticity, resilience, and compassion.
What is holding you back?
Together we will build on your strengths and overcome your weaknesses. I will help you release any patterns, habits or beliefs that are keep you from full capacity living. I promise, you can heal the pain of the past, cope with the stress of today, and launch into a new level of loving life!
Do you want to live in fear and anxiety or courage and power?
My approach to coaching is non-conventional and multidimensional, grounded in mind-body and spirituality practices. If personal transformation is your goal, I will provide practical tools, a lot of encouragment, and of course a soft shoulder.
What is your creative gift and purpose?
If you don’t know the answer, let’s discover it together. I will hold the vision and the space for you to see your divine essence. You are here for big things, much love, and a lot of joy!
More about me
Spiritual Practice
Yoga meditation is my spiritual practice. I try never to miss a day. This time focused on silent attunement to God keeps me connected to my highest Self. I call it ‘my appointment with Love.’
Physical Practice
I practice all forms of hatha yoga – Vinyasa, Kundalini, Yin, Restorative and so much more. My favorites are balances! I do them on the cliffs in Hawaii. (It makes my husband very nervous.)
Playtime
When I am not coaching or writing, you will find me on a wave. I grew up in Southern California playing Beach Boys music, but I was in my 40’s before I tried surfing myself. I wish I hadn’t waited so long! ?
Teachers
My spiritual teacher is Paramahansa Yogananda. He wrote the classic Autobiography of a Yogi. If you haven’t read it, you must! It changed my life and instilled in me the understanding and love for meditation. His wisdom guides me daily.
Additionally I have been blessed to study with Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi), Nischala Joy Devi, Joseph LePage, Richard Freeman, Gary Kraftsow, Rama Jyoti Vernon, Richard Miller, Bryan Kest, Baron Baptiste, Beryl Bender Birch, Amy Weintraub, Neil Pearson, Krishna Das, Shakti Gawain, Anodea Judith, Sat Bir Khalsa, Antonio Sausys, Laura Kupperman, Erich Schiffman, Mukunda Stiles, Marc Halpern, Maria Mendola, Durga Leela, and Max Strom.
Credentials & Accomplishments
- Author of Breathing Love: Meditation in Action and True Yoga: Practicing With the Yoga Sutras for Happiness and Spiritual Fulfillment (Llewellyn Worldwide)
- Contributor to LOVE: The Ultimate Answer to the Meaning of Life by Nicolae Tanase
- 20+ years experience in Yoga Therapy, Meditation Studies & Self Development
- C-IAYT (Certified Yoga Therapist) International Association of Yoga Therapists
- RYT 500, E-RYT 200 Yoga Alliance (The yoga therapy components of my teaching are based on my C-IAYT credential not derived from my status with Yoga Alliance Registry.)
- YACEP – Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider
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- Certified Process Therapist (Somatic Therapy/Body Centered Psychotherapy – Shalom Institute)
- B.A. in Journalism (Cum Laude) – Pepperdine University
- Master’s Degree work in Spiritual Psychology – University of Santa Monica
- Yoga Studio Owner for 9 years (Stillness in Motion Studio for Yoga & Wellness, Newburyport, MA)
- Writer for Light of Consciousness Magazine, Awareness Magazine, Huffington Post, Mind Body Green, Yoga Therapy Today Magazine, Yogapedia, Urban Wellness Magazine, Yoga Digest, Common Ground Magazine, Yoga Hawaii Magazine, Elephant Journal, and more
- International Retreat Leader
- International Speaker on Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, Wellness
- Workshop Developer & Facilitator
- Yoga Alliance Workshop Presenter –Incorporating Pranayama & Meditation in General Classes
- Professional Member: International Association of Yoga Therapists, Yoga Alliance, National Association of Professional Women and the Screen Actors Guild
- Trainings: Inner Peace Yoga Therapy and Integrative Yoga Therapy