aboutYT

What is Anusara Yoga... developed by John Friend, Anusara
yoga is a system of Hatha yoga that integrates precise
biomechanical principles of alignment, inner body
awareness, and a celebration of the heart. Anusara is a
Sanskrit word which means "following your heart", "flowing
with Grace". Anusara is saying "Yes" to the full rainbow of
sensation, perception, emotion and thought. To be in the
flow is to look at whatever arises with freshness, freedom
and beginner's mind. It is to simply open our hearts with love
to the present moment without clinging or pushing. Anusara
is accepting the world and ourselves as we are, and then
responding with love.

Just to give you a little background: I hold a BA in Education and I'm a NJ K-8 certified teacher. I am currently
teaching Kindergarten Music and Spanish ½ time at the Bedwell School in Bernardsville, NJ. I received my 200 hour
Yoga Teacher certification through Integrative Yoga Therapy (IYT) in 2003, a 36 hour. Children's Yoga Teacher
certification through OM Shree OM in 2005. I received my Thai Yoga Bodywork basic certification in 2003 through
Thai Yoga Healing Arts, continued my studies and completed the advanced certification training in 2008 with a total of
150 hrs. I have many years teaching experience with children from pre-school through high school both in and out of
the classroom as well as teaching creative dance to children and Middle Eastern dance to adults.

In my teen years back in the late 60's & early 70's, I discovered Hatha yoga through Richard Hillerman's "28 Day Yoga
Exercise Plan" book, I loved it. I found it benefited my dance studies plus so much more. I joined a yoga class while
in college at Arizona State. After graduating, I studied mostly on my own until about 2002. It was then I decided to get
back into a class again. Shortly afterwards I went for my yoga teacher certification. The style of yoga I align with is
Anusara, which I began studying shortly after my IYT training. I am currently working towards my Anusara teacher
certification.

In teaching yoga, it is my goal to impart to my students a sense of enthusiasm, curiosity, and acceptance towards
their practice. I try to share the elements of yoga which have most held my attention, and which have helped me to
feel optimistic about myself, others, and the world at large. My own practice has evolved into a complete commitment
to living with the principles of yoga, following (as best as I can) the eight fold path of yama (ethical behavior towards
others), niyama (observances in one's relationship with self), asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork and
awareness), pratyahara (drawing of senses inward), dharana (concentration and focus), dhyana (meditation), and
samadhi (connection beyond self).

A few years ago I was told (by a very reliable source, thank you Sheryl) "You are the stillness they speak of when
they refer to deep water." What a huge ahhh! moment it was for me and I have not forgotten it. This continues to be
my purpose in this life time: the practice of stillness as a human being and a teacher. I also try to pass on to others
what my many teachers have taught me with love, gratitude and as much creativity, positive encouragement, and joy
as I can.

I offer my humble gratitude to the many, many amazing teachers who have guided my practice over the years; most
notably: Jonas, Westring, John Friend, Chara Calderone, and John Levis.

With gratitude and love,

Namaste'
Stephanie