YOGA

Have you suddenly been slapped with the reality that you can’t take your body for granted anymore? That to keep up with our fast-paced culture and achieve “success,” you’ve left your body behind? At the end of the day, are you completely exhausted, but just can’t relax? When’s the last time you exercised your body regularly?

Yoga teaches you to reconnect with your body. Carefully-crafted sequences of poses and breathwork help you shift from “fight or flight” mode to a deeply calm state. The Iyengar Yoga methodology honors every body—no matter what state of physical fitness or flexibility—and uses props to help you achieve proper, safe alignment.

I’m a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) who’s passionate about helping people embody themselves again. Building on the solid foundation of my own practice, I help you listen to your body, respond with gentleness and compassion, and in the process, change your physiology and mental state.

We can work together in the following ways:

Recorded Yoga Mini-Lessons

Recorded Yoga Classes for Rental

Online Private Yoga Sessions

YOGA INFLUENCES AND INSPIRATIONS

Like many people in the West, I came to yoga to get relief from the stresses of daily life that were wreaking havoc on my body. Thanks to the serendipity of being able to take classes in the Boston area with world-renowned Iyengar Yoga teacher, Patricia Walden, I began to experience the physical and physiological benefits of yoga. Weekly classes turned into several times a week, which led to participating in an intensive two-year Teacher Training Program. In 2014, I earned my Certification as an Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT).

Based on the profound transformations I’ve experienced physically, physiologically, mentally, and spiritually, I’m committed to the study, teaching, dissemination, and promotion of the art, science, and philosophy of yoga according to the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. I study regularly with Senior Iyengar Yoga teachers in the U.S. and with the Iyengars at the Institute in Pune, India.

Rooted in the belief that good teaching emerges from a deep practice, I approach my daily pranayama (breathing) and asana (postures) practice as an exploration at increasingly deeper levels — the challenges of certain poses, their benefits, and variations with props. I’m an avid student of yoga philosophy, studying the ancient Indian texts in my quest to understand yoga in all its fullness.

My long, uninterrupted, dedicated practice of yoga is the foundation of my transformational journey—WAYiN. I’m passionate about helping others do the same, through my yoga teaching.

WHAT IS IYENGAR YOGA?

Iyengar Yoga is more than a physical exercise.

It focuses on aligning the body with the breath, mind, and spirit of each pose. The skillful use of props (blocks, chairs, straps, bolsters, etc.) enables students—regardless of age, flexibility, or strength—to benefit from the physiological effects of the poses. Precise alignment builds strength, stamina, balance, and flexibility, while avoiding injury. It ultimately leads to a deeper sense of well-being.

BKS Iyengar has called yoga “meditation in action.”

What distinguishes Iyengar Yoga is a requisite mindful and intelligent action (rather than mechanical movement) to achieve proper geometry in each pose and then hold it with integrity. Infusing awareness throughout one’s entire body is necessary, thereby illuminating previously dark, unconscious areas. Doing so turns the practice into a “meditation in action.”

From The Iyengar Yoga Association of the Southwest:

Iyengar Yoga instructors must train for years and pass rigorous assessments to be certified to teach. This is unusual at a time when teachers can be certified in a month in some other methods. Our teachers are thoroughly grounded in anatomy, philosophy, and all aspects of yoga asana.
Certified Iyengar Yoga teachers know how to guide students of all ages and abilities. A deep-seated understanding and experience of the yoga asanas (postures) allow instructors to teach appropriately to the group in front of them, whether they’re young, elderly, athletic, or have physical limitations.
Ability to clearly demonstrate the postures. Sharp observation skills. Effective teaching points. These are the marks of a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT). Classes are sequenced to promote health and skill in the body and stability in the mind. This total approach ensures that students progress from posture to posture, class to class, and year to year.

TESTIMONIALS

“Willamarie’s classes are wonderful. One of the best features of her teaching is her talent for great sequences. There is a definite plan and theme to her class, and a logical order to the presentation of each pose. Each pose is embellished by the previous one. I love her teaching. Try one class and you will become one of her regular students.”

Ben Galanter

“Willamarie’s approach is to take incremental steps toward a particular goal. I greatly appreciate and value her gentle and effective teaching style! She is kind, thoughtful and compassionate in everything she says and does. There are a few yoga postures I was not able to fully perform after studying with other teachers that I am now able to do much better with Willamarie’s guidance.”

Emily Van Cleve

Founder/Editor, santafeartsjournal.com

“I love Willamarie’s Iyengar yoga classes because she really knows how to teach with intention. Willamarie takes you gently through a series of poses that both prepare you and inspire you to try harder poses. I always leave class feeling energized and ready to push my practice to the next level!”

Sandra

“I have returned to yoga thanks to an inspirational, fun and motivating teacher I discovered in Willamarie! Her classes build methodically and her attention to detail in my body dynamics really helps me understand exactly what I am supposed to be doing. I am an aging athlete and Willamarie’s instruction assisted me in summiting a 22,600 foot mountain!”

Laurie Pares

“Willamarie is an inspiring teacher who thoughtfully prepares for her students, assisting and encouraging each one as the class progresses. Her extensive training and teaching style invites me to integrate yoga as a way of being in this world.”

Jane S.