My passion is to share my love of yoga and its benefits with others as I have seen my life philosophy grow and change through the practice. Yoga, a practice based in large part on self-awareness, self-love, and freedom from material trappings, it is not just physical movement, or even the mental acuity needed to accomplish fitness goals. Yoga is as much about spirituality as it is about shaping your mind and body.
The classes that I teach emphasize safe alignment while maintaining breath and balance; and are designed for all ages and body shapes. The pace is determined by the class focus, the theme and the class makeup. Those that I teach enjoy the pace and that I share the facets of yoga: relationship between the body/mind/breath, yogic philosophy, and how to practice safely yet build strength and balance in their practice. I too am a student; a life-long student of yoga. I work to design a class in which there is not just one way to do a posture, but several so that all feel welcome.
When not teaching I am spending time with my loving husband Sid, our two daughters and five grandchildren. I love to garden, read, and ride on the back of my husband’s motorcycle across the U. S., taking my travel yoga mat with me. I am a lifelong learner and so my personal journey continues through workshops, retreats and other professional development.
2020, I reached a personal milestone of 1900 hours of teaching. On my way to 2000 hours!
My continuing knowledge is gathered from: Jenny Rawlings, Andrea Russell (Alignment Yoga-Ayurveda), Jillian Pransky & Judith/Lizzie Lasater (Restorative Yoga), Sherry Zak Morris (Chair Yoga) , Sarah Powers & Paul Grilley, Bernie Clark (Yin Yoga), Jivana Heyman (Accessible Yoga)
Certification:
200 RYT - E-RYT® 200, YACEP® (additional 380 hours of Prof. Dev.)
2029 teaching hours (2017-present) (additional hours prior to joining YA)
30 hour Yin Yoga certification
38 hour Accessible Yoga certification
Lead teacher for Yoga Newbies (101) Six week session
TEACHING SCHEDULE
THE YOGA SPACE
Mount Horeb, WI
MINDFULNESS MOVEMENT
Monday: 9:00 am
In a Mindfulness Yoga Practice the yoga practitioner will be encouraged to focus on body & mind awareness linking movement & breath. Each person is encouraged to embrace one’s own body & explore new sensations. We practice together to bring in our body’s range of motion incorporating: twists, forward folds, backbends, lateral extensions and hip openers. A variety of pranayama breathing techniques will help to improve one’s mental and physical well being. Helpful props are utilized: folded blankets, yoga blocks, bolsters, and straps. Each class begins and ends with a quiet meditative reflection. All beings are welcome. A variety of props can be brought in such as: blocks, straps, blocks and bolsters.
YOGA FOR EveryBODY
Monday: 10:30 am
Wednesday: 10:30 am
Chair yoga is designed for older adults, those with balance issues, those who may have a physical disability; or those that are new to yoga or would appreciate a gentler practice. This gentler form of yoga is practiced sitting on a chair or using a chair for support during standing poses. Chair yoga makes poses more accessible and inclusive to all. It is a wonderful way to increase flexibility, strength and circulation, improving range of motion & mobility, while relieving stress. Benefits of Chair Yoga include increased mobility, improved balance, an increase in strength and a wonderful sense of well being. During the practice one will experience breathing exercises, strengthening and stretching movements, pranayama breathing,relaxation and meditation. A variety of props can be brought in such as: bands, straps and blocks.
STRENGTH & BALANCE
Monday: 4:30 pm
C&B yoga aids us in our balance, our movement and coordination. This class strengthens the core; which begins at the base of the neck and goes to the tip of your tailbone; front and backside of the body; along with the sideline. We will focus our attention on certain poses which target your proprioception (ability to know where your body is in space). Core & Balance is a foundation-building class; designed to enhance our balance and motor skills as we live life’s journey. (60 minute class)
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WISHING TREE STUDIO
Oregon, WI
**MINDFULNESS
Tuesday @ 10:00 am
Gentle Flow provides the opportunity to explore, to find yourself and the connection between body and mind. This class is an asana-based class that is designed for those that are looking for a gentler practice. Each class begins with a quiet reflective rest so that the mind may let go, taking a pause to appreciate the present moment on the mat. Movements are slower paced highlighting alignment, strength, balance, and flexibility. Props are incorporated throughout the practice such as: blankets, blocks, straps and bolsters. Gentle Flow is for all peoples. (75 minute class)
**YOGA FOR EveryBODY
Thursday@ 10:00 am
In Accessible Yoga all people and all bodies are recognized. All people; regardless of their abilities or background are valued. No two bodies are the same. Variations and the use of props aid the student in order to fit the posture/asana to them and not them to the posture; giving yourself permission to customize your yoga practice. As the teacher I will offer as many options as possible to accommodate where you are at any given time; teaching so that you learn how to tune into your body. The class will incorporate strength building, breathing techniques to help calm the body, proprioception; where we are in space, flexibility, and mobility. Props: chair, bolster, blocks, blankets, straps, and the wall.
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PRIVATE SESSIONS:
I also work one on one or small group sessions. In a private session I work one on one with you; creating a more personal connection, focusing on what you may need to support your physical and emotional well being. We will work together to create practices which focus on your interests, concerns or goals. As our bodies change so to will our sessions together. I work to meet each client where they are at that particular time. In a small group session the focus will be similar to a private session; the client(s) will share their interests, concerns or goals, and together we will create a journey which centers on those.
Love to hear from you. Thanks: Debra
