Lasting Light Yoga

Let me introduce myself. My name is Kelly and I’m a student of yoga. I teach Hatha Yoga and offer Private or group lessons. My classes focus on a fun and relaxing style of yoga that cultivates mental and physical balance and flexibility. Classes are open to students of all ages and physical abilities.

When I took my first yoga class, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew that yoga was supposed to be good for reducing stress and increasing flexibility, but that is all I really knew about it. After finishing my first class, I became really fascinated with yoga and wanted to learn more. I decided to continue taking classes and to find out as much about yoga as I could. I discovered the eight limbs of yoga, the chakra energy centers, meditation and more. Over time, I felt my body becoming stronger and more flexible. Then one of my instructors suggested that I look into becoming a teacher, I had never thought of it before but the idea interested me so I always kept it in the back of mind. Then when the time seemed right I started studying to become a yoga teacher and I’ve been learning ever since.

Yoga has brought a sense of peace and balance to my busy family life and I want to share my secret for happiness with as many people as I can.

I have studied under a variety of instructors and at various institutions over the past decade. I have been influenced by the following lyengar teachers: Bob Glickstein, Mary Frankos, and Debbie Jensen (also an Anusara teacher) (www.columbiayoga.com and www.marylandyoga.com/gby.htm). Kripalu teacher Mandy McMahon. Anusara teacher Karen Angeline (www.riverhillwellness.com). As well as taken classes at the Kripalu Center in Massachusetts ( www.kripalu.org) and participated in several other yoga intensives, specialty yoga classes, and retreats. I have completed a Hatha yoga teacher’s certification class through the Temple of Kriya Yoga (www.yogakriya.org) based in Chicago, IL. I also hold a 200 hour teacher certificate from Yoga Alliance (www.yogaalliance.org) the largest and most recognized yoga organization in this county. I am also a Level II Radiant Child children's yoga instructor (http://www.childrensyoga.com/)

My basic yoga training background includes the following areas of study:

An overview of the entire Yoga system
A strong emphasis on body alignment and breath awareness
Warming up and centering skills before Yoga practice
Understanding how to sequence asanas
Anatomy and physiology for Yoga teachers
Pranayama and breathing practices
Meditation and mantra practices
Prenatal Yoga practice
Stress-management skills
Student teaching experience
Communication skills for teaching
Ayurvedic principles for a healthy diet and lifestyle
Overview of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
Yamas and Niyamas: the yogic lifestyle
Asana practices for less mobile and weaker bodies
Asana practices for less mobile
How to teach all age groups and ability levels
Vinyasas: asanas which flow from posture to posture
Subtle anatomy: nadis and chakras and how they are activated by the asanas

I also am the founder of Yoga for Africa, an organization formed to raise money and awareness for the plight in those in Africa. Donations from Yoga for Africa classes go to the World Vision organization.

I am also a Usui and Karuna Ki Reiki Master (Japanese energy healing) see www.lastinglightreiki.com for more information on my reiki services.

I am also a big proponent of eco-friendly living and am the founder of BuddhiWear Organic Apparel www.BuddhiWear.com where you can find a variety of yoga, environmental, and positive inspired organic cotton apparel for women, babies, and children. I have been featured speaking about the benefits of organic cotton on radio and in print.