The Zoga Yoga Teacher Training Graduation

After months of hard work, sweat, tears, laughter, assignments, Tests, intense asana classes and more sweat....these amazing Yoga Teacher Trainers had their graduation. A journey that began at a studio in the Bronx called Bamboomoves, which soon turned into Excel Yoga, which became the location for the the launch first ever ZOGA YOGA 200Hr Teacher Training Experience. This is the first ever Graduating Class for this program, and I am grateful to have been part of this journey with these amazing people! They learned from amazing Instructors like my friend/Yogini Tao Porchon-Lynch, The incredible Yoshio Hama, The L.A. dynamic duo Dice and Bry, Excel Co. Owner Michael Baez, and myself (broken toe and all). They had to take Master Class with Sri Dharma Mittra & various other respected Teachers that I felt they could learn from. With in depth instruction on the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Anatomy, Yoga Asana Sequencing, Asana Adjusting, Yogic Diet, The Gunas, The Koshas, Pranayama, Meditation, The Doshas, Oneness Blessing Training and much more, these trainees were saturated with all things YOGA. Their graduation took place at the beautiful Bhavani Mandir right after the intimate 7pm class that I taught. The Bhavani Mandir is a gorgeous Temple in the Bronx, where the Friday night 7pm Yoga class will soon be taken over by some of these amazing Yogini's in my absence. The 5 new Yoga Instructors, Margie, Nicole, Jessica, Latesha and Stephanie (minus their three amazing fellow Yogis who were unable to attend) sat on the stage and we began with our chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya", and then they sat on their chairs. While graduation was set for 7:30 pm, we started 45 minutes late, so luckily when Michael, the studio owner of where the training was hosted walked in 45 minutes late, he was able to share in the experience. Michael was a pivotal part of their journey. The Bronx studio was once my "home studio" where I am am grateful to say that I was lead instructor for two years & grateful for many learning experiences. I introduced him and invited him to join me & the New Yoga Instructors on stage. Together we distributed certificates, highlighted the unique qualities of each individual, and gave them each Mala Beads and Meditation shawls that I arranged for, specially sent from India for them. There were tears and laughter, it was beautiful. At the end, there was one shawl I had laid out as extra, my intuition told me Michael would possibly show up to come to support these amazing individuals, and so I presented it to Michael with gratitude for my two years at the studio, and the opportunity to launch the ZOGA YOGA Teacher Training program there...we hugged which was followed by a beautiful group hug, and tremendous applause. We said thank you to Bhavani Mandir & Pandit Rohit for providing the amazing space for the graduation. Thank you to the friends and family members who came to support these amazing individuals on the start of a new beautiful chapter in their Yoga journey. Slowly we feasted on Andrew's Pasta Primavera which was delicious (Nicole's hubby), Thank you Andrew. We took pictures, and celebrated the achievements of these remarkable new Yoga Instructors. Each one of them having a special unique gift that they bring to the world of Yoga. I am grateful to have been on this journey with all of them, as they have taught me so much. I accept & I am honored to have been given the nick name "the Pusher", thank you Nicole....and love you all so dearly. It was a pleasure and honor to push you all to your highest potential. Thank you all, and may you continue to be receptive to the Grace of God (as Sri Dharma says), and act as humble vessels that facilitate an amazing experience for others. Maintain respect for your teachers, everyone of them.....every instructor, every child, mother nature, and every student is your teacher.....Please always maintain humility no matter how amazing you think your Asana Practice gets, how famous you get as a Yoga Teacher, without God there is no Yoga, as Samadhi is the ultimate goal of the practice. ~

In the Words of Sri Swami Satchidananda "When you are not aware of the Lord inside, you won't find him outside either. He must be seen inside first. Then you will see Him everywhere!" Om Shanti

Thank you Milta for the lovely pics!!!

Community Yoga Class with Armondo

This year marked the launch of the Zoga Yoga Teacher Training Program. While I had been working on this teacher training since last year, and anticipated launching it in the Fall of 2011, the Universe wanted otherwise. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to launch the first program alongside Michael Baez at the Bamboomoves BX location (Newly Named Excel Yoga), and lead these 8 new Yoga Instructors on their newest chapter of their journey. After months of cleverly crafted Teacher Training that exposed students to Teaching Methodologies, Yoga Philosophy, Anatomy, Subtle Body Awareness, Testing and much more, students are now ready to teach "Community Classes". These classes are open to the community, discounted at $5, and come with incredible value. The first Teacher Trainee to teach was the outstanding Armondo. Armondo is also husband of Denise, and a fellow Fire walker. Ironically, Armondo is the newest to the practice of Yoga out of the 8 Teacher Trainees but you would never guess it if you witnessed his practice. He has come to develop an incredibly strong Yoga Asana Practice that leaves him ready for camera shots in every pose.

The community class had a beautiful turn out of friends and supporters of Armondo. While I was feeling incredibly sick, I wanted to participate in the first Community Class of the group. Armondo played beautiful music and led the class in a wonderful practice. Towards the beginning of class I actually became tearful, I felt the powerful impact that Armondo's instruction was having on the entire class, the vibrational energy that his humility and love had helped create, and it was like an "A-HA" moment, this was part of the reason I wanted to create a Teacher Training Program. He was amazing. His sequence was mindful, his opening meditation was inviting, his attention to new students needs was absolutely beautiful, his pacing and incorporation of modifications was lovely, and as always his demonstration was fantastic! The funny thing was that Sunday had been day three of a horrible reaction to food poisoning for me, so I was weak, and Armondo's class made me feel better. At the end of class during Savasana, Armondo guided us into a beautiful peaceful Savasana. I felt as though a wave of light had swept over my body, it was amazing!

The goal of the 200 Hr Zoga Yoga Teacher Training Program is to Harmonize the Mind, Body and Spirit, to create teachers that inspire this opportunity in whatever yoga class situation that are faced with. Armondo did just that, I was so proud and happy! Community Classes are a beautiful way to support and up and coming Yoga Instructor. Community Classes are on Sundays at 3:30 at Excel Yoga in Pellham Bay, BX. Thank you Armondo for a lovely class.

Dharma Class with My Lovely Teacher Trainees

As I

mentioned before, with my free time on Thursday morning I like to venture to take Sri

Dharma Mittra's Master Class. Despite the fact that my arms were sore, my heart enjoys being in class with Dharma. This week my lovely Teacher Trainees went to take class as well. It is part of the requirements for them to graduate to take Master Class at Dharma's. While many may feel hesitant due to the challenging asana practice, it is so that they can learn from a master teacher, and experience the energy of the room. Many advanced students at Sri Dharma's can inspire people to deepen their practice. Sri Dharma himself is always full of inspiration, energy, wisdom, and a brilliant sense of humor. I had told the ladies that I always place my mat at the back of the room, and oddly enough, when I walked in they had lined their mats up on the exact place where I usually like to practice, Carolann was actually in my spot. My lovely friend Lauren was directly in front of my beautiful Teacher Trainees. It was so awesome to see that. I laid out my mat at the back of the room, like a little mouse, on the hardwood so not to disturb class. Master class on Thursdays always has Psychic Development, but this week, just before psychic development, Dharma encouraged students engage in some fun Acro Yoga or Partner Yoga. While class is always a challenge physically, it is also fun and spiritual at the same time.

The irony of today's Master Class is while I love Sri Dharma, his picture is on my altar, I joyfully wear the Mala given to me by his devotee (Andrew Tanner) that was on Sri Dharma's picture during the entire previous Teacher Training, I have only given humble smiles and whispery thank yous to Sri Dharma. I have never ever had a conversation with Dharma Mittra. Somehow, I manage to tap into the shy Indian girl (that is otherwise normally buried REALLY DEEP), and just give simple shy smiles of gratitude, reverence and awe to Sri Dharma. Normally just bowing my head with hands in Anjali Mudra. But here comes the irony, I was so pleased with these lovely Teacher Trainees for being "receptive" as Dharma says, for actually taking class, learning as he spent a good amount of time personally hands on adjusting them in the massive group of students, that I got my camera and rounded them up for a photo with Dharma. Initially I was about to take the photo (so shy I was not even thinking about being in the picture), but one of the lovely Dharma students saw me, and offered to snap the amazing pictures. Dharma not only posed in the middle of our group, he also decided to do two brilliant headstand variations in the middle (one on his finger tips and the other no hands). It was awesome! This Thursdays Master class was brilliant (as always), and I am so grateful to have shared the experience with these lovely ladies : Amber, Carolann, Latesha and Nicole. We were missing Armondo, Jessica, Margie and Steph, but maybe another time. I wished I could have stayed with the ladies and catch a bite to eat or juice, but I had to rush uptown to teach 4 classes of my own. Thank you Sri Dharma for blessing us with an amazing class, and for taking the time to stand on your head in our photos!!!

Photos: Amber, Latesha, Sri Dharma, Nicole, Carolaan, Ambria

Day Two of Yoga Teacher Training - Like a Virgin

Day two of Yoga Teacher Training began at 7:45 am. Trainees came ready to learn and deepen their practice. With three previous Teacher Trainees who are now Certified Yoga Teachers, the energy was awesome. Maritza came in for morale support of her lovely sister, Denise came in to lead the Bows, and Ricky came in to join and lead the bows. It was really beautiful. Our current 8 candidates learned the concept and act of Bows, which is specific to Bamboomoves Teacher Training. After the 100 bows, we progressed into pranyama, chanting, Level 2 class, more pranayama, break down of sequencing, Level 1 class, lecture on the importance of a healthy diet, abiding by Ahimsa, and watching the Film "Meet Your Meat", finally ZOGALATIES! Their bodies were sore after the bows, so when it came time to our packed class of Zogalaties, it was amazing. We were still in 80's week, so I changed into my Madonna shirt, and instructed the sweat fest! Lots of laughs, sweat, singing a long to the 80's music...but the absolute best part ever was when they were in HAPPY BABY pose, and the song was "Like a Virgin" (of course), and they all sang along!!! The power of good cues as an instructor has never before been as amazing as that moment!!! I wish I had a video camera to capture the volume and soul behind nearly 20 people belting out "Like A Virgin" while in Happy Baby Pose! Amazing!!! Is there any song more appropriate for that pose? Amazing Day for our budding yogis, and our Bronx Yoga Studio. We are looking forward to seeing Tao tomorrow for her workshop!

Day One of Teacher Training at Bamboomoves BX

Day one of Yoga Teacher Training in Pellham Bay, BX. An amazing group of aspiring yogis gathered together tonight to start their journey on deepening their practice. With my lovely student Denise (recent Bamboomoves Warrior Teacher Graduate) at my side, the students all explored the subtle body with a guided chakra meditation journey. They shared their reasons to join the teacher training which went from deepening their practice, deepening the knowledge of yoga, to gain patience, to become healthier, to overcome stress, to help students in schools, to help co-workers, to teach yoga and to learn more. They were introduced to the chant that they will be singing "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevya" (loosely translated as supreme invocation, surrendering to aspire towards the divine light, the Light of Lord Krishna, son of Vasu), this chant is often used to celebrate the energy of the divine. When I was meditating early in the day, this was the chant that came to me for this particular group. This chant chose them. For the purpose of our training, we are celebrating the energy of divine mother. The previous Yoga teacher training group had used "Shiva Shambo" as their chant, and since Parvati was Lord Shiva's first yoga student, we are honoring the divine mother, and celebrating our own mothers. Everyone of the participants has a unique relationship, some strong, some broken, some lost, some grieving so healing this will be part of their yoga journey. For me personally, I shared with them how the loss of my own beloved mother was what brought me back to the yoga mat. She was the first person who introduced me to yoga, my best friend in the world, and my queen. When I lost her, I spent many days literally weeping on my yoga mat, until my mind, body and spirit found healing and found God, which is why to this day my every experience on the yoga mat is an offering and prayer. The guided meditation, the chant and the overall energy of the room brought out many tears in all the trainees, which symbolize the beginning of a powerful experience. Trainees then joined the regular 7:45pm Level 2 yoga class which was a sweaty, lovely class. I am so thankful and happy to be part of this amazing journey with all of you. Margie, Amber, Jessica, Latesha, Nicole, Armondo, Carolann, and Stephanie, welcome to the beginning of an amazing experience~ Om Shanti

The Best Yoga Teacher Training Experience

Bamboomoves Warrior Teacher Training led by the amazing Andrew Tanner, has the most appropriate name. At first when asked to participate on the instructing team for these budding new yoga instructors, I was excited and grateful as many of them take my yoga classes. I was initially confused why we called it Warrior Teacher Training but thought maybe it was just a catchy name. I quickly learned it is MUCH MORE than just a NAME! If you come out of Bamboo Warrior Teacher Training, you are a warrior for love, peace and enlightenment in every way!

While I am familiar with and respect many teacher training experiences in both NYC and India, after participating in this two week intensive I must admit, Bamboomoves has the most spiritual enlightening Warrior Experience, unlike any other. This intensive training has students training from 7 to 5 sometimes 8pm. The students are immersed in Daily (Grueling) Asana Practice, Pranayama Practice, Study the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Yogic Diet, Chakras, Unique Healing Instruction and they begin every day with 103 Bows. They have special guest instructors. experience leaves their mind, body and spirit drenched to the last drop. Many of them towards the end looked like they went through battle with blissful expressions on their faces.

The highlight of the experience...the last three days trainees take a three day retreat to New Hampshire, where they are put through the fire, with mind, body, spirit challenges unlike anything I have ever experienced. Although we stayed at a gorgeous Lake Front Gigantic Home, had daily meals prepared by another Bamboo Warrior (Jeff), and took in Mother Nature at her finest, students had many challenges. In Total 11 people (4 instructors, 7 trainees, and two adorable dogs attended the retreat) Tears were shed, bruises were found, trust was formed, and through it all everyone was purified and made strong!

While I cannot reveal all the challenges, I can say we did morning meditation in neck high cold lake water, climbed a 3,500 foot mountain, and concluded with 1000 extremely challenging bows. Yes, I said 1000 bows, that was not a typo. I cannot be more grateful to have been on this journey with these lovely new yoga instructors! There strength and courage helped me through the last 400 bows in our 1000 bow stretch. Denise, Maritza, Sarah, Ricky, Ewin, Kaowri, Erika you are now Warriors for peace and love, may your strength and courage inspire many on their yoga journey. Thank you all for letting me share in the experience. Andrew, thank you a million times over for inspiring me, guiding me, inviting me to share in this awesome experience, and for the mala (that I will forever cherish) you awarded me as an honorary Bamboo Warrior! I appreciate you more than you know. Jeff, your butternut squash soup ROCKS!!! Thank you Jeff for letting us into your lovely home, cooking such wonderful food and bringing your amazing Dog Misty! Michael, thank you for inviting me to share in this experience, your last 50 bows you led energized me to my soul!

If you or someone you know is in search of a Yoga Teacher Training experience, choose the one that gives you all the basics that you can get everywhere, and the extras only found at Bamboomoves.

Picture: Yoga Teacher Trainees almost at the top of Mt Cardigan in New Hampshire, also Sakoora the lovely Yoga Dog who joined us!