Breath, Body & Soul
Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India over 2,500 years ago. It is a mind-body practice that emphasizes breath integration. Yoga has many meanings including to unite, to tie together the strands of the mind and to attain something that was previously unattainable.
This WEEKLY DROP-IN class is a vinyasa flow yoga class that includes dynamic stretching and cardio incorporated into yoga poses (asana) with an emphasis on linking breath with movement. Students of all levels and beginners are welcome. Poses can be modified to accommodate physical ability, limitations and injuries. Benefits of regular yoga include physical conditioning, weight loss, increased strength and stamina, management of depression and anxiety.
Yoga is simple, yet profound. Yoga poses can be thought of as “a container for our experience”. By practicing yoga, you learn to trust yourself, appreciate your body and stay present in the moment, even when you are feeling challenged. We know that yoga classes can be challenging and even a little intimidating. In this class, you can expect to move, breathe, sweat, smile and enjoy spending time with like-minded individuals in a SAFE, non-judgmental space.
Class requirements: Students are advised to wear comfortable clothing that they can move and stretch in. Students should also bring water and a towel. Yoga mats are available to borrow or students may bring their own.
INSTRUCTOR
Lauren Peterson (she/her, they/them) started practicing yoga in the late 1980’s. Yoga asana, beautifully combined the spacial expression they had developed, from a career as a dancer, with the interest they had in philosophy and mindfulness.
Craving more knowledge, Lauren began to study with Iyengar teacher, Herb Sandoval, and Ana Forrest, the creator of Forrest Yoga. In the early 1990’s, they did their first teacher training with Maty Ezraty and Lisa Walford at Yoga Works, and Maty invited Lauren to join the teaching staff there. During this time Lauren did numerous workshops with senior teachers including, Dona Holleman, Gabriella Giubilaro, Kofi Busia, Aadil Palkhivala, Eddie Modestini, Bryan Kest, Richard Freeman, Shandor Remete, Tim Miller, Rodney Yee, and Patricia Walden.
At Yoga Works, Lauren eventually settled on ashtanga yoga, with Chuck Miller, as their primary practice. Chuck instructed hem through advanced “B”, or fourth series in the ashtanga system. They also studied in Boulder, Colorado with Richard Freeman. Richard showed Lauren the first five poses on the fifth series. In the early 2000’s Lauren first traveled to Mysore, India to study with Patthabi Jois and has studied with his grandson Sharath on several occasions. While at Yoga Works, Lauren also taught at Malibu Fitness, where they teach to this day, and has kept a steady clientele of private clients.
Lauren has been featured in the television series Healing Quest, and in Yoga Journal Magazine, for the yoga program they started at the Monte Nido Eating Disorders Center. Lauren has been seen in numerous yoga magazines and calendars and is honored to be in the definitive book on yoga asana, “Yoga” a Yoga Journal Book, by Linda Sparrowe and David Martinez. Lauren is also the creator of “The
Yogi’s Companion”, a yoga practice CD, which was picked “editor’s choice” by Yoga Journal Magazine. They were featured on The Ellen Degeneres Show, doing scorpion pose with a hat, (you can google it). Lauren also instructs teacher trainings, ashtanga and vinyasa workshops nationwide.
Lauren is registered with the Yoga Alliance at the E-RYT 500 (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) and as a YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Yoga Education Provider).