Collective Yoga

WHAT BROUGHT YOU INTO YOGA, AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTICING AND TEACHING?
I sort of stumbled into yoga around 2006. At the time, I was heavily involved in Muay Thai training. A friend practicing Bikram Yoga gave me a free class pass, and I thought it would complement my martial arts training well.

I loved how challenging the class was and I began exploring as many different styles as I could. When I discovered Kundalini Yoga around 2016, something shifted; it became my maha yoga—the practice that truly resonated with me - and I haven’t looked back since.

I began teaching Kundalini Yoga in June of 2020 and it felt like exactly the right practice for what the world was experiencing at that time.

FAVORITE CLASS, STYLE, OR ASANA TO TEACH?
Kundalini Yoga is by far my favorite style to teach, especially because of its meditations. I love showing people that meditation doesn’t have to mean sitting perfectly still and trying to empty your mind. Kundalini offers countless meditations that are practical and prescriptive. Some are only three minutes long, yet can have a profound effect.

WHAT IS YOUR OVERALL FAVORITE PART OF YOGA?
Yoga reminds me that I’m part of something much greater—that we’re all connected to one creative flow. That with breath, awareness, and presence, I can move through obstacles with greater ease and that I have the ability to consciously create the life I want to live.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR STUDENTS TO WALK AWAY WITH FROM YOUR CLASSES?
I hope my students leave feeling more energized and connected to themselves. I want them to leave with practical tools they can use long after class is over—techniques to navigate their stress and challenges, cultivate greater joy and purpose, and ultimately become a positive influence in the lives of those around them.

ANY LAST THOUGHTS, ADVICE, OR TIPS FOR US?
Give yourself permission to invest a little time each day in your own well-being. It doesn’t have to be hours. Just a few intentional minutes of movement, breath, or meditation practiced consistently can create tremendous dividends in your energy, vitality, and overall quality of life.

5 variations on Eagle Pose, Garudasana. Our bodies and circumstances are changing every day and sometimes that means shifting how we express different poses in our practice by adapting those poses to fit our bodies.

We hope these variations will give you some ideas on how to move into Garudasana in a way that is comfortable for your own practice.

Join us this Sunday for a gentle, mind-body practice. Vivian Takafuji will be here to guide you through the practice of moving your Qi, or life energy, through your body.

Classes are every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.

12:00 - 1:00 PM - Mixed Level Qigong
Ideal for beginners, and also those with limited mobility. This class includes both standing and seated practice.

1:30 - 2:30 PM - Dynamic Qigong
Ideal for those already familiar with Qigong. This class is done standing for the full practice.

Reserve your spot on Mindbody, or sign up at the studio.

Happy 4th!

Collective Yoga is closed today, and we wish everyone a safe and festive celebration. Enjoy the fireworks!

STARTING THIS FRIDAY! And every Friday through the end of August, come together for free community yoga classes, 6-7pm.

This Friday will be a Hatha class with Guided Relaxation, led by Marion.

All levels welcome, no yoga experience necessary. Every class will be beginner friendly and taught by a rotating list of instructors, so you can experience a wide variety of teaching styles.

If you have been wanting to try yoga, or have a friend that is interested, then be sure to join us.

We can’t wait to meet you on the mat!

Yogas chitta vritti nirodha.”
योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः॥२॥

“Yoga is the stilling or controlling of the modifications or fluctuations of the mind.”
Yoga Sutra 1.2

Everything we do through yoga is guiding us towards peaceful stillness, and the ability to connect with our innermost selves. Treating ourselves and each other with respect. Moving our bodies and breathing with intention and awareness. Cultivating the ability to focus fully on one thing, and then nothing, until eventually with practice we are able to sit in stillness and commune with the innermost version of ourselves.

Wishing you all many moments of peace this week. 🙏💙