Photography by ©Barry Staver,
www.barrystaver.com

Julie Tinker

Yoga has become the backbone of how I want to live my life.  Through the art of yoga one learns awareness of all the layers of one's being, and by studying yoga's eight limbs, one learns self-acceptance, how to create peace within, and the guidelines by which to share this world with all beings.  Who needs a corporate Code of Ethics when you have the Yamas and the Niyamas? 

I now realize how much power each of us possesses to change our lives for the better.  I'm excited to share my love of yoga with those who come to Rishi's Crossing to learn and practice yoga, thereby learning about themselves.

Terry Lalley
My mission in life is to be of service to others. My sense of Self grows when I shift my focus from myself to assisting others along their journey. Sharing of the Divine Spirit and my spirit helps me know why I am here. Yes, I have a passion for yoga. The more I learn and grow in all the limbs of yoga, the more I have available to share with other beings that are on the same path in life.

Anne Cohen
The greatest gift yoga has given me is awareness. I began taking classes in 1978 and teaching in 1992. Since then I’ve been inspired to loosen up, explore my own yoga, be more playful, and find a new feeling of the inner body unfolding the outer. Yoga is a tool that can help transform the mind so one can live life with less drama of the personality and reach one’s highest potential. My vision as a yoga teacher is to guide and facilitate students’ growth and exploration of yoga in a safe, relaxing yet energetic space.

I encourage students to experience an inner sense of what feels correct for them. I hope my students will ignite and trust their own inner teacher so they are not dependent on me. I love teaching yoga. I receive more than I give – it ripples through my life. I think it’s yogic just to be kind. The work we do, the conversations with others, looking into people’s eyes, saying thank-you, being generous, polite, caring and loving without anything in return – truly make a difference. It’s all yoga.

Tony Pena
I don't know exactly how long I've been practicing yoga; I only know that it's been over 14 years. I came to yoga through the door marked "stretching" but have since grown to appreciate the countless benefits that a consistent practice has to offer.  My yoga education has been largely self-taught through an occasional class, many books, and videos.  

I find myself drawn to yoga as taught in the tradition of Krishnamacharya.  Over the years, the only workshops I've attended have been with people that have studied directly with Krishnamacharya, e.g.. A.G. Mohan, Srivatsa Ramaswami, and Mark Whitwell.   In a group setting I teach a vinyasa class, which means a variety of postures flowing one into the other via the breath, while maintaining steadiness in the pose, comfort in the pose, and smooth and long breathing.  However, in my massage practice, I often individualize a yoga practice that will augment the bodywork the client is receiving.

Susan Schmidt
I began my yoga journey almost 30 years ago with an immediate love for the practice and the benefits it brought into my life. After 3 years of a dedicated practice, I began teaching daily yoga and meditation classes at summer church retreats. This experience increased my awareness of how a yoga practice can offer the student a path of greater balance, peace, and inner stillness.

After 30 years of practicing and teaching yoga, I see we are always a beginner standing naked before the Great Teacher within ourselves ready to be taught once again that which is ours for that day and that moment. If I can offer to a student a moment of peace, a word of wisdom or a new understanding of our true nature, then I have given something back to what has so richly served me---the yoga journey, a path to inner freedom.

Luci Berardi
For me, yoga is about the inner changes and awareness. My practice is a time to put everything else on hold and connect to my inner being. The heightened awareness I experience through my practice is what continues to draw me to my mat. "Yoga will profoundly affect your life in a positive manner if you are true to yourself, if you accept your limitations and embrace your inner teacher." My passion is to share the positive effects yoga has had upon my life in hopes of continuing this positive effect among others.