Centering Practices

Centering practices offer a subtle and nuanced approach, suitable for students with a foundational yoga practice. In asana, we will explore whole body versus localized movement for balanced strength and resilience.

In yoga we aspire to soften and release the intensity of our identification with the outer body. Each practice is an inner pilgrimage in which we allow all aspects of ourselves (tissues, nerves, marrow, organs, attention . . . .) to be soaked in the deep tides of the asanas, breath, and vibratory pulses of the subtle body. Tias Little refers to this experience as “the alchemy of silence”, when “in the midst of our overburdened lives we connect to that still, quiet place inside.” 

Essence & Metamorphosis ~ Spring, 2025

Witnessing nature come alive in spring, reconnects me to nature’s underlying web of connection or wholeness, reawakens joy, and offers inspiration to approach my yoga practice and life from different perspectives. May this season be an invitation to open to the creative impulse that is always at play.

Trees can serve as teachers and as a helpful metaphor for our bodies. The force of gravity through the heels like roots of a tree, empower growth through the crown. Our legs can serve as strong trunks and fluid tributaries for the blood flow, like sap, to feed the seed of the core. Skin serves as bark. And the breath, from the crown to the soles of the feet, expands and contracts into the leaves, flowers and fruit of the tree. 

“As soon as a beech notices its crown is getting out of alignment, it grows specialized reinforcing wood to shore up one side of the trunk so it doesn’t bend any farther on that side. At the same time, it grows a different kind of wood on the opposite side that acts like the guylines on a tent to stop the trunk from leaning over any farther . . . The root tips feel, taste, test, and decide where and how far the roots will travel. If there is a stone in the way, the sensitive tips notice and choose a different route. ”  ~  Peter Wohlleben, The Heartbeat of Trees: Embracing Our Ancient Bond With Forests & Nature

In May, join me in regenerating strength and flow in the lower body, tuning into sensation to grow tone and elasticity in your legs and hips. 

Your feet, calves, hips, and glutes, as well as the quadriceps and the hamstrings, play a role in supporting your lower body.  We’ll use the metaphor of trees to explore standing asanas, as well as postures to strengthen and open the hips, ultimately reconnecting us to the resilient power of the essence of nature.

Time will be given for deep rest in the relaxation/assimilation (Savasana) portion of class. We’ll focus on releasing tension held in the sensory organs, using the “art of listening” practices from the teachings of Jean Klein.

The online ‘live’ practices will include recordings that you can use at home OR attend by recording only.

Love and justice are not two. Without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters.

~ Rev. angel Kyodo williams

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Payment Options

Sliding Scale Payment Options

Sliding scale is a tool that allows my services to be obtained at multiple price points based on the circumstances of my students and clients. The sliding scale addresses economic justice and represents the idea that financial resources, including income, are not and should not be the only determining factor in whether or not someone can access services/care/etc. I’ve made a commitment to offering a sliding scale model as a way to contribute to a more equitable world.

For a sliding scale model to work, it relies on truthfulness, respect for complexity, and accountability. I trust you to be honest in your assessment of your financial reality. I do not receive any outside funding to supplement sliding scale discounts. This model is an attempt to balance the fair value of my time and energy and the multiple realities of economic access and privilege that exist within our community. I’m open to ongoing communication about our economic experiences and this model.

Please choose a level that is best for you now.

A portion of class proceeds will be contributed to organizations that are centering marginalized voices, at the intersection of spirituality and justice, and committed to creating a beloved community of mutual care.

Contributions in 2022 include:

• Lake City Partners, Seattle WA mission is to end homelessness by providing shelter, respite care, work opportunities and other services, so that people have increased opportunities for stabilization, recovery, and permanent housing.
• Young Women Empowered (Y-WE), Seattle WA cultivates the power of diverse young women to be creative leaders and courageous change makers through transformative programs within a collaborative community of belonging.
• Cerddorion Vocal Ensemble, NYC, is on of New York City’s most highly regarded volunteer choral ensembles. It is known for its eclectic repertoire, interpretive depth, and technical expertise in many styles. In 2023 the ensemble will collaborate with The Unsung Collective. Since 2011, the ensemble annually offers world premiers from its Emerging Composers Competition.
• Social Justice Fund (SJF), Seattle WA, is a foundation working at the frontlines of social change. SJF funds organizations led by people who are most directly affected by the problems that the organization or project is addressing. SJF uses Giving Projects, a unique participatory model which provides significant financial resources to organizations that work toward long-term progressive social change.

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