Why I do what I do.

A dancer since before I can remember, I started practicing yoga in my early twenties to change the patterns of stress and contraction in my body. In my teaching, I strive for freedom of expression grounded in smart alignment techniques. Whether I’m teaching a calming sequence or a powerful flow, my focus is always on the joy and playfulness of movement.
I understand that most people living in an urban environment only have so much time in the day with which to exercise, and I aim to ensure a safe, but vigorous practice to balance the mind and body. I believe that Pranayama is an important element of any practice and have seen the effects of breathwork in my own life and in my communication with others. The voice, as a transmitter of energy, is essential to any yoga teacher.
I also feel that yoga teachers owe it to their students to be well-informed on the burgeoning science surrounding yoga: its benefits and its detriments. I aim to live in a state of continuous growth and adaptation so that I can be sure that what I am teaching is in alignment with current medical standards.
While I consider myself a contemporary yoga instructor, I also think that it is important to honor the tradition that yoga was born in. I place great value on the study of the social and esoteric sides of the 8 limbs of yoga and believe that we must challenge the physical body as a means of accessing the peaceful mind: the mind in harmony with the will of the universe.
Having worked as a personal trainer and as a dance teacher for a long time, I relish both the opportunity to teach on a one-on-one basis and also to a room full of students. I find in the former case, that breakthroughs come quickly when facilitated by intelligent adjustments, correct alignment and the application of the principle of abhyasa. In the latter case, the power of community provides a profound avenue for growth, acceptance and self-discovery through movement.
In short, I aim to facilitate the safe discovery of challenging postures and sequences through breathwork, vinyasa, and proper alignment. I discourage “kicking up” into almost any posture. There is nothing more delightful to me than watching a student, for the the first time, float up into an arm balance with control and grace.

Lynn R. Guerra, RYT-200