I first discovered yoga at the age of 16, and it was love at first class! From the time I could crawl, I was drawn towards the movement of my body. At a young age I began practicing rhythmic gymnastics, dance and ballet. Expressing myself through movement was a gift in my life. Throughout my childhood and into my early teenage years, I continued to train as a rhythmic gymnast. I was a Junior Olympian, ranked first in the state and a seventh in the nation when I decided to leave this path and open myself to other avenues of movement. Yoga came to me during this transition away from my gymnastics career.
I dove head first into the teachings and practices of yoga, both on and off the mat. My first teacher, Diane Gilbert, in Redondo Beach CA, offered me an authentic glimpse into the heart of yoga. She tutored me one on one for the next two years, and in 2002, I began teaching yoga. My lineage stems from the teachings of Krishnamacharya and his son, TKV Desikachar. The roots of my teaching style is based in the practice of Viniyoga, Vinyasa Yoga and Hatha Yoga, and is influenced by my background in meditation, energy work, and dance/ movement arts.
My lifelong journey into yoga has and continues to be deeply transformational in all areas of my life. My yoga studies have led me around the world, immersing myself in the studies of Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Tantra, and Prenatal yoga. My journeys have guided me throughout India, Thailand, Mexico, Bali, and the U.S.
I have been deeply influenced by the ancient sages and teachers including Sri Ramana Maharshi, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, Paramahansa Yogananda, Sri Neem Karoli Baba Maharaji , and more currently the teachings of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), Sri Prem Baba, Adyashanti, and Mooji.
I am drawn to the practice of yoga not only for the benefits of the asana practice, but for the greater way in which yoga influences our every action on and off the mat. Non-violence, compassion, awareness, mindfulness, acceptance, and connection to all Beings are at the heart of yoga, and the heart of my teachings.
As a teacher, I utilize the physical as a means for deeper exploration into the subtle energies at play in our lives. I guide my students towards a state of physical strength, inner harmony, and self transformation. My intention is to allow my students to cultivate a deeper awareness of their physical body, while simultaneously expanding their awareness between mind, body and spirit.
As a certified hypnosis practitioner, wellness and intimacy coach, I utilize my background in yoga, mindfulness practices, neuro-linguistic programing (NLP), voice dialogue, Tantric practices, holistic nutrition, Reiki and various self-transformational practices to work in a unique and personalized way. There is no one size fits all approach to addressing the growth of each individual, and my sessions meet each person where they are in this moment, and support them on the journey to where they want to be.
Yoga is not just a practice I bring solely to the mat, it is the way I live my life. Every action, infused with the intention to live in deeper authentic truth. It is the way I move through the world. It is an offering of my heart to the world around me.
www.magnoliarasak.com