Private Yoga Session – Required Reading

Namaste,

The more I practice the more I have come to understand the importance of intentionality (sankalpa), impact, and discipline (tapas). These are 3 key factors within Yogic philosophy and therefore I intend on holding myself accountable to these practices. I have decided to make this reading necessary in the process of creating our private yoga sessions. Reason being, I have observed and experienced the cultural appropriations of this precious spiritual practice and I see it as my moral duty to limit as much harm as I possibly can. With that said, here is how I normally teach, guide, and support my students/clients/practitioners. I ask that you read this in it’s entirety and take some time to think about the things you are most interested in working through.

My intention is to create unity within the mind, body, and spirit. My hope is we are able to collectively heal through individual self reflection (svadhyaya). Although asana (physical practice) will be a portion of our work together, please do not mistaken Yoga as simply a physical practice. Strength and flexibility may be the external result of our time together but I will mainly focus on how I can help support your emotional and mental health.

Therefore, our sessions together is centered around the 8 limbs of Yoga:

• Yamas — “moral discipline”
• Niyamas — “moral observance”
• Asana — “body posture” – vinyasa, restorative, yin yoga, ashtanga, etc
• Pranayama — “breath control”
• Pratyahara — “withdrawal of the senses”
• Dharana — “concentration”
• Dhyana — “meditation”
• Samadhi — “bliss”

If the time is right, we will also learn to chant together, otherwise known as Bhakti Yoga.

Again, my intention is to serve You and honour the traditions of Yoga, so I will weave in the practices in a way I believe will support you and through listening to your experiences and feelings we will build a variety of tools that will help you find bliss in your day to day life.

With this said, what I ask from you is your desire to do the work. Trust in yourself and trust in your journey. I know from first hand diving deep into our shadows can seem scary, vulnerable, and uncomfortable. I am here to hold a safe space for you to begin to unpack whatever it is you need to in order to befriend the Light that is already there. If I believe it is necessary, I might suggest having a separate support system of our time together such as a close friend, therapist, or pet even. This might further help you in working through the conditioned mind.

Finding the teacher that supports and empowers you in the way that is unique to your experience is truly magical. Please take your time in deciding if you feel this connection is right for you.

Much love and gratitude. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti