- E-RYT 200 hrs. Certification Yoga Alliance
- RYT-500 hrs. Certification in Therapeutically Informed Yoga: Niroga Advance Study;
- 500 hrs. RYT Yoga Alliance
- 800 hrs. Yoga Therapist Graduate, Niroga Institute
- IAYT International Association of Yoga Therapists
Assisted Yoga for Cancer Surviors and Patients, Stanford Health;
Yoga for MS; Yoga for Mid-Life Transitions; Yoga for Back Health among areas of focus in Yoga Therapeutics.
- Relax & Renew Advance Trainer – certified by Judith H. Lasater, PhD, PT, YT
- Mindfulness Trainer Certification – Mindful Schools, CA
- More listed on “CLASSES” tab:)
Kay T. Ananda:
Been doing yoga off and on since Cal Berkeley days – my first official “class” must have been the generic Hatha Yoga class at the YMCA off University Avenue. For the last 20+ years, been rather hooked on yoga and have tried all kinds of classes and styles and instructors in order to distill the essense of a personalized yoga practice. I never thought about teaching yoga or becoming a yoga instructor or therapist as my “real” career (can you believe it, once upon a time, climbing those corporate ladders to that elusive but at last – was it worth it? – vice president of a major financial institution but stuck under the glass ceiling tho eh), THAT was taking center stage and took ALL of me.
Then… now …I am more surprised than anybody else and happy to report – I love sharing the practice that’s brought me so much joy and helped me overcome some serious and major life’s curveballs.
It’s all about different yoga at different life stages and conditions, beyond the brand names. You grow and develop your own practice that meets the challenges of that very day. No hang ups and self-beating and judgement over what your body temple cannot do, no comparisons. Alignment? Yes, it’s important. Posture, yes, it’s important … Learn your own anatomy and kineseology – develop your keen sense of proprioception to that place of freedom – calibrate ease and strength. Range of Motion? Your body is sending you a message – take it at your own pace, ROM will improve. Maybe. Do what’s better for your heart and soul. There’s no improvement and progress unless there’s acceptance and humility.
While I engage in Vinyasa flow dance-like style yoga for fitness in the mornings reflective of Vinyasa Krama (“intelligent sequencing” in vinyasa flow)since those earlier days, my practice has shifted and evolved. My needs have changed and so has my practice. This kind of flow is what I expect from my students. Yoga is NOT dogmatic! The practice is spacious and accepting. It’s alertness but with so much EASE and grace.
Love the sweaty fitness aspects (Yang/solar style), the HEAT that upps the happiness quotient releasing endorphin – like all great exercise program, AND the meditative juicy stretchy Hahhhh- pleasure in releasing tension kind of CHILL practice (Yin/lunar style) BOTH. In the seeming dichotomy, there’s that wholeness … oneness when you embrace both and all. We learn to calibrate the efforts, challenges, the struggles with ease – a Balanced yoga practice brings about alertness…AND You are clear-headed while relaxed. To not be agitated or anxious in any way and feeling the power and confidence within to meet the challenges of everyday life. We can radiate that life force – prana – “energy” – Chi – the vitality – that Light:)
through the distillation and restoration of all that was once scattered, dispersed and wasted. It’s a gift – our prana – we all have it.
Just …” working-in”, ever more inward, easing into homeostatic state of being. Finding the child-like … joy …of having no purpose or agenda but living that moment. Blissful. Ahhhh… Nanda Ananda to all…
Summer 2015 at UBC Botanical Garden in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
See if you can balance an apple on your front thigh there:)
Then, hold for motto motto !
Breathe … count … your exhale … your inhale … anchor yourself to the moment …
K. Tsu-Yama