Six months ago, I stepped into something new: teaching a led class at BTY. I called it Ashtanga Inspired Yoga because I wanted to move away from the word Intro. To me, “intro” suggested that the class was only for beginners, or that it would stop serving students once they learned the basics. My hope was to create a space that honors the traditional Ashtanga sequences while leaving room for creativity — and, most importantly, a space where every student feels safe, welcome, and respected in their practice.

At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel teaching a full hour-long led class after so many years of teaching Mysore-style. Mysore has always felt like home — the quiet room, the one-to-one attention, the steady rhythm of students practicing at their own pace. But something unexpected happened. Over these past six months, a core group of students has returned week after week. I’ve found myself inspired by their dedication, their curiosity, and their questions — constant reminders that yoga isn’t about hierarchy, but about shared exploration.

Their energy has spilled into my own practice. I’ve been exploring new ways of inhabiting familiar poses and playing with how the sequence can open up when approached with curiosity. Teaching this class has reminded me that yoga is both tradition and living practice — something that grows with us.

And now, the class itself is about to grow too. Beginning in October, Ashtanga Inspired Yoga will shift and simplify to become Ashtanga Yoga. It will continue in person at BTY and will also be available online via Zoom.

This is a class for all levels — whether you’re brand new to yoga, returning after time away, or looking to deepen an existing practice. You are always encouraged to move at your own pace and make the practice your own. You’ll leave feeling stronger, steadier, and more connected — not just to the sequence, but to yourself.

This change begins on October 9th. As always, I love to see the new faces, as well as the familiar ones! Join us as we take this next step. You can roll out your mat with us in the studio or from the comfort of your own home.

For my Mysore students, for my Ashtanga Yoga students (both near and far), and for the practice itself — I am inspired. More than that, I am grateful. My intention is always to hold space with integrity, humility, and care.

During the past few years, I have prioritized strength training in an effort to mitigate age-related decline (e.g. loss of lean muscle and bone density). While I don’t think of myself as a powerlifter, I have shifted away from using the machines for the bulk of my training sessions. [Pun intended] Squatting, deadlifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and moving in complex ways challenges my body, forces me to work through muscle imbalances, and is kind of empowering.

Meanwhile, back on the mat, my yoga practice continues to evolve, albeit not as I would have thought it would. Three years ago, at the peak of the pandemic, I was happily making my way through Sthira Bhaga (aka third series). Then life started happening. A fractured foot, sprained ankle, shoulder injury, fractured finger, contused hamstring attachment after a clumbsy fall walking in my garage. None of these occurring “from” my strength training or my yoga practice but certainly impacting them. And my ability to bounce back has not been as quick as it was in my twenties and thirties.

As a result, I have had to find ways to support my practice while allowing my body to heal. While it has been quite humbling, I have learned a lot about myself and the practice in the process. Learning where to back off, or “let go,” while finding other areas where I can extract more from the poses. This self-study is a rather cool component of the practice.

I invite you to notice for yourself if/when you have a set back. Are you able to find ways to support your growth even when you are healing, or do you need help figuring out a path forward? If the latter is the case, I’m here for you. See the schedule page for my availablity.