Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Somatic Yoga, yoga?

A: The word yoga is a classic definition of semantic bleaching to me.

For some, it refers to a spiritual path rooted in ancient texts and ascetic, contemplative practices. For others, it means fast-paced movement in a heated studio. For others still, it may look like restorative practices supported by blankets and bolsters.

Yoga has evolved across centuries, cultures, teachers, and traditions. Modern postural yoga itself emerged through many influences and is a result of cross-pollination with, for example, Indian martial arts, European physical culture movements, and changing social and political contexts etc.

Because of this, I am less interested in determining whose yoga is the "purest." Such pursuit, in my opinion, usually is antagonistic and points to nowhere.

What matters to me is whether a practice helps people cultivate awareness, presence, connection, and a meaningful relationship with themselves.

My classes are movement-based experiences deeply inspired by physical yoga and informed by somatic principles.

And many of the values that guide my work over the years—self-inquiry, presence, compassion, and devoted action—are deeply indebted to yoga philosophy.

I would describe my work as yoga viewed through a somatic lens as a result of personal, intellectual and spiritual growth.

Q: Do I need to be flexible to join?

A: Not at all!

Flexibility is not a prerequisite for yoga, nor is it the goal of my classes.

In fact, one of the things I can’t say enough is that every body has its own unique structure. The shape of your bones, joints, and connective tissues (ligaments, tendons) influences how you move. Two people can practice the same pose and experience it very differently. 

But no matter how much yoga you do, you cannot change these anatomically.

Many people assume that feeling stiff means they simply need to stretch more. Sometimes that is true. But sometimes what we experience as tightness is also influenced by stress, fatigue, overwhelm, injury history, or habitual patterns of tension stored in the deeper level (aka the fascia).

When we spend long periods under pressure, our nervous system can remain in a protective state. Muscles may stay braced, breathing may become shallow, and movement can feel restricted.

This is one reason why some people find that stretching alone doesn't create lasting ease.

In my classes, I prioritize making you feel safe and nurtured the first second you arrive. It's only within such container that I believe true healing can occur.

Whether you can touch your toes, place your hands on the floor, or barely reach your knees is completely irrelevant.

You are welcome exactly as you are ♥