During this period of social distancing, some of our teachers are taking advantage of online opportunities to take classes and complete training with advanced teachers in different geographic locations. We are happy to share the news of their ongoing learning with our community!

On April 4, 2020, Carmen Herrera took a 1.5-hour master class with Leslie Kaminoff via Zoom. She described the experience as “an interactive exploration of some of the most prevalent ideas about how to coordinate body and breath movement.”  In the session, Carmen noted that Kaminoff “shared four decades of anatomical research and his studies with modern yoga master T.K.V. Desikachar.”

1. even from very early on in our lives, breath pattern becomes habitual…due to our circumstances, life events etc. These patterns can trap us, limit us, impede us.
2. what sometimes results from this habitual breath pattern(s) is bad space, lack of “freedom” or “new- space.” Point is not to get stuck in any one way.
3. encouragement as a teacher, to adopt or continue to have an inquiry-based practice in order to address the different ways everyone experiences not just a pose but the breath itself.

When asked about the main lessons she learned from the class, Carmen relayed these points:

Carmen noted that this briefer training reviewed and reinforced her previous, 2-day workshop with Kaminoff and reinforced her own practice as she “move[s] toward a more explorative, individual-focused teaching method.”  Overall, she “love[s] knowing that of each of us are unique and the explorers of our own bodies working on fine-tuning our skills of observation, considering that as living beings, we are always “changing.”  Thus our practice and approach must be aware and adaptable to meet those constant changes. This is a fantastic way to empower the practitioner.”

For an opportunity to practice with Carmen this month, mark your calendar for her abbreviated Gentle class followed by Yoga Nidra, which she will offer at 5:30 p.m. on Thurs., April 23, 2020.  She will stream the class from her Facebook page, and we will also share it on the 4yoga page.