Information About Kula Yoga Center
Expand Me  Anusara Yoga

Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara is a system of hatha yoga that is based on an open-hearted feeling and biomechanics of "Universal Principles of Alignment". These are expressed in every pose, from the "inside out" so we can fully align our physical bodies and our spirit with the greater power that connects us all. Anusara means flowing with Grace, and saying yes to the whole spectrum of life. It is a willingness to be aware of all parts of ourselves, and to be "in the flow" is to look at whatever arises with freshness and freedom. It is simply to open our hearts with love to the present moment without clinging or pushing. Anusara is accepting the world and ourselves as we are, and then responding with love.

Anusara combines the celebration of the heart, the art of the inner body awareness, and the science of the universal principles of alignment all practiced in a kula, community of the heart.
 
"As fellow kula members we are on an eternal mountain expedition in which we are all tied together helping one another in this grand Awakening. There are kula members above us who have successfully negotiated the challenges of the climb. And there are kula members below us who need our support and guidance to keep rising. Each step up is its own summit and a chance to exalt in the expanded vision of our own divine nature." John Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga

Expand Me  Private Sessions
Would you like personalized attention?  Privates are great to help refine your practice, work therapeutically if you have an injury, if you are new to yoga, or if you have something specific that you would like to work on.  I can come to your home, or we can meet in the studio.  I am available for individual, semi-private, and private group sessions.  These are tailored to your individual needs and desires.

Please call or email me with questions, and to arrange your private session.

Expand Me  My Blog
Journeys.  Read about my journey, on and off the mat.
Expand Me  New To Yoga
WHO CAN DO YOGA?  In a word: everyone!  Men, women, children, the elderly…yoga has something to offer every person, and Kula Yoga has the right class for you.  We offer sessions that are appropriate for children, tween and teenage girls, beginners, and advanced practitioners.  Whether you are seeking an opportunity to relax, to improve your fitness level and increase limited flexibility, or to deepen your practice and learn more difficult poses, we can meet your needs. 
 
WHY DO YOGA?  Because yoga is a practice of body, mind, and soul, practitioners enjoy benefits that are physical, mental, and spiritual.  Physically, a regular yoga practice can improve your flexibility, increase mobility and decrease discomfort in your joints. Yoga will improve your overall health through the massaging and detoxification of your internal organs, creating a better flow of oxygen in your body, and lead you to an excellent level of physical fitness by toning the muscles in your entire body. 
 
These physical benefits will be united with improvements in your mental and spiritual state.  After developing a regular yoga practice, students often feel less stress, increased ability to deal with problems calmly, greater self-knowledge, improved self-esteem, feelings of greater connection and love in their relationships, and a comprehensive state of joy and bliss.
 
WHAT TO WEAR: In order to enjoy your yoga class, it is important that you dress comfortably.  Sweat pants and a t-shirt will do fine.  Choose something that won’t limit your mobility, but not something so loose that the teacher won’t be able to see your body in your poses.  It’s important that she be able to observe you clearly in order to offer effective and important suggestions and adjustments.  Please avoid noticeable perfumes and other fragrances.  They can be disruptive to others’ practices.
 
WHAT TO BRING: If you already have a yoga mat, please feel free to bring it!  We do provide community mats, blankets, blocks, straps, and eye pillows, and you are welcome to share.  Most regular students do eventually choose to purchase a mat in order to practice on a personal and sacred space of their own.  Bringing water is a great idea, but we do have bottles available for purchase if you forget yours.

Expand Me  Class Etiquette
  • Arrive a few minutes before your class begins.  This will give you time to set up and settle in before the centering at the beginning of class. 
  • If you arrive late, you are welcome to come in.  Please sit quietly to the side, and come onto the floor after centering is done.
  • Turn off your cell phone!  If you have a pressing need, let the teacher know that you’ll be setting it to vibrate and placing it on the edge of your mat.
  • Please leave your shoes in a cubby or under the benches in the carpeted area of the studio.  No shoes are permitted on our bamboo floor.
  • Ask a question if you have one, but avoid excessive chatting during class in order to maintain the meditative quality of your class and to allow others to do the same.
  • If you can help it, don’t skip savasana!  The final relaxation at the end of the class is important for your overall well-being and for that of your fellow students.  It’s not the time to pack up your gear. (But if you do have to leave early, then please pack up quietly and leave before savasana begins so you don’t distract your fellow students.)

Expand Me  In the News

Kula Yoga was featured in the Avon Life newspaper written by Tracey Weiss, and Farmington Valley Post, and the West Hartford News, story written by Glenn Shafer. Terry Walters also invited me to write an article about my journey and Kula Yoga in her Newsletter, In Season. Please click on these highlighted areas to view the articles.
Click here to read about our YogaKids program that was highlighted on CBS!