I completed Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy practitioner training in 1998, which explores how belief systems and traumas are held in the body, below the level of conscious awareness, through dialog and supported postures. PRYT is a wonderful compliment to Hakomi.
When I returned to Colorado in 1998, I found Anusara. Anusara is an alignment-focused practice, influenced by B.K.S. Iyengar. The therapeutic aspects of proper alignment in Anusara provide remarkable healing potential for a variety of injuries, including back, shoulder, hip and hamstring issues. During this time I, I also began a dedicated study yogic philosophy with scholar Dr. Douglas Brooks.
In 2011 I met my current teacher, Rod Stryker, moving my practice to a much deeper level. It is impossible to convey the power that the practices of ParaYoga have had in my life and in my ability to help others move past the barriers that block the light.
Parayoga is a Tantric approach to yoga practice, integrating numerous aspects of yogic philosophy, including (but not limited to) Ayurveda, Raja or classical yoga, laya yoga, kundalini practices, visualization and kriya into one fluid approach. The primary intention of Parayoga practices is to increase power, or Shakti, thereby creating an embodied life of purpose, happiness, prosperity and freedom. This is a joyful life free from fear.
Though Parayoga can and is taught in group settings, this approach is based on individual needs, considering dosha or inherent temperament, gunas, age and time in life, lifestyle, illness or physical limitation, and emotional disposition. Asana practices are designed to move energy in very specific ways, and are integrated with complimentary pranayama, kriya, meditation and mantra practices. While the asana practices enhance the overall experience, they are not required and are in fact more of an adjunct to the other practices.
As a science, the tantric practices, and therefore Parayoga, can be taught to anyone. The results are measurable and transformative, and impact all areas of life, including relationship, physical illness, emotional dis-ease, and our work in the world. The results can also be felt quickly. For example, becoming aware of and changing breathing patterns directly affects the mind and emotions, and therefore the energetic state.