A message to my YogaDownload students: I’ve put together these various sequences and offerings in hope that will meet you exactly where you are. I hope that each session offers what you are looking for from energy to sleep and calm. Blending the wisdom of Ayurveda to the practice of Yoga, my hope is that you find what you need and that the options allow you to choose what you need at that time.
In your words, what is yoga?
Yoga is being. It is the ability to be present in each moment. Whatever the practice, it creates a state of being. There is no doing when you reach that ultimate state of Yoga, all the doing melts away and we become the stillness and peace we are searching for. Often we look for happiness, but even that happiness can create misery when we don’t have it. So for me, Yoga is about learning to be with what is so we can release the polarities that pull our body and mind from one extreme to the next.
What inspires your teaching?
Life inspires my teaching. Like living life, moving through my own personal challenges, reactions, events and situations gives me the material I need for self-reflection. Through that I can share life wisdom as it comes to me. I am a very practical teacher and my mission is to inspire and awaken people to a life that is vibrant and peaceful. Even in the flurry of chaos, to not become derailed by it is what I strive to teach and offer through my teachings. I have a very full life, but even if I look busy on the outside, I try to stay calm on the inside.
What advice would you give to someone that is just starting yoga?
Breathe and breathe some more. Yoga starts one breath at a time. It’s never about the outer form. Focus on the inner form. Allow yourself to become best friends with you breath. All else shall follow.
What is special about the style of yoga that you teach?
I teach two styles of Yoga actually: Hatha and Prana Vinyasa Flow. Both offer an integrated teaching of Yoga and Ayurveda which brings a unique perspective on how to sequence and approach a practice.
A sought after teacher, educator and innovator in the field of yoga + ayurveda, Maria delivers practical and inspirational information that is accessible to all. She brings together over 20 years of experience in biomedical sciences, philosophy, yoga and ayurveda to not only train yoga and ayurvedic practitioners world-wide, but to also lead workshops and rejuvenating retreats. She is the founder and director of the The New Mexico School of Yoga, pioneering educational programming in yoga, ayurveda and the vedic sciences. Devoting more then 15 years of study with her root teachers Vasant Lad and Shiva Rea, Maria has created transformational programs through her Live in Balance courses and wellness consultations.
Try one of Maria's YogaDownload classes today!