When did you start practicing yoga?
I began practicing yoga a little over 8 years ago. I actively came to my mat during my marathon training for the Leukemia Lymphoma society's Team in Training. I was looking to stretch and break up the rigors of marathon training, and found so much more!

What has yoga brought to your life?
Yoga has reconnected me to myself. As many of us experience the pulls of responsibility and over stimulation of society, we're called to "do more". I was a victim of this hustle, and in turn lost a connection to my true self, and what my spirit needed. I was over-serving from an empty vessel, dispersed, and became deflated. Through my practice I found REAL freedom, I am less reactive to my external situations and stimuli. The peace stemmed from harnessing a deeper connection with myself that has permeated every facet of my life. Through this interwoven connection, I am more aware and humbled of how we're all intricately connected not only within ourselves but, one another. It's allowed me to step into my life more fully and move freely with compassionate awareness.

Why did you become a yoga instructor?
I never thought I was capable of teaching yoga, I always felt like I lacked the patience and presence needed to guide a class. I enrolled in my first teacher training program to help my friends and family heal themselves. My goal was to attain more knowledge to pass along to others in my life. During my training I noticed that my appetite for knowledge increased substantially; I couldn't learn fast enough. My drive to delve into all the limbs of yoga became insatiable, which only fueled my goal of helping the one's I love. I continued on the "book smart" course, until the final practicum, which required me to co-lead a 2 hour class to strangers and my fellow trainees. It wasn't until the throws of guiding strangers that my passion to teach was ignited. My goal has remained the same - learn more to share more. Throughout my continued education, workshops, and classes, my hunger to acquire more knowledge has never diminished; it continues to be fueled by the desire to give to others.

What impact can a regular yoga practice have on a person's life?
A regular practice becomes a light in one's life. We're all on this journey of life, and at times it can feel like were an unwilling passenger. But, through a regular yoga practice one begins to illuminate themselves and shine a light on what we're seeking. I always say that we go "to do" yoga, yet we become "undone". Is through a regular practice that we undo patterns that hinder us. The chatter diminishes, disruptions begin to dissipate and that light becomes brighter. When we're bogged down by disturbances our vision becomes foggy, and navigating through life becomes more cumbersome. Returning to your practice regularly doesn't give you mental peace, health, and happiness, it is revealed. Those qualities have been with you all along, yoga illuminates them.

What advice would you give to someone that is just starting yoga?
I would recommend channeling your inner child. Children love trying new things, discovering how to play, and learning. As adults we tend to get discouraged from being outside of our comfort zone. By tapping into a tiny bit of a child's excitement, yoga becomes an adventure rooted in the discovery of yourself and new ways of playing. Yoga can be the best recess you've had since grade school. Be open minded, try various styles frequently, with different teachers. Your practice as an uncharted exploration, and your body is the vehicle for new experiences. Every moment is different, embark on your yoga expedition with compassion and remember to always leave the expectations behind, you won't miss them. Have fun and let it flow.

What is special about the style of yoga you teach?
My style is differentiated by my sequencing and guidance which is focused on moving with the energetics of the body. I incorporate variations and to allow the practitioner to tune into the subtleties of the body, as the flow progresses. Much of my style is influenced by Laya Yoga, which has roots in Tantra philosophy and has more emphasis in the Chakras and Nadis. I have been very blessed to study under such diverse teachers, such as Kevin Durkin who is a student of B.K.S  & Geeta Iyengar, Santosh Powell, a student of Baba Hari Das, and most recently, Shannon Paige, who has studied under Shiva Rea's Prana flow. Each of these teachers have helped contribute to my style of guiding and personal voice. I am an avid student myself and believe that continuing education is paramount in helping grow a students practice.  It is not the pose, but what we uncover and from the pose.

What is your favorite yoga posture to teach, and why?
Downward facing dog, Adho Mukha Svanasana. From an anatomical stand point downward dog embodies the foundational alignment in other postures. It's one of the first poses we get into in a Vinyasa class and visit frequently. Therefore it's a great pose to gauge where the body is throughout the practice and what the body needs more of. It's modifications make it accessible to all and at times it can be incredibly challenging or a resting pose. I feel like this is our practice, the balance between structure (sthira) and ease (sukha). "It is attention without tension, loosening-up without slackness" -
T.K.V. Desikachar

Please share some words of wisdom or advice for your yogadownload.com yoga students.
Compassion for evolution. Our mind can run away with exceptions don't let it have carte blanche, the unruly tyrant. Your being and yoga journey is constantly evolving. Let yourself be guided by a democracy of your spirit, body, and mind. For every action your mind makes, it takes three times as long for your body to assimilate. Remember this during your posture transitions and of your practice. You will be changed, give time some time, and enjoy the journey. Move slower, you will learn more.

Do you have a favorite quote you'd like to share?
" You are the sky, everything else - it's just the weather." Pema Chondron

What do you like to do "off the mat"?
I am a passionate person and romantic about life! I love learning which has translated into an affinity for traveling to new destinations each year, participating in the arts, and music. I am also an herbalist, and believe firmly in connecting with nature. The herbalism lineages have helped grow my practice, as Ayurveda has expanded my ability to help others heal as well.

Geenie fosters the body’s intelligence as the medium to cultivate one’s evolutionary connection. She guides her students with a dynamic free spirit through an approachable energetic flow, focused on sourcing self awareness and inspiration. Innately curious, she is continually deepening her knowledge in Tantric philosophy, and expanding her certifications in herbalism, and the modalities of yoga.
 

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