About Me
I discovered yoga at just 10 years old, and it instantly became a love of mine. But as I got older, I found myself constantly comparing my progress to others. My friends could do beautiful poses with grace, and they seemed so much more flexible than I was. I started to feel insecure and inadequate, which eventually made me drift away from my practice. I convinced myself that I didn’t measure up, that I somehow wasn’t ‘good enough’ for yoga.
Then, life changed in a way I hadn’t expected. I developed back pain that affected me every day, and I realized I couldn’t go on living like that. In search of relief, I returned to yoga – a decision that felt like coming home. Slowly, I noticed that my back pain started to ease, and with each practice, I felt a growing sense of peace and vitality. Yoga became more than a series of poses; it was a sanctuary. I stopped caring about how flexible I was or how my poses looked. I was just grateful for how yoga made me feel, and that became enough.
During my Yin Yoga Teacher Training with @tinanance_held, I had a profound realization: we all have unique bodies and experiences. Comparing myself to others was not only pointless but was robbing me of the joy that yoga brings. We each have different body shapes, histories, and needs. I learned to embrace my own body, just as it is – strong, capable, and complete.
Now, when I teach Yin Yoga, my goal is to share this deeper experience with my students. Together, we practice holding gentle, passive poses, allowing the body to release deeply held tension and targeting those vital connective tissues. My hope is that in each class, others will feel a little more at ease with themselves and recognize the beauty in their own journey. Yoga is a gift, and it is meant for everyone, exactly as they are."
Training and Certifications
Ayurveda Nursing & Panchakarma Therapy
The Ayurveda Nursing and Panchakarma Therapy program focuses on the fundamental principles of Ayurveda and practical applications in holistic health care. It covers Ayurveda treatments, including the detoxification and rejuvenation processes of Panchakarma therapy. Participants learn to assess patient needs, assist doctors in clinical settings, and provide individualized care through herbal remedies, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle modifications. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, enabling practitioners to support patients effectively during and after Panchakarma therapy. This comprehensive training equips individuals with the skills to promote overall well-being and restore balance within the body through Ayurvedic practices.
Yin Yoga Teacher
The 200-hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training offers a profound exploration of ancient Yoga wisdom and Self Inquiry within the context of modern practice. Participants learn techniques to release deep tissue tension, enhance chi flow through the 12 meridian pathways, and understand the body-mind-spirit connection. The training emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of yin asanas, effective sequencing, and teaching strategies to promote holistic well-being. Additionally, it provides practical mindfulness tools for personal transformation and resilience, allowing individuals to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. This comprehensive program equips participants to support their own journeys and guide others in achieving balance and health.
Embodied Feminine Art
Ayu is certified in a 100-hour Embodied Feminine Arts Training, specializing in women’s pelvic and reproductive health. This training emphasizes education on female anatomy, hormonal balance, and holistic well-being. With a focus on therapeutic practices like pelvic care, yoni mapping, and the Arvigo technique, Ayu supports women in reconnecting with their bodies, restoring balance, and enhancing their overall health. Her approach integrates neuroscience, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and yoga therapy to promote both physical and emotional wellness.
Our Philosophy
In my journey through yoga, I have come to embrace a philosophy that goes beyond the mat. Yoga is not just about perfecting poses or achieving flexibility; it’s a profound practice of self-acceptance and inner growth. Each time we step onto the mat, we have the opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, to listen to our bodies, and to cultivate compassion for who we are in that moment.
I believe that true strength lies in vulnerability. It’s about allowing ourselves to feel, to explore our limits, and to honor our unique paths. Each body tells a different story, shaped by our experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Rather than comparing ourselves to others, we can celebrate our individual journeys and recognize that there is beauty in diversity.
In yoga, we learn to breathe through discomfort and find stillness in chaos. We discover that flexibility is not only physical but also mental and emotional. As we hold poses and breathe deeply, we tap into a wellspring of resilience and peace within us. This is where true transformation occurs – not just in our bodies, but in our hearts and minds.
Ultimately, my philosophy is about cultivating a sense of belonging – to ourselves, to our bodies, and to each other. I encourage everyone to embrace their unique journey, to find joy in the practice, and to recognize that we are all enough, just as we are.
Let us remember: yoga is a journey of self-discovery, a practice of love, and a celebration of the incredible beings we are. Together, we can create a community that inspires and uplifts, reminding each other that we are whole, complete, and worthy of love.
