 Dahlia Wist Hurricane Ridge, Washington, July 2005 |
Biography
Yoga has been a life enhancing experience for me. Since my practice began I have developed increased endurance, energy and greater sense of well-being.
I have a strong desire to help people achieve their highest good. Teaching yoga and meditation allows me to do this in an empowering way that serves the community and feeds my soul.
I have been studying hatha yoga since 1995 and teaching since 1998. My style is a combination of Iyengar and Vinyasa traditions. I am certified through Erich Schiffmann and Yoga Educational Seminars with Joyce Anue, which is recognized by the Yoga Alliance. I have also studied with Julianne Rice, Kali Ray and Lisa Walford.
In 2000, I earned a Certificate of Ordination through the Universal Church of the Master, an interfaith church. Since then, I have continued to develop my public speaking and meditation skills to help others.
 Garudasana (The Eagle Pose) Navajo National Monument, Arizona, May 2000 |
About Yoga and Hatha Yoga
Hatha is just one of eight branches of yoga, and is the most commonly practiced in the United States. It is a five-thousand-year-old tradition designed to restore the body from illness and maintain health. Hatha means sun and moon. Yoga means union or integration. Through proper rest, diet, breathing, exercise and meditation, the practitioner will develop a balanced and healthy lifestyle. This results in a sense of integration or wholeness.
Yoga is open to everyone! It is not a religion, but a philosophical study based on a system aimed to achieve wellness. It balances the four aspects of being which include the physical, spiritual emotional and mental. This balanced perspective yields a connection to our inner wisdom, guiding us to do what is right for our bodies. For students who are interested, more explanation of the spiritual aspect of yoga will be addressed in private consultation and workshops specifically focused on meditation (introspective concentration) and pranayama (breathing exercises and control).
In-Class Modifications
Because there are adaptations to all yoga postures, I can help students receive benefits through modifications. In class, practitioners learn to listen to their bodies by picking up cues on how deep to stretch, or if a pose does not work for them. If there are stretches that are uncomfortable, students are encouraged to ask me for assistance. It is more important to do the exercises with ease, and awareness then trying to do them perfectly with strain. Hatha yoga is a noncompetitive form of exercise. This means you should not compete against yourself or other students. To progress in yoga, self discipline must be learned by controlling your thoughts and actions to be more attentive and aware of your body.
Schedule and Directions
There are currently no public classes scheduled at this time.
Private Yoga Instruction
I am currently teaching private classes to people in the Santa Clara and San Mateo counties of the San Francisco Bay Area. This is a wonderful opportunity to have a class completely tailored to your needs. I also include a checklist of breathing exercises postures, stretches and visualizations to supplement your ongoing personal practice. House calls are scheduled as a one time visit or preferably in a series of four. The rates are $75.00 per session or $250.00 for the series of four. To schedule an appointment or receive more information please select “Contact” and send me an email or call directly.
E-mail me: Dahlia Wist
408-623-0272
Last Update: 02/12/2010