TEACHER HIGHLIGHT – MARY GERDES

There's Something About Mary
By Heather Philip
1-24-11

Most yoga instructors commit to 200 hour training programs and occasional retreats and continuing education programs. Anusara-Inspired yoga instructor, Mary Gerdes, has logged thousands of hours of advanced training.

But it's not about the hours, says Mary. "We never stop learning. Being an Anusara teacher and student informs every moment of life. Our time on the mat is our personal laboratory; it's our opportunity to reflect on ourselves and to take that knowledge and let it influence our lives. Every moment, every relationship is affected and they all get better and more refined."

Anusara Yoga creates an awareness of how the body and the heart work together. "Anusara emphasizes those things go together; that the one is never as beautiful without the emphasis of the other." Put another way, Mary reflected on something her teacher, John Friend, founder of Anusara Yoga says, "You can be technically proficient in a yoga pose, but if it doesn't have the spark of Grace, it is lifeless."

YogaSpace is honored to host "Explore Anusara Yoga" with Mary on Saturday, January 29, 2011 from 1:00pm - 3:30pm. Mary will guide students in the "big picture" of Anusara yoga, providing them with an overview and overall application of the system and the practice.

"While regular classes typically focus on specific aspects, workshops offer the opportunity to show how the whole Anusara practice goes together" Mary explained. Through discussion of Tantric philosophy as well as moving in and out of postures, Mary will demonstrate how the physical practice of yoga is directly related to one's spiritual practice and to the attunement and cultivation of one's highest self.

Come meet one of our most experienced instructors and participate in this deeply thoughtful and life-affirming workshop.

See Mary's classes on our regular weekly schedule

Find out more about Anusara-Inspired Yoga at YogaSpace

Find out more about Mary Gerdes' background and approach to yoga