Lela Beem

Teaching Philosophy

I teach a mindful form of Hatha yoga, which focuses on linking breath and movement into a flowing sequence of asanas. I emphasize the connection between mind and body, leaving time for stillness, introspection and meditation. I enjoy working with students of all levels and abilities and value gentle yoga as much as a vigorous practice. My classes are challenging, but tend to move more slowly than an average Vinyasa class. The room temperature is between 76-82 degrees, resulting in mild to moderate perspiration.

Lela's Group Classes

You can expect detailed alignment instruction, as well as space to discover your own expression of the pose. I begin with breathing and an introduction to the day's theme. I always include warm-ups, like abdominal strengthening and building the foundation of the Sun Salutation. I teach a strengthening standing sequence and like to explore inversions and basic arm balances in my Intermediate classes. My Monday night Basics class focuses primarily on alignment and awareness of breath, learning ways to modify the postures to suit your needs.

I end all of my classes with deep stretches and a long relaxation. My Saturday morning Hatha Yoga & Meditation class finishes with a 10 minute introduction to seated meditation practice, sometimes including yogic breathing techniques.

Prenatal Yoga & Birthing Classes

My Sunday prenatal class is suitable for women in various stages of pregnancy and with varying levels of yoga experience. Since 2005, expectant mothers have experienced my strengthening yet restorative approach to prenatal yoga. Although I provide a moderately challenging practice, the classes are designed for a mother's changing body. Posture sequences are designed to relieve low back and shoulder tension, sciatica, swelling, varicose veins, and leg cramps. I also introduce vocalization, mantra work and deep breathing practices for labor and alleviating anxiety. Every winter, I organize a Pregnancy Resource Fair for expectant parents who want to meet holistic practitioners in the area. I lead the meditation and yoga component of Birthing From Within childbirth classes with Colleen Marotta, RN.

Personal Background and Interests

In 2001, I began my Vinyasa yoga practice as a way to reduce stress and fatigue. After traveling in India and S.E. Asia for over a year, I completed a 200 hour teacher training at the Kripalu Center. The most transformational of my trainings, however, has been the 700 hour Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy training, which I will complete in February 2009. I have learned a tremendous amount about myself, and the mind-body connection through this training and am excited to share this modality with others. I have also worked as a wilderness instructor, after-school program director, and English tutor for children ages eight to eighteen. I am a graduate of UMASS Amherst with a BA in Multicultural & Experiential Education, and a native of Port Townsend, Washington. You can find me on my day off cooking Indian food, taking long bike rides and planning my next adventure.

Contact

To learn more about me or to contact me directly with questions, please visit my personal website www.gratefulyoga.com (book and music recommendations listed on my website, too!) or email me at lela@gratefulyoga.com.