My Personal Journey
Seventeen years ago, I underwent cancer treatment that required a total hysterectomy, removal of a portion of my pelvic wall and 23 lymph nodes bilaterally in the groin area. Shortly thereafter, my left leg started to swell and kept getting bigger and bigger. I was diagnosed with Secondary Lymphedema. The conventional medical treatment for lymphedema is a combination of specialized massage and bandaging for an extended period of time to reduce the size of the limb; thereafter, wearing compression stockings and making various lifestyle adjustments to maintain the current limb size and, hopefully, alleviate further swelling.
Managing lymphedema is a daily physical and emotional struggle of maintaining balance in an effort to keep the lymph fluid moving to avoid swelling. Throughout my quest to find ways to keep the lymph fluid moving, I discovered that a combination of certain alternative therapies provided the relief and successful results I was searching for.
I started practicing Kripalu Yoga™ and noticed a personal transformation begin to take place. Not only did I greatly improve my physical and emotional well being, but also it was the only time I felt freedom from my condition and any emotional struggles I was facing that particular day. Practicing Kripalu Yoga™ opened new doors of opportunity and information that has changed my life in so many positive ways. I have learned to take my yoga practice “off-the-mat” and carry it into my daily life so I may continue to feel the freedom I experience while “on the mat”.
I obtained my Kripalu Yoga™ Teacher Certification after completing a 200-hour one-month residency at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts. I am now able to share my passion and knowledge of the benefits of Kripalu Yoga™ with others. I look forward to teaching the practice of Kripalu Yoga™ and passing along the tools to cope with life’s physical and emotional struggles individuals may face each day.
As creator of Mandala Studio of Yoga™and Lymph Flow Yoga: Energy Movement™, my purpose is quite simple: to offer a safe place where one can come to experience the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits that yoga has to offer while finding their personal freedom in the present moment; to create movement and balance in one’s life to invite peace and harmony; with the unique variety of classes and workshops we offer, to spark inquiry, laughter and fun. In essence…connecting life, energy, movement.
Affiliations
Kripalu Yoga Teachers Association
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
YogaAlliance®
Education
Certified Kripalu Yoga™ Teacher
Registered Yoga Teacher
CPR Trained
- The Lymphatic Web: Revitalizing the Immune System, Emotional Body and Happiness Pathways
- Bo Forbes, PsyD, E-RYT500, Elemental Yoga - Alignment in Motion
- Virna Lisa, CYT, RYT500 Himalayan Institute, Eco Yoga - Introduction to Ayurveda
- Virna Lisa, CYT, RYT500 Himalayan Institute, Eco Yoga - Revealing the Chakras
- Virna Lisa, CYT, RYT500 Himalayan Institute, Eco Yoga
