Why Try Yoga?
According to many translations of the Yoga Sutras, yoga is “stilling the fluctuations of the mind”. I feel a more complete definition is “observing the varying tendencies of the mind without being disturbed by them.”
Essentially, the goal is to recognize the difference between your brain activity and the being who is witnessing, but separate from it. When we understand that we can separate ourselves from our thoughts and desires, we reveal a deeper ‘true nature’ that exists within.
I see this as having the ability to be fully present in any moment, able to recognize, dismiss (and maybe even laugh at) distractions as they occur. It’s not about changing the way your mind works. It’s about loving your mind and accepting it exactly how it is. When we have compassion for our minds and selves as a whole, we can learn to better exist in harmony with ourselves and others. We can learn to forgive ourselves for making mistakes. We can learn helpful tools to self regulate. And with regular practice we can begin to expand our capacity for dealing with internal and external stressors.
If you’ve avoided meditation because of the thought, “I can’t quiet my mind,” I would love to show you another way. Or several! I have a wide variety of techniques and ideas for helping even the most distracted minds find joy in meditation. And your first class is free when you register as my student!
Anyone can practice Yoga
Yes, even you. No matter what physical, emotional or socioeconomic challenges you may be facing, there are ways to reap the benefits of yoga practice.
I don’t subscribe to the idea that physical strength and flexibility equal advanced yoga practice. In fact, the most ‘advanced’ yoga you can perform is simply sitting with yourself in meditation. Therefore, I feel the benefits of yoga practice are available to anyone who seeks them sincerely.
My goal is to provide space for those who need yoga most: people living in trauma and oppression. I passionately support the missions of racial equity, disability inclusion, LGBTQIA+ rights, reproductive justice, body positivity and trauma informed care. All of my classes are taught from this perspective, with the intention of helping you reclaim your personal power!
I know what it’s like to not be able to afford access to these resources. Donation optional community classes are offered every week and sliding-scale pricing is available for all classes. I also offer scholarships that cover the cost of classes for those in need. Priority is given to individuals with marginalized identities and those facing difficult circumstances, but all are welcome to inquire. Send me a message and we can explore your options together!
About your teacher
My name is Lake. I am a lover of plants and animals, an artist and a queer, gender non-conforming person. I live on the land of the Wangunk, Saukiog and Tunxis people, in what is now Hartford, Connecticut, USA. I’ve been using yoga philosophy, postures, breath work and meditation as tools to better understand myself since 2009.
I’m a neurodivergent person who lives with significant trauma. I’ve spent most of my life struggling to be a focused, “productive” person in a world that has never quite understood me. Yoga has helped my ability to be focused and present. More importantly, it’s helped me challenge the expectations and narratives I’ve internalized that make me feel like I’m not good enough. I’m now able to arrive in a place where I accept and appreciate myself exactly the way I am. I want nothing more than to make this a possibility for as many people as I can.
For this purpose, I have trained to make my classes a supportive place for personal growth. My initial 200 hour training in 2016 was at Sacred Rivers Yoga “Yoga for Every Body” learning to create person-centered yoga practices. Afterwards, I trained with the Accessible Yoga School, Nourish Yoga Training and Three and a Half Acres Yoga in accessible and trauma-informed yoga to help me better meet the needs of people of all abilities and experiences.
If any of this resonates with you, please reach out! I’d love to see how I can help make yoga work for you.
You can read more about me in this introduction blog post.
“Lake has this exceptional way of allowing you to let go of what you know and just experience the flow”