What is/will your role be at Pink Lotus NJ?

From the very beginning, as a supporting friend and client, I’ve been a part of Pink Lotus Yoga. Even before Pink Lotus Yoga opened I was so excited when Colleen announced that she was going to become a certified instructor and open a yoga studio in town. Colleen and I often talked about upcoming events and idea’s that she had in mind and I had a few idea’s of my own which we discussed and entertained. Other than the duties required to run the business as a co-owner I don’t feel my role has changed much. For me I’m still supporting my good friend and doing what I love to do, teaching and practicing yoga. Colleen and I have our own set of responsibilities in running the business but we also work very well together and because we are both passionate about yoga at its deepest meaning - we are usually on the same page. 

What made you decide to become a yoga instructor?

I first started practicing yoga because I loved the benefits of the stretches and learning something different and new each week. As my practice advanced I began to feel something much deeper than just a great physical stretch. I started to connect to a deeper meaning. It was something I didn’t quite understand but knew it was something I’d been searching for and found. Colleen invited me to go to Costa Rica for Teacher Training in which she would be assisting. Finally, after much thought I agreed to go, but as a personal journey, not with the idea of actually becoming an instructor. After my training I knew I wanted to share the gift of yoga with others because of what my practice meant to me. I was very happy to be invited to be part of the Pink Lotus team and was given freedom to approach my classes with my own style as every instructor here is encouraged to do.

What is your favorite yoga class and/or pose and why?

I love to teach gentle and restorative yoga classes. After my teacher training I was approached by two women who wanted to practice yoga but had limitations that prevented them from coming to a regular multi-level yoga class. I worked with these two women, individually, and learned a great deal from both. Yoga cannot be approached with a one-size-fits-all attitude. I do believe in making it assessable to all and endeavor to do so with my teaching. There is so much more to yoga than the physical pose. For some the usual way of getting into the poses is not available to them or should be approached with great care. As we get older or find ourselves limited, physically or for whatever reason, it is more important than ever to know how to move and breathe. I received Yoga Therapy training through my first teacher training and decided to further my education into specializing in Yoga Therapy.

Through the practice of Yoga Therapy I have the tools I need to help clients on an individual basis. By introducing ancient yogic tools to individuals and teaching how these tools are put into effect throughout our day, I enable clients to accept and become empowered in their lives.

For more information on Yoga Therapy please visit www.iayt.org, or www.pinklotusnj.com. You can also contact me via email lisa@pinklotusnj.com.