KATHY MORRIS: IYENGAR YOGA
CLASSES IN ITHACA NY

Art and yoga are my twin passions. Both paths celebrate the possibilities inherent in everyday life, and invite us to make the most of the world and the body we inhabit.

I’ve been practicing yoga since the 1970s. I received my first teaching certification in 1995, and embarked on my studies in the Iyengar Method of yoga in 1999 when I met my teacher, Theresa Rowland.

Iyengar Yoga is named in honor of BKS Iyengar, the world-reknown yoga master in India, now in his 80s and still teaching and practicing daily. The Iyengar methods that I teach range from knowledgeable adaptations of classical yoga poses for beginners and students with physical limitations, to the challenges of more advanced-level work in arm balances and backbends. Attention to detail, creative sequencing, anatomical insight, and longer holdings of poses guide participants to an experience of “meditation in action.” The use of yoga props, including cotton belts, bolsters, wall ropes, blocks, and backless chairs, teach correct alignment and make the poses accessible to students at all levels of experience.

Have you thought about trying a yoga class, or would you like to return to classes after experiencing an injury or health condition? Perhaps you already have a yoga practice and would like more comprehensive instruction or a challenge to boost you to the next level. Iyengar Yoga classes offer a supportive — and disciplined — environment.

Keep in mind that our limitations can teach us patience, humility, and compassion. In his recent book Light on Life, Mr. Iyengar writes “Do you have a problem part which makes the practice [of yoga] difficult for you? An injured knee? A stiff back? That is your problem child. Learn how to deal with it and how to nurture it, as you would a child who had problems that needed extra love and attention.”

Finger Lakes Fitness Center

Weekly classes in the well-equipped studio at Finger Lakes Fitness Center, downstairs in Center Ithaca. Conveniently located on the Ithaca Commons. (607) 256-3532. Club membership not required. First class free. Class passes available.

Beginners Fridays 12:15-1:15pm
All levels Mondays 5:40-7:10pm and Fridays 1:30-3pm

Private instruction in your home. Please inquire.