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As we continue to grow and evolve, we are realizing that we have many members throughout the state, so why shouldn’t we formally extend the many perks of our membership to all Florida yoga teachers?

We believe in the quality of the practice. Yoga teachers represent an ancient and sacred tradition and we felt the need to create a new organization whose members will have the reputation throughout our state of truly “living their yoga” and practicing with grace and integrity. With this in mind, we created a new Statement of Ethics which all of our members should acknowledge when joining or renewing.

As we expand even more, we are imagining new events- such as an annual statewide conference in the future! At that time, volunteer opportunities will be available. … » Learn More about Suncoast Yoga Teachers Association is now Florida Yoga Teachers Association

I wanted to share with you the stories of two yoga women, both in their 90’s, whose experience I am very grateful to learn from and hopefully emanate.

Tao Porchon-Lynch

I had the pleasure of meeting Tao when she came to teach in St. Petersburg last December.  This 97 year old yogini has been practicing yoga throughout her life, and her energy is amazing.  She spent most of her talk sitting in full lotus position, and then demonstrated poses that would be difficult for those a third of her age!

Tao grew up in Pondicherry, India and was raised by her uncle, who was a follower of Swami Vivekananda, a pioneer in bringing yoga to the west.  In 1926, when Tao was eight years old, she saw boys doing yoga on the beach and wanted to join them.  When her aunt told her that this was unladylike, the defiant Tao joined them anyway!  She marched with Gandhi twice, including the 1930 Salt March to the sea.  She is one of the first women who studied with acclaimed yoga masters B.K.S. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois. … » Learn More about Two Ageless Yoginis by Susan Wasserman

The body never lies. This is something I often tell my students and I live by it myself. I learned a long time ago that if I don’t give myself the rest my body and mind need, illness will force it on me. And isn’t it much more fun to rest and have free time when you are feeling well? Those of you familiar with Ayurveda know that pittas can burn the candle at both ends and that has been my m.o. lately. My body was whispering that more rest was needed but I pushed on. The result: A stomach purge to top all stomach purges. Forced rest. This was a wake-up call for me to let some things go and adjust priorities. What about you? When was the last you listened to the whisperings of your body? Take a moment and do it now…. What does the body’s wisdom tell you? Will you listen?