Riki’s yoga story

I first started yoga when I was 19. Over the years, my practice wasn’t always consistent but I knew yoga offered me something that other activities and sports could not. There was so much knowledge to explore and I couldn’t deny the elation I would feel after class.

As I became more consistent with my practice, I started to learn more about my body’s capabilities and limitations. It also showed me how my mind reacted on certain days or in certain positions. The dialogue that I created showed me parts of myself that I was unable to notice in the noisy day to day of life. I began to understand the value of having a space where I practiced to slow the world down, and truly focus on myself.

I come to my mat for a multitude of things but I mainly come for stability. It provides space for my mind to let go and my breath to be at the center of attention. I know this creates a more even, balanced me. It gives me tools to be stable in an unstable world. To be patient. Observant. Appreciative. Not only to others but to myself also. The practice of yoga literally prepares the body how to handle stressful situations; to hold steady in a difficult position and persevere. Tools to use both on and off the mat.

I wanted to study the roots of yoga and found myself in Nepal studying with Sham at Himalayan Yogini in 2018 where I became a certified yoga teacher. The focus was on Tantra & Hatha yoga, the oldest branch of modern yoga. The training incorporated physical-spiritual connections with mantras, meditations and cleansing techniques. A few years later I took another training to learn about Prem Yoga with Devi and JKyog. Prem, meaning “love” in Sanskrit, is a spiritual focused practice that involves a deep connection and love for the Creator. Prem unites all forms of yoga and is the key to attaining Samadhi (spiritual liberation). Although I don’t believe that you need to be religious to practice yoga, having an open and loving heart can help reap the benefits yoga provides.

Both trainings were catalysts in my life that I will forever be grateful for. My goal is to blend the traditional sentiment of yoga with modern knowledge of human anatomy. I believe there needs to be an awareness of proper structure in the body so that a practitioner may stay safe. This creates a sustainable practice that allows a consistent path of growth.  Therefore, I try to incorporate detailed instructions for proper alignment in all my classes as well as meditation and breathwork and often sound healing with Tibetan singing bowls. 

I hope to offer a service that provides others with the same benefits yoga has provided me with anyone who wishes to learn. I work with a diverse group of clients but have an affinity for working with seniors and beginners to help them maintain strength and balance as they age while bestowing my knowledge of what authentic yoga is.