She brings a true love and light to the studio. On Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons Martha teaches a Gentle Kundalini Yoga class. This special class is accessible to all levels. Her teaching is kind and generous and offers a sense of self awareness. Her mantras are sweet and calming while her meditations bring a sense of peace and harmony. We are so fortunate to have Martha volunteering her time to share her wisdom and knowledge with our community.
- What was the experience with yoga that got you hooked? My very first Kundalini class in Austin, Texas twenty years ago. There was something so warm and nurturing about the mantras, the physical practice, and the meditation. I felt as if I had finally come home to the coziest place I could imagine.
- What inspires you to continue yoga? My teacher really impressed upon me the idea of yoga as a practice. He would say, “Okay, so you can’t do this asana today. Talk to me in ten years, or twenty years, after you’ve had a chance to practice.” Now it’s less important which shapes my body can make on any specific day, and more important that I simply show up, both on my mat and off.
- What is your favorite pose? Savasana, of course!
- What is your most challenging pose? I struggle with anything that requires hopping from one end of the mat to the other.
- What is your favorite time/place to practice? The early morning hours of the Amrit Vela, just before dawn, are very special to Kunalini yogis. I love the quiet, gently broken by the first bird songs, and the light that softly moves away darkness.
- How has yoga changed your life? Since we have absolutely no control over the challenges that arise from day to day, our real power lies in finding the tools that help us navigate the bumpy spots. Yoga has been my compass and my barometer during some pretty rough times, and it continues to serve me well.
- Do you have a favorite yoga book or video? The Aquarian Teacher, by Yogi Bhajan
- What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself? Sensitive, funny, unique.
- Is there a recurring theme that runs through your yoga practice? I believe in a heart-centered practice and a heart-centered world. I try to share with students that the bravest action we can take is to lead with our hearts.
- If you could just share one practice that has helped you the most, what would it be? Find three minutes every day to devote to your practice. No matter how busy or frantic we may be, we can find three minutes to breathe, to move, to chant, to clear the mind.
- What is your current or all-time favorite song or artist for a yoga playlist? I would listen to Snatam Kaur sing the phone book anytime, but right now I can’t stop listening to Gurunam Singh’s “Guru Dev Mata.”
- What is your mantra? The Mul Mantra – it is a fate-killer and has the power to change your destiny.”Ek ong kaar, sat naam, karataa purakh, nirbho, nirvairAkaal moorat, ajoonee, saibhang, gur prasaad. Jap!Aad such, jugaad such, Hai bhee such, Naanak hosee bhee such.”
- Do you have a passion other than yoga you’d like to share about? More than just one: dogs, kids, books, gardening, cooking…
- How did you find Asheville Community Yoga? I am fairly new to Asheville, and my goal was to try every yoga studio to “find my place.” From the first moment I walked into Asheville Community Yoga, I knew I was home.
Well Martha, welcome home. Thank you for all that you do in this community and in this world. If you haven’t been to any of Marthas classes be sure to try one out!
Gentle Kundalini Yoga (All Levels, Beginners Welcome)
Saturdays from 9:00 to 10:00 am & Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 pm (note: the Wednesday class begins on March 7th)
A warm, gentle approach to Kundalini – the yoga of awareness. We will use gentle kriyas, breath, meditation, and mantra to bring about a sense of calm neutrality.
“Kundalini Yoga is a method to become nothing, so that everything can flow through you. That’s all it is.” -Yogi Bhajan
