As part of the early family of Asheville Community Yoga, Wendy is grateful to have returned to this ever-expanding space of love and devotion. It has been a beautiful journey of studying with many teachers including Erich Schiffmann, Seane Corn, Doug Keller, Cora Wen, Rodney Yee, and Paul Grilley, but her greatest teachers have been her children and her students who have enlightened her life in the most remarkable way. Always grateful for the opportunity to share yoga, Wendy has over 4,500 hours of teaching experience. Certified in many different disciplines and styles of yoga, her classes vary from Gentle Flow, Yoga for Seniors to HOT Flow, as well as a fun Blacklight Yoga class which incorporates yoga and dance.
The mission of Asheville Community Yoga is deeply woven into Wendy’s heart and dharma (life purpose). In the fall of 2019, Wendy made the decision to step away from her staff responsibilities and focus her energy into working with those who may not be able to attend classes on a regular basis and to be an ambassador of our mission to offer accessible, inclusive yoga to all. Beginning in January of 2020, Wendy embraced the opportunity to share the practice with local support groups for Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis. In addition, she is now available to come to your school, organization, business, or small group to offer specialized classes. You may coordinate those classes through Lauren@ashevillecommunityyoga.com
Wendy also serves as one of our Healing Arts practitioners, now offering individualized instruction on Mondays. Please visit our Healing Arts page to schedule your appointment.
Wendy provides support and guidance to the instructors who serve Asheville Community Yoga by organizing monthly teacher workshops. Wendy offers a Foundations of Yoga series for students wishing to dive deeper into incorporating Yoga into their daily lives and is a part of our Teacher Training and Immersion programs. She is registered with Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT and YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider)
“Asheville Community Yoga is intrinsically woven into my heart space. It is an honor and a privilege to serve here.”
You may contact Wendy at Wendy@yogimamabear.com.
Wendy’s classes:
Gentle Morning Flow (All Levels, Beginners Welcome)
Sundays from 9:30 to 10:45 am
The peaceful pace of a Sunday morning offers an opportunity to soften into a more mindful, gentle practice. A beautiful way to ease into the week ahead with a Gentle Morning Flow practice, mindful breathing, and deeply relaxing Savasana. Options are given to make this class accessible to all levels. Beginners welcome.
Yoga for Seniors (All Levels, Beginners Welcome)
Mondays from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm
This class is often referred to as our most “rowdy, fun group” in the community! You will find a friendly group of folks gathered together to share about their lives, check in on one another if someone hasn’t been to class in a while, meet at Karma Cafe’ after class for lunch or tea, and truly engage in what community is all about!
Mindful movement and breathing are the focus of this class, specially designed for students who are 50 and up. Each practice will include ways in which you can incorporate yoga into your daily routine to reap the greatest long-term benefits. Props and individualized instruction help make this class suitable for all levels. With a touch of humor sprinkled in, you will find yourself smiling and energized, ready to embrace the day!
(Please check in with Wendy BEFORE class if you have any specific physical challenges or recent surgeries, so she can assist you in being comfortable for your practice)
HOT Flow (ABSOLUTELY NO BEGINNERS PLEASE*)
Tuesdays from 8:00 to 9:15 pm
Combining Vinyasa, Freedom Style, mindful breathing and playful enthusiasm, this class creates an opportunity to explore your practice in a whole new way. As the temperature of the room and body heat up, it allows for a deeper release and letting go. This class is challenging and not suitable for beginners. We will explore more advanced poses and sequences and encourage exploring your pose within the pose, making each practice uniquely your own. Bring a towel and be ready to sweat! Set to a great playlist of music, the time will fly by quickly, ending with the blissful relaxation of a much deserved savasana.
*Why, “no beginners”? Unlike a traditional Vinyasa Flow class, the heated room and vigorous practice warms the body. This creates perspiration of course, which can make for a slippery experience! Finding stability and balance to support bone and muscle structure is key to a safe practice. In addition, the warmth creates more flexibility in the muscles, so you will find it easier to stretch. Without previous yoga experience, one might have less ability to notice when to back away in a pose to prevent over-stretching or straining. Please take one of our many Vinyasa Flow classes, work up to Warm Vinyasa, then come into this experience with a safe intention and mindset. Thanks!
Gentle Flow (All Levels, Beginners Welcome)
Fridays from 9:30 to 10:45 am
Moving mindfully with our breath, Gentle Flow Yoga will allow your body to release tension and create space for healing. Focusing on safely transitioning from one pose to the next which allows for a steady flow of prana through the body and organs, we will go through a series of seated, standing, and reclining postures. Suitable for Beginners, as well as Advanced students who are looking for a gentle, mindful practice. This is a delightful way to end your week and ease into your weekend!
