Though I had been a full-time, daily student for six years, a graduate of the White Lotus Teacher's Training and enthusiastic workshop junkie it wasn't until I taught my first class that my study of yoga had purpose. Much like one's mission in life is re-invigorated through the birth of a child, I had the joyous, nerve-wracking experience of people appearing in my class expecting to find from me something of value. Being surrounded by so many dedicated instructors both intimidated and inspired me to take two, sometimes three classes a day. Each class I taught revealed the hidden depths and responsibiliites of this amazing job/path, and this too contributed to the sometimes desperate intensity of my continuing education.

I was mesmerized by the enthusiastic precision and devotion of Richard McGlaughlin's Iyengar classes at the Yoga Center, and studied with him four times a week for over a year. For several years, sometimes consistently, sometimes not, I dove into Ashtanga's Primary Series under the wise tutelage of Steve Dwelley and Michelle Nichols.

I attended whenever I could the innovative vinyasa-based classes offered by veteran instructors David Miliotis and Deb Dobbin. I've been honored to put on retreats and study with Tina Brandt and Cheri Clampett. Tina's deep knowledge of Anusara, Ashtanga and Chinese Medicine turns each of her classes into mini-workshops, while Cheri's very presence heals the room -- her ongoing work with cancer patients and in teaching nurses and doctors the benefits of yoga creates a transformational atmosphere of acceptance and compassion. I have benefitted greatly from the treatments amd wisdom of Dr. Michael Luan, now teaching at Blue Star Rising in the newly minted city of Goleta.

There are so many gifted teachers in our town. By singling out ones I've had direct experience with I don't want to slight others whose classes I've yet been unable to attend. Here are the links to the local yoga centers and some private instructors. If you're a local instructor and are not on this list and would like to be, please e-mail your information -- contact number, style (if you want), where you teach and I'll post it.

My personal guideline for whether a yoga class was "good" is simple: did I come away knowing one thing that enhanced my practice? One variation on a routine pose, a new kind of phrasing that tweaked my perception, a different way of looking at the familiar. You will discover, as you weave your way from teacher to teacher, a fabulous wealth of information and inspiration. When your (current) favorite teacher is away please support the instuctor taking their place. I guarantee you will find, if you remain open, a sliver, perhaps a lightning bolt, of illumination. Similarly, as a substitute instructor, if you find yourself under the indifferent glare of disappointed students don't take it personally. You don't have to make their unfullfilled expectations your own. Share what you know. Teach from your own life experience, from the heart that inspired you into the room in the first place and above all make the class enjoyable for yourself.

It's a deep honor to be part of this community. Namaste.

Local Yoga Options
www.santabarbarayogacenter.com
www.theyogastudio.net
www.eightlimbyoga.com
www.whitelotus.org
www.ashtangasantabarbara.com
www.zentones.com
www.maharani.us
www.goldentreeyoga.com

Other Yoga Links
www.kripalu.com
www.jivamuktiyoga.com
www.steveross.com
www.poweryoga.com
www.sunmoonyoga.com
www.anusarayoga.com
www.yogaworks.com
www.yogajournal.com
www.ifsny.com/interview/god.html
www.llangley.com/yoga/wisdom/rightnow[2].htm

If we agree that the intention of a yoga pose is to bring us, through a symbiotic blend of conscious breathing and body positioning, into this moment then ... is it too much of a stretch to think that everything we do is a yoga pose? These venerated, elegant-sounding movements, shrouded equally in possibility, precision and mystique, simply provide another situation in which to inhabit our lives. The choice in trikonasana, then, is the same as it is in driving to the store, at the computer, in conversation or walking down the street: do we fill the moment with greed and grabbing, striving thoughtlessly with hard bellies, having lost touch with our life force, our breath? Or do we enter the moment with kindness and curiosity, with space for mystery and generosity? Let the instructions we hear so often in class: heart open and lifted, breath steady, gaze soft and focused -- be as applicable off the mat as they are on it.

28 Parker Way, around the corner from the SB Roasting Company.
Click here for a map. 805-965-8811.