Mary Reese Folger

My first experience of yoga was in the mid 70’s. I acquired one of those vintage paperbacks and taught myself some poses; I particularly remember cobra, lotus, and headstand! I developed a regular practice in the early 2000’s and then in 2012 started studying and practicing yoga in a more focused way. In June 2014 I completed Open Way Yoga Teacher Training and in October 2018 I passed the Introductory I/II assessment and became a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. I am drawn to Iyengar yoga for its particular focus on precise alignment, focused concentration, and the infusion of intelligence throughout the body. From an Iyengar yoga perspective, we learn the shape of the pose, but then we also learn what actions to make in the muscles and how to coordinate movement with breath so that the posture has vitality and a sense of direction. Iyengar yoga is also characterized by attention to sequencing within each class and from class to class. Props are often used to make a pose more attainable, to enable one to continue to practice while experiencing various health conditions, and to explore poses in more depth. Yoga is a powerful and sophisticated discipline which can be practiced at all stages of life. There are many things I love about yoga in general: the integration of ancient and contemporary wisdom and practices, the breadth of focus – personal, interpersonal, and transpersonal; the ever deepening nature of yoga; and the brief, fleeting moments of spaciousness. I am honored to share this journey with you.