Bio
After seven years of working at a university as the
Assistant Director of Admissions I decided to heed the
advice I gave out so liberally to the prospective
college students who met with me: "Pursue something that
you love so much, that is so central to who you are,
that you would do it whether or not you got paid." I
feel blessed to have discovered what those pursuits are
for me!
Since the Fall of 2000, yoga and Feng Shui have become
my vocation and my play; they are life-long studies that
are integral to all aspects of my life. With both yoga
and Feng Shui I explore the ways that energy
(prana/ch'i) moves, both in our bodies and in our homes.
I delight in discovering the ways in which the two
traditions interrelate and how they bring harmony and
balance to our lives.
Initially I wrestled with embarking on two seemingly
disparate paths. In response to my concerns my sister
casually let fly a simple truth that helped greatly:
"But Andrea, yoga is just internal Feng Shui, and Feng
Shui is external yoga." After that everything clicked
into place. My studies and my work in both disciplines
converged, and now they evolve together, continually
informing one another. Energy in motion!
For example, a few years ago decluttering became a
part of the services I offer. Initially it evolved from
Feng Shui and my work with Feng Shui clients, but very
quickly I realized that the practice of yoga, and the
work we do cleansing and making space in our bodies,
shares much with the process of decluttering in our
external spaces. They are inseparable, and any
understanding we glean from one practice can be
immediately applied to the other.
As a result, the classes, consultations and
retreats that I offer often include elements of both
yoga and Feng Shui/decluttering. And it is not unusual
for a client or student from one discipline to cross
over to the other. It means that these studies, these
approaches to improving our quality of life, are
ever-changing and never stagnant!
My yoga training includes a certification
from Kripalu Center in Massachusetts - the largest yoga
center in the nation - and a training certification in
Feng Shui with Carole Hyder in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Carole studied with Master Thomas Lin Yun, who
introduced Feng Shui to the United States in the
mid-1980s. My studies are ongoing, and I owe much
gratitude to teachers and authors who generously share
their expertise.
My deepest gratitude, however, must extend to the
hundreds of clients and students who have magnanimously
invited me to participate in their lives,
their stuff, their bodies and their spirits. From them I
have learned much about yoga and Feng Shui/decluttering,
about the human condition, about my own quirks and
foibles. From them I have learned that our bodies,
spirits and homes can become stagnant and neglected, ill
and decrepit...and that with a strong dose of intention
and will, humility and humor, breath and movement,
well-being can be restored and even flourish. Because of
my students and clients I feel deeply hopeful.
|