This week while rewriting my yoga biography I became struck by a moment of pure gratitude . It was for the many, many great teachers who have influenced my yoga journey. Its amazing really how blessed I have been with these encounters. Some brief, some quite substantial. Some I would never meet in person but was forever altered just through the influence of their life’s work. Regardless, These are the people whose views shaped who I am. Additionally, they shaped how I teach and how I choose to live my life. With a heart full of gratitude to each of you. This is my thank you to my teacher letter to each of you. NAMASTE.
Finally, these teachers made me the teacher and person I am today! Likewise, may this inspire you to remember and honor your teachers and perhaps write a thank you to your teacher letter yourself!
ABOUT LIZ FOUNDER & DIRECTOR, SOMA YOGA INSTITUTE E-RYT 500, C-IAYT
Liz Heffernan, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT is an international yoga teacher and Integrative Yoga Therapist. She draws from over two decades of personal yoga practice, 25 years of teaching and extensive training in the Hatha yoga systems of Kripalu, Integrative Yoga Therapy, Ashtanga and Anusara. She currently directs and leads Yoga teacher trainings and workshops in worldwide locations, provides unique one-to-one mentoring for yoga teachers wishing to improve their skills and delivery, instructs daily yoga classes and offers private therapeutic sessions. Additionally, Liz serves as a mentor-faculty member for the Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy.
Markedly, Liz’s dynamic teaching style is influenced by many, many wonderful yoga teachers. These include Ashtanga Yoga’s Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, Tim Miller, Nancy Gilgoff and Bhavani Maki; Anusara Yoga’s Desiree Rumbaugh, Jenny Otto, Noah Maze, and Jim & Ruthie Bernaert; Integrative Yoga Therapy’s Joseph Le Page; and yoga philosophers Ram Das, Douglas Brooks, and Carlos Pomeda.
Moreover, Liz is known is for her ability to bridge the gap between the ancient perspectives of yoga and contemporary daily life. She draws on her in-depth knowledge of anatomy and bio-mechanically safe alignment principles to teach adaptive Yoga for all BODIES as a practice for vibrant health, self-transformation and personal empowerment. Also, her teaching weaves together philosophy, creative sequencing, clear alignment, mindful breathing, and compassionate self-inquiry to form a tapestry that reflects her heartfelt commitment to this transformative path.
