About
Yoga has brought much joy, ease and freedom to my life: balancing a hectic corporate life and grad school over a decade ago, recovering from a motorcycle accident, to staying grounded and clear-headed each day as I seek to weave yoga into life, in my own world, in relationship with others and in my classes.
With over 500 hours of yoga and meditation studies, 2000+ hours of teaching experience, a dozen years of Vinyasa prior to 6+ years ongoing practice in Iyengar yoga and continued training with senior teachers, I seek to bring the same joy, ease and liberation - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually - in my classes. After a year-long preparation, preceded by 4 years of dedicated practice and learning I became a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor. I am immensely grateful to my teachers as well as the thousands of students who informs my learning as a teacher everyday. Learn more at BeingMindfulEveryday.com.
While I love and continue to teach group classes, I especially love to teach one-on-one yoga as I can then address each student’s needs directly. Spurred by constant requests for back issues in group classes, I completed a scoliosis intensive training with renown Iyengar teacher, Elise Miller in 2015 and continue researching and learning about spinal health. I've has also been apprenticing with senior Iyengar teacher, Kathy Alef in her weekly back-care class for over two years and thus focuses on alignment and back-care in my private yoga sessions. With 30+ years teaching experience Kathy also directed the Iyengar Yoga Institute Teacher Training for many of those years. I am deeply grateful to Kathy for the immense learning I've has received and continue to attend Kathy’s 2-hr advanced Iyengar classes weekly.
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Elie P.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to get to know my student's lifestyle before class actually starts and understand the student's intention for taking on private yoga lessons, that I can actually help them achieve their goals. Physical limitations, past injuries are important to note as it allows me to customize the lessons specific to those conditions.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Beyond the 200-hour teacher training, my training is largely steeped in the Iyengar Yoga tradition, where most props were invented! I've studied with two of the most celebrated Iyengar teachers, Manouso Manos and Patricia Walden, who are both in their golden years. My primary teachers are two other senior Iyengar teachers, Janet MacLeod and Kathy Alef, whose weekly back-care classes I've been assisting in for over three years. All these teachers have been teaching for more than 30 years each.
My meditation studies began earlier from an inquisitive mind since high school where I've read several texts, and attended many meditation retreats and workshops in various traditions. They led me to a 10-day silent meditation retreat in the Goenka tradition which I attended in Thailand. Locally, I enjoy teachings from Spirit Rock Meditation Center and the SF Zen Center.
How did you get started teaching?
In 2012, I walked into a yoga studio on Divisadero St canvassing for a fund-raising event and the manager saw something in me. I'd just returned from a year of traveling after obtaining my 200-hr yoga teacher training at YogaTree. During my travels, I spent 3 months in India spending much of that time practicing Iyengar yoga.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with a myriad of students. Currently, I work with two older students with back problems and a younger gentleman with an injured foot. I've also helped many young yogis improve their practice in general.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I attended a day long meditation session at Green Gulch a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. Having lived in SF for 19 years, it was a spot I often got curious about but hadn't quite made a special trip until now. I've mostly frequented Spirit Rock but must say have now found a new favorite center. I'm now planning to lead a yoga retreat at Green Gulch next year.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for one with some serious training specific to the areas you need most help with. Best to have a live conversation before hand.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your intentions? What are your physical limitations or injuries? What are you looking for? Can you commit to a series of on-going sessions and learning the practice outside of classes. These are just some thoughts that will be helpful as you sort out and determine the best fitting instructors.