Kathy Ryan's Yoga Background
"I took my first yoga class in Santa Monica California 15 years ago at Yoga Works. Over the years I have had the privilege of working with truly the most talented, dedicated and exciting teachers the country had to offer: Rod Stryker, Shiva Rea, Ana Forrest, Steve Ross, Beryl Bender Birch, Patricia Walden, John Friend, Brian Kest, and Baron Baptiste to name a few...
"Through exposure to so many talented yoga 'pioneers' I was able to adopt certain styles and techniques to create my own unique class.
Rod Stryker introduced me to technique and philosophies. He showed my the importance of the breath and finding stillness. It was during my first teacher’s training with Rod that I had an "Ah Ha" moment and realized that yoga was my calling and I wanted to pursue that path no matter what it took. www.parayoga.com
Under Shiva Rea's guidance I learned the excitement of letting go and getting into the flow of yoga. Connecting with the element of water. And learning to releasing the Goddess energy within. Through Shiva I found the confidence to add unconventional, abstract, fluid, yoga moves to my classes. She is the Goddess of movement. www.shivarea.com
Thru Ana Forrest I learned the importance of opening one's mind to the seemingly impossible… and make it possible. She taught me the elements of courage and strength: the courage to try and the mind strength to believe. Suddenly postures that seemed beyond my ability became possible under her influence. Mind over Matter... and "no housekeeping". www.forrestyoga.com
And Steve Ross. Thru Steve I learned the value of adding music to my classes. And not just yoga music but – 'Rock n' Roll', 'Sky's the limit' and 'Bring down the house!!' - kind of music! That tool has been one of the greatest gifts to me because we are all wired to respond to music! And getting lost in music helps one get lost in the spirit of the moment and have fun. Yoga is fun! www.mahayoga.com
My influences came not only from yoga teachers but from studying with Spiritual teachers like:
- Marianne Williamson, www.marianne.com
- Rev. Michael Beckwith, www.agapelive.com
- Dr. Wayne Dyer, www.drwaynedyer.com
- Mary Manin Morrissey, www.marymorrissey.com
- Deepak Chopra, www.deepakchopra.com
- Neale Donald Walsch, www.nealedonaldwalsch.com
- James Arthur Ray, www.jamesray.com
- Eckhart Tolle, www.eckharttolle.com
- Louise Hay, www.louisehay.com
Through movement we find stillness. In stillness we find Peace.
