Zpora Perry

Atha Yoga Nushasanam: “Now, the inquiry of yoga.” PATH: I began doing yoga in college and was amazed by how relaxed and energized I could feel after a lunchtime class. I started practiced Jivamukti yoga while I was living in New York City and became addicted to the “yoga high” I got after class. When I was diagnosed with cancer in May of 2006, my yoga practice shifted and deepened as I used it for less of a workout and more of a way of being. It helped me get through intensive chemotherapy and continues to inspire me. I went through a wonderfully decadent training at Kripalu Center in Massachusetts, getting my certification in May of 2007. INSPIRATION: I’m inspired by being outside, especially on mountaintops with lots of wind. Music, chanting, and the breath. FAVORITES FOR GROUNDING: Meditating, cooling pranayama, being with people I love, eating good food, floating in lakes. FAVORITES FOR KICKING IT: Sun salutations with my eyes closed, holding poses well past when I think I can, headstands in beautiful places, long runs, climbing up rock walls that scare me just enough to get the adrenaline flowing. PRACTICE: I try to begin and end every day with some sort of breathing exercise, first to wake me up, then to slow me down for sleep. In between, it varies. I love to go to classes, move through poses on my own, or just lie around on the floor for a while stretching and breathing. INTENTION: To help people explore their yoga path. MY CLASSES AT CYCO: Sundays at 6pm, Kripalu-inspired flow