Ann Burrus

PATH      One Spring day in 2001, I walked into a yoga class, not knowing what to expect really, just wanting to move my body. A strange feeling came over me during the class though; it was a knowing that I had finally found something that was mine. I immediately wanted to learn as much as possible- writing down what I remembered doing from class so I could practice at home, reading books and magazines on yoga, and taking several classes a week. My family eventually became accustomed to seeing me drop into down dog or throw my leg out over the sink while cooking dinner. The more yoga I experienced, the more I wanted to know, and eventually I enrolled in The North Carolina School of Yoga to become certified to teach Interdisciplinary Yoga, graduating in April, 2003. INSPIRATION    I am drawn to the Iyengar style of yoga, focusing on precision, alignment, and innovative use of props. I have been greatly influenced by the writings and teachings of Judith Lasater.  In April 2005, I had the privilege of studying with Judith in Restorative Yoga and am now certified as a Relax and Renew Restorative Trainer.  Sara Meeks has also been a great source of inspiration for me. She is a Kripalu Yoga teacher and physical therapist who has devoted her life to educating people about osteoporosis and ensuring that there are safe yoga classes for those with low bone mass. I trained with her at the Kripalu Center in 2004. Locally, I was inspired by the wonderful, Iyengar-style classes of Susan Delaney and Elizabeth Russell. FAVORITES FOR GROUNDING    Being with my family; the ocean; nature walks; writing; going out with friends FAVORITES FOR KICKING IT     One of my favorite things to do is to move V e r y slowly through a pose, or several poses, actually feeling the stretch of my skin over my muscles, not taking for granted the feeling of my body moving. It feels very spiritual to me. I love “trying on” modifications- noticing how different I feel from one to the other. I love that each yoga pose, no matter how many you do, is unique in that moment. I love what each student brings, uniquely, to the class. I usually play soft music, but moving in silence is also very powerful PRACTICE: I enjoy the sanctuary that my personal practice allows. I breathe, I notice, I release, I absorb; I become more of who I am because of my practice. I like to vary my practice to a certain degree but try to always incorporate some standing poses, inversions, backbends, hip openers and end with a restorative pose or two before savasana. INTENTION: My intention is to provide a safe yoga environment that will encourage the release of stress, allow students to feel comfortable with what comes to the surface as they breathe/move and as they become still. A balanced moving of the whole body is something I strive for in my classes and a sense of joy in movement (and stillness). PEACE! MY CLASSES @ CYCO : RELEASE & RESTORE : Wednesday evenings, 7:15-8:30 RELEASE & RESTORE : Friday afternoons, 4:00-5:15 for more info:  www.restorativeyogateachers.com Back to Home Page. Back to Bio Page Back to Schedule Page.