Cheryl Diegel

PATH: My first exposure to yoga was in college in 1993. I took a 10 week course to fulfill a P.E. requirement while studying for a music degree in vocal performance at Meredith College. It was supposed to help me relax, breathe more efficiently and focus during performance. I was carrying 21 credit hours, had a family, a house and a part-time job. One session of yoga did not help me relax. A few years later I tried it out in a gym setting to help stretch out sore muscles after work-outs. The same beginner poses each time, no explanation about what we were doing or why and loud music blaring in the gym -not ideal. Nevertheless something was at work in spite of these unsatisfying trips to the yoga mat. I finally made my way to a yoga studio in search of a “real yogic experience” and found my first two teachers and mentors. About 4 years later I realized I wanted to teach. The path was becoming clear. Yoga grew from something I wanted to do, to something I needed to do and eventually, to something I needed to share. INSPIRATION: I read a lot! Some of my favorite authors are Georg Feuerstein, Donna Farhi, B.K.S. Iyengar, Erich Schiffmann; the list grows. My fellow teachers; their insights and love of what they do is continually inspiring. I am strongly influenced by David Beadle, Lisa Clark, Patty Townsend and Shiva Rea, who are amazing teachers. I’m continually inspired by my students; as they grow in understanding, so do I. FAVORITES FOR GROUNDING: S-t-r-e-t-c-h. Which should really be called yield, surrender and b-r-e-a-t-h-e. Staying in a pose long enough to feel the release. Nature. Walking. Sleeping out on my screened-porch. Reading to my grandchildren. FAVORITES FOR KICKING IT: Shiva Rea and Lindsey Rosen taught me to take my yoga off-the-mat. After an intense, controlled yoga practice, I remove the mat, put on a cool, rhythmic sound and let the music move my body. This is one place I feel the deep connection of body and soul. PRACTICE: I love my personal practice (asana, pranayama, meditation, music). I think the journey into one’s self is the most mysterious, fascinating, rewarding road trip of all. Yoga is one way of accessing my inner self. INTENTION: I think body/mind awareness, centering and alignment are of utmost importance. I try to lead my students to a place where they want to learn more about themselves and give them the tools to move deeper. In Yoga 101 the student is introduced to the basic asanas (poses), the practice of pranayama (breath control) and experiences the community of a yoga class first-hand. I think of S-t-r-e-t-c-h as a very personal, intimate practice. The practice allows people to work at their own level, uncovering piece by piece, layer by layer, going as deeply as they want. We work with all the tightest area of the body –hips, shoulders, hamstrings and quadriceps. And we always find something at which to laugh; it’s the best release. My Classes @ CYCo: Yoga 101         Wednesday evenings 7:15       S-t-r-e-t-c-h       Thursday evenings 7:15 Yoga 1 & 2        Sunday mornings 9:00 Back to Home Page. Back to Bio Page Back to Schedule Page.