Virginia Linden

PATH:  I was always attracted to the arts in all aspects- acting, dance, drawing/painting, writing. I began on the path of “serious” drawing at age 5, discovered the joys of dance as a teenager and felt acting was my life’s calling as an “adult”. I adore the journey of transformation, creativity and exploring the spirit, emotions and passions that the pursuit of acting calls upon. When I first began consistently studying yoga in LA @ Yogaworks, I found that yoga invited me to connect my body, mind and spirit in a challenging and uplifting environment. Yoga promoted this balanced & gracious approach to life which meshed together beautifully with my creative passions! Acting & Yoga shared the challenge and joy of striving to be fully present in every moment, being accessible and both encouraged cultivating compassion, understanding, love and respect. After practicing for many years, I had this epiphany that I wanted to pursue teaching yoga. I wanted everyone to experience the physical and spiritual well-being that yoga engenders; the sense of peace, health, healing, freedom, flexibility, strengthening, feeling grounded, joyful and endless other benefits! I pursued my yoga teacher certification in NYC at BE YOGA. I aspire to continually evolve my practice and teaching through workshops, classes and further specialized certifications (Anusara). INSPIRATION: I have been inspired locally by Molly Drake for her lovely spirit, expansive teaching and caring support. I garnered further inspiration from Angela Farmer & Victor Van Kooten for their organic and unique approach to exploring yoga. I have also been highly inspired by all of my wonderful teachers in Los Angeles - Seane Corn, Shiva Rea, Sarah Mata, Julie Kleinman, Jasmine Lieb. I was also encouraged and inspired by Beverley Murphy (Yoga Teacher/part Owner) of BE YOGA in Manhattan. I must also credit my acting teacher, Fred Kareman in NYC for being one of my most profound inspirations. He guided me towards a respect for the hard work involved in pursuing any craft, striving for excellence and being true to your own self; plant that healthy acorn and then have the courage and humility to leave yourself alone! I continue to glean inspiration daily from every one of my yoga and pilates students- their humor, enthusiasm, honesty, commitment and generous spirit fuels my gratitude and passion for teaching every day. My husband Keith inspires me, keeps me laughing and feeds me symbolically and literally- he cooks the most incredible meals for me. FAVORITES FOR GROUNDING: Breathing, meditation, balancing poses, warriors, inversions, sun salutations, restorative yoga, getting massages, pilates, swimming, horse-backriding, hiking, walking, the ocean, reading, journal writing, endless striving to unclutter my living space, listening to music, hanging out with my husband, close friends, laughter. FAVORITES FOR KICKING IT: Intensive Yoga Workshops, taking other people’s classes, one on one sessions on the pilates equipment, teaching mat pilates, hitting the road, traveling, meeting new people, having a great meal & a fine glass of wine, taking creative risks, going to movies, theatre, dance and music performances. PRACTICE: The practice develops uniquely according to your own specific needs and being. My genuine interest is to begin with breathing, meditation and taking the time to listen to my mind, body & spirit. I intuit physically what needs nurturing. I also incorporate my pilates training into my practice. Core abdominal work serves to protect the back, strengthens inversions. Themes, goals, chakras inform my practice. I attempt to be true to my own rhythm. I enjoy a light-hearted approach so that yoga is fun! I love the healing aspects. I search for unblocking energy, finding stillness even within challenging movements and attempting to channel any feelings of chaos & stress into opportunities for growth. Gratitude, Love, Courage, Humility and Practicing with an Open Heart. INTENTION: Awaken your body, mind, heart and spirit! Be present. I put a priority on safety- Mindful Yoga that keeps us deeply attuned to our own bodies, staying true to your practice and respect for yourself. Acceptance. Embracing the place that you’re at. Your practice is an ongoing exploration, cultivating compassion for yourself & others, an opportunity to encourage, nurture and challenge yourself in a non-competetive, non-judgemental, supportive environment. Beginner’s Mind. I give hands-on adjustments to help delve a little more deeply into your practice. I like to bring classes into restorative poses before melting into shivasana at the close of the session. My next goal is to delve more into anusara practice & training. MY CLASSES @ CYCO: Tuesday @ 7:15 pm – Level 2-3