About Leslie
CERTIFIED YOGA THERAPIST
CERTIFIED YOGA INSTRUCTOR
- ALWAYS A STUDENT -
“I forgot I could do that!”
I chose the small figure above for this website - an image of Hanuman, a character from Indian mythology - as a reminder to me of the power I have, yet forgot as I got older.
The story goes that Hanuman, a monkey, was born with
many powers and, as a youngster, he was very mischievous.
The wise men of the story decided to temporarily remove
these powers, with the condition Hanuman would regain them (the powers) when he was reminded he had them.
It’s a myth, but one that speaks to me and - perhaps - to you.
When I was young, I hopped, skipped, ran, and tried to do cartwheels. I remember I danced in the living room to the albums my parents had - all great musical productions that enlivened my spirit.
I’m older now and, until I began my yoga practice, I was becoming less and less mobile. No longer did I ride my bike to work; I drove. No longer was I walking and running with friends each morning. I had begun to lead a static life.
I had forgotten the beauty and value of movement.
Today, I am confident, agile, strong, and feel I am aging well. I’ve been reminded (I believe through my yoga practice) that my physical and emotional health is in my hands as much as anyone else’s. While I am not able to completely re-write the script, I can modify it to better suit the way I hope to live.
You have similar power; perhaps its been forgotten or buried beneath life’s responsibilities.
Let this practice - the practice of Yoga - remind you of YOUR power.
What People Are Saying:
“We want to thank you for the important part you are playing in W’s progress. The improvement has changed his attitude too – he is so much more confident and optimistic. JOY!” — MG
“Leslie is very knowledgeable and is a wonderful teacher. She has helped me to develop a strong foundation for my yoga practice. She has helped me to ease the pain on various occasions when my lower back or SI [sacroiliac] joint has gotten tweaked after long hours of sitting at a desk. I highly recommend Leslie.” — Monica H.
Explore – and remember – your power.
I started practicing yoga in 1998, at the age of 48.
Why did I wait so long? Prior to moving to Salt Lake City, I had worked full-time. Instead, I thought I would travel with my husband on some of his business journeys; the first trip was cold, snowy and generally miserable, so I gave up that idea.
Instead, I walked our dogs each day and spent time working around our home. I also tried finding some kind of exercise routine similar to what I had done prior to moving. Having always worked, I had neglected the skill of ‘making friends’. I was lonely. Then, my husband suggested I try yoga.
I found friends in the yoga community; I studied with skilled teachers; and 25 years later I am still passionate about Yoga, in particular Anusara Yoga - a style rooted in alignment of the body.
I achieved Certification in Anusara Yoga in 2013. During the 15 years it took, I taught, practiced and participated in as many yoga trainings, workshops and classes as possible.
In 2017, I enrolled in the Yoga Therapy Training (an 800-hour program) at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Each month I drove to LA for weekend lectures. In early 2021, I graduated and am now Certified as a Yoga Therapist through the International Association of Yoga Therapy.
And, this year (2023), I applied to the Integrative Nutrition Program at the U. of Calif, San Diego (UCSD). This Certification will expand my scope of knowledge and ability to work with individuals looking to improve their dietary wellness.
In my personal life, I am a wife, mother, grandmother to five boys, lover of dogs, and trying to teach myself to play the guitar.
What a ride — never say you are too old, stiff or weak !!!