I decided to leave the East Coast for the warmer and more laid-back environs of Tucson, Arizona, where I lived for eight years before moving permanently to Bocas del Toro. It was in Tucson that I received my Yoga Teacher Certification, from the Providence Institute, where I was taught under the lineage of Krishnamacharya and had the wonderful opportunity to be taught by Menica Desikachar. My Yoga Teacher Certificate is registered with the Yoga Alliance. The course that I studied prepared me to teach hatha yoga and covered a vast field of yogic philosophy while emphasizing asana principles and teaching techniques. I enjoyed study of classical yogic texts including the "Yoga Sutras" of Patanjali and the "Bhagavad Gita", along with Sanskrit terminology, focusing on integrating the study of these ancient texts into everyday life. The curriculum included the history, theory and practice of yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, professional skills, subtle body anatomy and Ayurvedic principles as they apply to yoga practices.

Along with philosophy and subtle body anatomy, my training had an in-depth study of physical anatomy and physiology, covering functions of skeletal, neuromuscular, lymphatic, circulatory, respiratory, and major organ systems. The relationship of asana practice with the principles of biomechanics, kinesiology, and the anatomy and physiology of breath was also explored.

In the autumn of 2007 I had the wonderful opportunity to spend five weeks in India, fulfilling a dream I've had since being a teenager to travel to Rishikesh, in the Himalayan foothills of Northern India, on the banks of the sacred River Ganga. In Rishikesh, I was taught by centuries-long holders of the living Yoga tradition. Spending time in India made me a richer person and taught me things about myself that made me stronger, as well as broadened my scope of yogic understanding. To view photos of my India trip please click here.

In February, 2009 I was in Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand, where I furthered my yoga studies by completing Anusara Yoga Immersions 1 & 2. I consider myself an ongoing student. Continuing my studies beyond the 250 RYT I already have, is invaluable to me, as it not only deepens my personal practice, but I feel makes me a better teacher, being able to pass on to my students what I have learned. Photos of Thailand to be posted soon.

When I was just 13 years old, the movie "Gandhi" was released. Upon seeing the movie, and having been a huge George Harrison (The Beatles) fan, at a young age, I quickly immersed myself in the teachings of Gandhi, and his message of non-violence (ahimsa). Ahimsa, meaning more than just nonviolence, is having a considered attitude in all aspects of life. This refers to loving kindness and compassion towards all beings, including myself. My first experience with adopting ahimsa as a way of life began when I became a strict lacto-vegetarian 27 years ago. My way of nonviolence towards animals is my personal belief system, and if I'm practicing true ahimsa, which means that I don't judge other people who do eat meat. My loving kindness towards other people includes respecting their life choices.

By practicing Ahimsa in my yoga practice, I've learned to pay careful attention to not injuring myself. I used to be too proud and want to force myself into poses. As a result of a knee injury incurred in a boating accident 2 years ago, I've learned to come out of a pose, or simply not do a pose, if I feel it would tax my body, or potentially injure my body. Practicing true yoga is being aware of yourself and respecting your body's current limitations. Self acceptance is quite liberating!

Ahimsa in my teaching means giving my students the same leeway and compassion of their bodies that I give my own. It's important that I always offer variations and modifications of poses and make students feel safe and secure and never pressured to do anything they're not comfortable with, either physically or mentally. It's about being non-judgmental, respecting where an individual is at, and assuring them that it's of vital importance that they honor themselves first and foremost.

It is an honor to be able to teach yoga, and pass on the knowledge that I have learned. I will always be a student myself, always in search of knowledge and growth. I am truly grateful to be able to return to Panamá and call this my home, the best place I've found to practice my two passions in life - yoga and photography.

In Love & Light,

Laura Kay