I have been studying and practicing yoga since 2003 when I joined a small group of people doing yoga and meditation at 5:30 AM in the basement of church in Vermillion, SD. I have since studied many styles of yoga including Anusara, Core Power and Prana Vinyasa. For those of us in the Western world, the physical practice (asana) has become synonymous with yoga. As a teacher, I strive to help my students uncover what yoga can do beyond the physical. Students attending one of my yoga classes can expect a serious, but uplifting approach to the practice. I like to develop thematic sequences that combine the physical and spiritual dimensions to help students deepen their practice. One way to become spiritual is to raise your spirits. Eventually we begin to recognize the shape of our lives in our yoga practice. Students frequently step off their mats feeling more integrated, nourished, balanced, uplifted and more deeply connected to themselves.