I am yoga instructor and yoga therapist with a private yoga therapy practice in my home in Seattle on Queen Anne. I have a small yoga studio and the use of a sauna in my home.

Background

I took my first yoga class in New York in 1972; it was Integral Yoga.  I loved yoga right away and over 35+ years I have explored many fine yoga and meditation paths.  Being a typical vata, I like different experiences and styles.  It takes time and learning to get me grounded in a suitable style that fits a vata personality and that keeps me interested and balanced.

2001 - I was 55 when I finally had the desire and the courage to study yoga seriously and train in teaching and therapy. I completed my teaching training and became a yoga instructor.  

2004 - I completed the 500- hour yoga therapy requirements and became officially an accredited yoga therapist, schooled and trained by Joseph La Page educational program, called Integrative Yoga Therapy.

At this program I had the opportunity to study with a fascinating yoga teacher, Scott Blossom, who has a background in yoga, Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine. Dr. Robert Svoboda, a western authority on Ayurveda and author of many books, was part of the faculty

2001 - 2005 - I have been teaching classes, workshops and retreats, in addition to working with private clients.  Due to a condition, called bipolar disorder, I had to retire from teaching and my practice in 2005.  This medical condition, while chronic, is presently well managed with the help of a good psychiatrist who favors natural remedies and by my own personally designed yoga therapy program.  

2010  - I am very happy to report I have come out of retirement and am back to teaching Viniyoga classes and working with individual clients in my yoga therapy practice in Seattle on Queen Anne.  For information on classes and yoga therapy sessions, see my YOGA FOR YOUR TYPE BLOG. 

While I have an extensive background in diverse styles of yoga, in my own work and practice I use mostly the classical tradition of Viniyoga. I also   integrate principles of Ayurveda and intuitive guidance to create yoga programs which I call:  YOGA FOR YOUR TYPE.

Note:  For your information, there is an interesting Ayurvedic book, called Yoga for your Type: An Ayurvedic Approach to your Asana Practice - By Dr. David Frawley & Sandra Summerfield

Viniyoga

Is a yoga practice designed by T.K.V. Desikachar, son of Sri T. Krishnamacharya.  Krishnamacharya is considered the father of modern yoga. He made yoga available to students in India and the west. He is famous for having taught popular yogis and yoginis, such as his son, Desikachar, B.K.S. Iyengar, Indra Devi and Pattabhi Jois.

The Viniyoga practice is now promoted in the west by Gary Kraftsow, founder of the Viniyoga Institute.

Viniyoga makes use of modified yoga poses with the use of coordinated breath and movement. The adaptations combined with short vinyasas,  asanas and pranayama – all together create a tailored yoga practice that is particular suited to the individual student and can as well be adjusted to a larger class room setting.   

Goal of Viniyoga

The goal is to enhance flexibility of the joints, strength, balance and overall sense of well being and peace.  Pranayama and meditation can be added as additional tools. Other goals are to address health issues such a chronic back pain, stress related illnesses, anxiety, depression, insomnia, menopause, and more.

At almost age 65, I find Viniyoga to be very user friendly allowing myself and my students of all ages with diverse abilities to practice yoga routines that are varied, creative and are easy to do--and on top of it are beneficial, health-enhancing and fun.

Ayurveda

I also include principles of Ayurveda taking in consideration the constitution (dosha) of my student or client looking to balance the doshas with a yoga routine that fits a vata, pita or kapha personality--addressing the quality of the dosha as well as the imbalance that may arise from bad lifestyle habits.

More on Ayurveda

I find the subject of Ayurveda fascinating, so here is more information. 

Both -- Ayurveda and Yoga -- have an extensive vision of health using many varied tools to deepen the integration of body, mind and spirit. 

Ayurveda literally means the science of Life.  Ayurveda is the ancient healing science of India.  Its roots go back several thousand years making it one of the oldest healing arts. 

Ayurveda and Yoga are each on its own excellent in their capacity to enhance well-being. Together synergistically, they provide an even more powerful support in today’s world of tremendous change and pace.

An understanding of Ayurveda allows students to apply Ayurvedic principles to their yoga routine creating a practice that compliments their Ayurvedic constitution and thus enhances their well being.

There are currently many different styles of yoga. Knowledge of Ayurveda assists in choosing a yoga style or using specific poses that are particularly suited to each individual’s needs -- based on knowing your Ayurvedic constitution (dosha)

To find out more about your particular dosha and to learn more about Ayurvedic supplements and treatments, such as Panchakarma, visit the website of my good friend and business partner, Andy Warren – the Ayurvedic Center of Health and Massage - located in Seattle’s University district.

More personal information about Barbara

I am a native of Austria living in the U.S. since 1969, I will turn 65 years old in January, am 38 years married to Michael, with a career in International travel and tourism; and have two daughters, Danielle and Margo; no grand children yet, instead Danielle and Margo, who got married this year, each have a cute dog – Danielle’s Coulee 12 weeks old – Margo’s Shorty 3 years old.

1970 – 1998 –

*Travel agent and Travel Industry Specialist

creating specialized tours, such as ski tours to Europe, art tours to Indonesia, new age tours to Glastonbury & Avebury in England

*Travel Guide

Austria, England, Bali, other parts of Indonesia, Australia, Costa Rica, Argentina, China, Hong Kong, Singapore,  Bangkok

*Travel Representation through MBK, Ltd, a company founded in 1981 by Michael and myself, representing international airlines, tour operators, hotels and international travel magazines and hotel directories.

1998 – 2001

*Personal Chef – I made a career change in 1998 and became a personal chef planning and creating gourmet meals for busy professionals and families in the Greater Seattle area. Most of them were Microsoft employees.

I marketed myself under Fresh Cuisine and was quite successful in a very short time.  I enjoyed the work-- but now was the time for another transition, to follow my passion of yoga not only as a student but to begin earnestly my professional yoga career.

So besides my love to read, to study yoga and Ayurveda, I still have a great interest in diet and nutrition and continue to love to cook great meals.  I continue to enjoy traveling to Europe and exotic destinations and hope to start to travel more again in the near future. My wish is to go to retreat destinations set in beautiful natural environments to teach in a retreat setting. 

For further information, see my YOGA FOR YOUR TYPE BLOG