From a student's perspective - the reason I come to Shree, class after
class and now going on 7 years, is the quality of the teachers. All the
teachers have so much experience, integrity and compassion and when,
once in a while, I do go elsewhere, it's just not the same. Even when there is a challenging
pose which I just cannot master I never feel like I'm not getting something valuable out of the process. - AS
class and now going on 7 years, is the quality of the teachers. All the
teachers have so much experience, integrity and compassion and when,
once in a while, I do go elsewhere, it's just not the same. Even when there is a challenging
pose which I just cannot master I never feel like I'm not getting something valuable out of the process. - AS
What makes a great yoga teacher is not just years of training, bountiful knowledge of human anatomy, powerful alignment instructions or a way with words (although these things all help). What makes a great yoga teacher is authenticity, a commitment to the practice and a willingness to share of slice of themselves to help others on their paths of practice. In that spirit, we will be sharing little tidbits of info about the teachers at Shree. Some will share yoga related practices and some will share insights into daily life off the mat. In either case, what we hope to offer is a deeper sharing of ourselves to deepen our connections all throughout the Shree community.
Valerie Herzog, RYT 500, Anusara-Inspired Yoga Teacher
Valerie’s classes are upbeat, always include an inspiring soundtrack and speak to her passion for blending yoga with psychotherapy, as “yoga is a form of therapy that is transformational”. In this week’s spotlight, she gives a peek at what she is up to both on and off the mat and one of her favorite year round beverages to keep her healthy and practicing!
What pose are you currently working on? How?
So, very basic, post hip-replacement; left leg forward into a lunge, without assist.
Continuing PT in my practice, each and every day.
What is your biggest mental challenge?
Constantly working on letting go of self-judgment. Powerful demon in my life but I feel I'm making progress!
How do you keep yourself healthy in winter (spring, summer, fall)?
Fire Cider: daily dose of this spicy brew, handcrafted in Brooklyn
Check out where Valerie gets her fire cider here:
Or try out your own at home with the following recipe below (adapted from Wellness Mama)
Be sure to stop in for one of Valerie’s classes at the following times:
Thursday 6:00 to 7:15 Aligned Flow I&II Yoga
Thursday 7:30 to 8:45 Level I Yoga
Sunday 8:30 to 9:45 Aligned Flow I&II Yoga
Fire Cider Recipe
· 1 medium onion, peeled and rough chopped
· 1 head of garlic, peeled and rough chopped
· 3 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
· Apple cider vinegar (organic with “the mother”)
· Raw organic honey
· 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper powder
Instructions
1. Place onion, garlic, and ginger in a quart size mason jar.
2. Add apple cider vinegar to cover the herbs.
3. Cap tightly and leave in the jar for 2-3 weeks, preferably in a sunny or slightly warm place.
4. Strain and discard the herbs.
5. Mix with equal parts raw honey and add cayenne powder.
6. Store in the fridge and take 1 teaspoon as needed daily or when illness strikes. I’ve taken as much as 1 tsp an hour during illness until I felt better.
