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Gretchen

When Gretchen first discovered yoga, the whole of it seemed to slip seamlessly into her life and heart as the perfect framework for her spiritual development, especially with the physical (or asana) practice to serve her need for joyful embodiment. A seeker by nature, she explored and taught many styles of yoga to many different populations before landing at Circle Yoga—first as a student. Circle felt like a safe and caring space, so she was delighted when offered the opportunity to teach “gentle” yoga, which was new to her at that time. She found that most of her learning to teach in this new way came from her students. Together, they played with and "tweaked" the classical poses to make them accessible for all bodies. Adapting postures for individual bodies became a co-creative opportunity for her, which she enjoys immensely to this day!

While teaching at Circle, Gretchen first discovered Yoga Nidra in a workshop led by Dr. Richard Miller. She was struck by the depth and power of this practice and went on to study with Dr. Miller intensively. She learned his beautifully adapted version of Yoga Nidra which he designed to serve trauma-sensitive populations (specifically veterans), yet it is suitable for everyone. Gretchen loves teaching this guided meditation practice and marvels at its capacity to soothe and reset the nervous system even in the most stressful of times. The inherently kind practice of acceptance (or "welcoming") anything and everything that might be arising and unfolding within us, without resistance, is a mainstay of the practice. Its relevance to skillfully navigating our everyday lives is huge.

In addition to yoga, Gretchen loves the natural world, including her dogs, and is a passionate gardener, student of the healing arts, Reiki practitioner, and artist, as well as a lifelong learner.