Yoga with Merasha S.

Mindful Movement and Meditation

I teach a variety of classes, and feel confident guiding students of every age, level of experience, whatever their desire to receive from yoga. Beginner Focus: whether You're new to yoga, or looking to add depth to Your practice at home or in classes, this approach offers something for most everyone! I enjoy introducing over 30 different postures, with variations, so that every person regardless of flexibility or experience can find comfort. The use of different props is also explored, as is internal alignment through the bandhas and pranayama. Relax Yourself: This is a Restorative inspired approach. Postures are predominantly done sitting or laying on the mat. Each posture is typically rested into for 10 minutes, and incorporates props (bolsters, blankets, straps). Students are guided through relaxing the body and using the breath to release any stress that's built up there. Dialog typically reinforces renewing the body as well as the spirit. Gentle: a fun blend which invites students to move with their breath or rest into stillness, without involving strength work (i.e. no downward dog!) or long holds (a minute or 3 in each posture is typical). Some standing postures (including balances) are included, though most of the practice is on the mat in a seat or reclined position. Gentle Body, Gentle Mind: an approach including relaxing postures to gently stimulate the energy flow throughout the body. Usually 20 minutes spent in asana practice, with a 40 minute guided meditation. Mixed level: for practitioners with some experience looking for flow and longer holds, this offers moments of challenge as well as moments of softening. Pranayama and bandhas reinforced throughout class, with strength work, binds and balances incorporated. No matter what a student is looking for, I enjoy working with each individual to address goals for their practice. I tailor the postures and breathing techniques to whoever comes, what they need/ desire.

Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Finger Lakes Community College

Paradise is a graduate of the Finger Lakes School of Integrative Health Care and Therapeutic Massage. He is trained in Swedish Massage, deep tissue, energy work, shiatsu, and neuromuscular therapies. He has specialized training in reflexology, hot stone, aromatherapy, deep tissue, and myofascial work. He has also been interning at the Aurora Institute for Excellerating Human Development.

Grounded By Yoga

This certification provided Merasha with the knowledge to guide students through a completely passive practice. Many props are utilized to make each person comfortable and meet them wherever they're at physically, mentally and spiritually. Postures are then rested into for a minimum of 20 minutes, giving those receiving time to relax completely, restore and pamper themselves as she guides them through meditation and stillness.

Grounded by Yoga

Merasha attended this program due to her passion for health and wellness, not intending to become a teacher. This training introduced her to many lineages of yoga, from Kundalini to Iyengar and Ashtanga. While no particular lineage captured her heart, she emerged with a passion to make yoga accessible for everyone, from those with mental and physical disabilities and dis-ease, people of all ages and backgrounds, whether they've been incarcerated or are recovering from addiction. This training included Yogic history and philosophy as well as nutrition and anatomy. She received training in the use of props, aromatherapy, sound therapy, guided imagery, meditation and relaxation techniques to create a peaceful and sacred space for all students, and is well versed in contraindications and variations for postures. She teaches full time; 13 hatha/ meditation classes a week, but enjoys guiding students one on one, meeting each person wherever they're at and working towards specific goals with them.

Yoga Alliance is the largest nonprofit association representing the yoga community. Our mission is to spread the power of yoga one person at a time. We believe that the individual experience of yoga is of paramount importance, and are committed to supporting the passage of yoga from trainer to teacher, teacher to student, and student to aspiring yogi. Our role as the national support organization for the yoga community is to ensure that the practice of yoga will keep growing, so that more people will connect with yoga and be transformed. As an organization we keep several core values at heart: service, excellence, transparency, learning and community.

Professional Proficiency

Native Proficiency