A little of Marnell's history
FOR MORE THAN TWENTY-FIVE YEARS I've studied and practiced hatha yoga (the school of yoga emphasizing body work and meditation). During this time I've been most influenced by two of my teachers, the yoga masters Ana Forrest and B.K.S. Iyengar. In 1999 I completed my formal teacher training with Ana Forrest.
AS A SENIOR YOGA INSTRUCTOR I continued developing my skills at the Seattle Holistic Center. I taught the popular workshop Heal Your Back and classes of different yoga styles, including the Iyengar method. I worked with the widely recognized teacher Collette Crawford and I continued my formal training, attending both workshops and master classes.
SINCE BEGINNING MY WORKING RETIREMENT in the Palm Springs area, I've taught at public and private resort spas and clubs, including The Reserve Country Club and the new La Quinta Country Club. In addition, I have a growing list of private students.
I RECENTLY COMPLETED CERTIFICATION for Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga®, which I'm pleased to be able to make available now both for private students and as classes.
My teaching style
I ENJOY BRINGING THE BENEFITS OF YOGA to real people with real needs, both beginning and seasoned practitioners, here in the Valley.
DURING MY YEARS OF TEACHING YOGA I've witnessed people's struggles with body issues, including my own. From these experiences, I've become committed to helping my students become aware of those hidden injuries and physical patterns commonly caused by trauma or simple habit.
WE BEGIN WITH A PROGRAM OF BASIC POSTURES to start getting in shape and re-connecting with our bodies. Where appropriate, we follow the Iyengar method, using blocks, blankets, and chairs to support us. I teach the classic yoga poses and their proper form, emphasizing the body's core, on which all else depends.
I ENCOURAGE MY STUDENTS TO WORK TO HEAL THEMSELVES in a safe, supportive environment. I carefully watch to ensure that they do not push too hard and risk injuring themselves. The poses we do should never be uncomfortable — yoga is always done with mindful control.
IF SOME OF THE YOGA POSES LOOK DIFFICULT, TAKE HEART — I am a grandmother and mother of three grown children. The yoga we do is suitable for all body types and all ages. You are never too old to begin!
YOGA POSES AND THE FLOWING MOVEMENT BETWEEN THEM, synchronized with conscious breathing, form the heart of a successful yoga session.
The benefits of yoga
YOGA'S BENEFITS ARE MANY AND WELL-DOCUMENTED (browse a few of the links on my resources page). Physically, you will find yourself with improved posture, flexibility, strength, and stamina. Following from these are inevitable psychological benefits, including improved energy, stress-handling, concentration, and tranquility.
YOGA IS NOT ABOUT PUTTING YOUR FOOT BEHIND YOUR EAR. It is instead a rejuvinating process that will lead you to a new awareness of yourself and fresh view of the world.