The Yoga Loft Storybook: Lyralen Kaye

 
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Why/When/Where did you start practicing yoga?

I first started practicing yoga in 2000 at Sarah Lawrence College when I was getting my MFA in Theatre. They offered classes at the gym. Studying theatre was part of a deepening journey into being embodied and present; I originally looked to yoga for how it could prepare me to be open and physically relaxed on stage. I wanted to tell stories with my whole body—yoga immediately became my path for physical and emotional freedom on stage and screen.

How has yoga changed/influenced your life?

As I continued to study and try different forms of yoga, it led me to meditation, to silent Buddhist meditation retreats and eventually to yoga teacher training at Down Under in Boston. I began to understand that my instinct to practice yoga for emotional openness was the right one, that yoga philosophy and honoring body wisdom made yoga much more than a physical practice. I think yoga can be the way home to who you really are. I think it takes courage to listen to your body. I practice yoga as a way to listen to all of who I am.

What has been your experience practicing at The Yoga Loft?

The Yoga Loft has been a bit of a sanctuary for me. It’s where I just get to be a student. Teachers encourage individual practice within classes and give alignment pointers past what I studied in 2012 at Down Under. I get to learn and ground down into that profound spiritual-physical-emotional listening that is the heart of yoga. I experience peace as I stay in integrity with my inner voice while being connected and open to instruction.

Anything else you wish to share about your yoga journey?

Right now, I practice and teach so many forms of yoga! Vinyasa, yin, restorative, gentle, slow flow. It keeps my mind open. Vinyasa can be really fun. Yin and restorative provide a deep peace. Gentle allows for a mindfulness practice. I love the saying, “There are many paths to the moon.” I’m up for any and all paths. Wake up and have a yoga adventure pretty much says it for me.

 
Julie Helmes