Where did The Art of Being Happy come from?

As a longtime student and teacher of yoga, I’ve come to realize that so much of what we’re doing in yoga is practicing LIVING INTENTIONALLY. We all want to know how to be healthy and happy, and how to feel connected and grounded in this rush-rush, overstimulating world. For me, yoga is about more than the poses, and even more than the meditation and pranayama (breathing) practices that accompany the asana. It’s about love, authenticity, and refining the tools to live a happy, healthy, and intentional life. The Art of Being Happy has been inspired by my studies and experiences in Yoga and Ayurveda, studies and work in the wellness, food, and natural products industries, and a wealth of feedback from my wonderful yoga community!

Yoga & Ayurveda for Health and Happiness

We may know what we need to be healthy, and perhaps catch glimpses of what we need to be happy, but so often our busy lives get in the way of both. I get it. When I first started practicing yoga, I felt happy... on occasion. I felt connected... here and there. But more often than not, I felt scattered, stuck, and at the mercy of whatever thought or emotion was taking me for a ride. No more!

I changed my patterns to repave the road before me. I sensed that those sparks of happiness I'd glimpsed within could be coaxed into glowing embers of true and lasting happiness. And through yoga, and her sister science Ayurveda, I learned tools to connect with that happiness and help it grow in a steady and sustainable way. Do I believe happiness is within? Absolutely. But if we're all cluttered up with unhealthy habits and (pardon me) crap food, how can we expect to stay connected to that inner feel-good?! The Art of Being Happy is about taking care of our health and happiness. I believe happiness is both within and a practice.

What does yoga have to do with happiness?

Yoga is a practice of self-discipline, fueled by love and the desire to know and be one’s true and best self. The practice of yoga strengthens the body and mind, improving focus, clarity, balance, flexibility, integration, and equanimity. Yoga also inspires integrity and well-being on- and off-the-mat. Is yoga necessary for happiness? Probably not. But it’s been the most effective discipline I’ve tried!! And I’m not the only one… More and more studies are showing that yoga supports happiness.

What if I’ve never practiced yoga before?

No problem. Start with our two welcome videos: “The Everyday Practice” and an introduction to the most common yoga warm-up sequence, the “Sun Salutation”. Each and every yoga video includes technique and tips, to help you understand and practice proper alignment, as well as possible pose modifications. Then, go at your own pace, listening to your body and building strength and flexibility gradually. If you live in or near Charlotte, sign up for a private session... and of course, you can always ask questions!