The term "yoga" comes from a Sanskrit word meaning "union." Yoga involves the practice of physical postures and poses intended to promote the union of mind, body and spirit. In order to accomplish this, yoga makes use of different postures and movements (asanas), breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and meditation. Yoga is associated with a healthy and lively lifestyle and with a balanced approach to life.

Having originated thousands of years ago in ancient India, Yoga is humankind's oldest continuing physical discipline. Regular practice brings stability to the body and quiets the mind. It increases strength and flexibility while alleviating stress. Studies in the field of medicine suggest that yoga is the only form of physical activity that provides complete exercise to the body, because while it lubricates the body's joints, ligaments and tendons, it also massages the internal organs and glands. This in turn reduces the risk of many diseases.

Yoga can create a positive permanent difference to the lifestyle of anyone practicing it on a regular basis.

Mary Maitri Farel, CYT, LCSW is a certified yoga teacher who has taught in the Hudson Valley since 1998. She received her teacher certifications from the Satchidananda Ashram in Virginia. She has also studied Iyengar yoga for over ten years with teachers in NY and in California.

Mary teaches alignment-based classes with an emphasis on breath exploring the mind/body/spirit relationship. Her instruction is intentional and classes are paced slowly in order to recognize the subtleties of each pose. In Mary's classes students will use props to assist and support the body in postures if/when needed in order to optimize physical alignment.

Mary has taught classes in many settings, from yoga studios, healing centers and hospitals, to prisons.

Mary is a psychotherapist in private practice at Wellness Embodied in New Paltz, NY.

Please email Mary Farel for more information: maitriyoga@aol.com