When I first began teaching yoga in 2010, I took some time to contemplate what I wanted to call this new aspect of my life's work. I decided to name my new business endeavor Singing Heart Yoga.

 

As a musician, songwriter and leader of devotional chanting, I feel that the name expresses the joining together of two deep passions in my life--singing and yoga.  

 

In sifting through the many possible ideas for names, I was reminded that, back in October of 1995, I attended a 5-day meditation retreat with the great Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh. At that time, I was given a dharma name: "Wholehearted Voice of the Heart." Although I liked the sentiment it conveyed, it seemed rather long and awkward to use in any practical sense. So it sat on my altar, written in beautiful calligraphy on a certificate, reminding me to sing and live from the heart.  

 

Over the years, I have poured my heart into my music, my interfaith ministry work, and the teaching of yoga, which for me includes chanting, singing, and prayer. It seemed a natural choice, and one that honored the spirit of my dharma name, to call my work Singing Heart Yoga. 

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Although I teach in many venues locally and around the country,  Singing Heart Yoga now has a beautiful studio space of its own--The Temple of Joy Yoga Sanctuary, in Ithaca, NY.

 

I invite you to visit my Singing Heart Yoga blog for more information, articles, videos, and other resources to support you in your yoga practice.