Elizabeth is senior teacher and head of the mysore program at the Ashtanga Yoga School of Philadelphia. Her first exposures to meditation, yoga, and Eastern spirituality came at an early age. Elizabeth attended a Quaker school from ages 4-14. During this time she regularly attended meeting for worship, which she believes gave her the foundation for a seated meditation practice. Later, Elizabeth attended a Catholic high school and was introduced to teachers who nourished her interest in spirituality and Theology. In her senior year, Elizabeth was selected as one of 12 students to participate in a year-long course culminating in a service trip to Pine Ridge Indian reservation in South Dakota. Throughout the course of the year she was introduced to Hinduism and Buddhism for the first time, read the Bhagavad Gita, and attended her first formal guided meditation. These experiences would make a lasting impression on her. Elizabeth’s study of Eastern Spirituality continued to grow as she attended St. Joseph’s University, where she still visits as a guest speaker in Asian Spiritualities courses. Elizabeth is eternally grateful for her early teachers and is continually inspired by them in her study of Yoga.
While studying history and political science, applying to law school, and competing as a Division 1 tennis player, her father persuaded her to try yoga for the first time; thinking it might help her manage stress. The dynamism of the practice instantly drew her in and she quickly fell in love with the beauty of linking movement, breath, and mindfulness. Soon enough, she was practicing yoga every day; experiencing positive transformations in mind, body, and spirit.
As she delved deeper in the practice she discovered Sri K Pattabhi Jois’ Ashtanga Yoga, the Ashtanga Yoga School of Philadelphia, and her teacher: David Garrigues. The integrity and structure of the Ashtanga Yoga system was a perfect and natural fit for her. Elizabeth began apprenticing with David Garrigues in 2012 and has been blessed with the opportunity to assist him all over the United States and in India. Elizabeth is always a student, striving to learn more about herself, the practice, and how she can guide others through their own journey.
Website: http://aysphiladelphia.com/
