I believe that we must be the change we are looking for in the world. If we want the world to be a better place, we can start by developing and empowering ourselves and what better way than through yoga! I practice and teach yoga because it develops the mind, body and spirit. BKS Iyengar said, ""Ignorance has no beginning, but it has an end. There is a beginning, but no end to knowledge." I have learned that a yoga practice can lead us to greater knowledge of ourselves, our strength, and our ability to cultivate peace and love within.
 
All I knew about yoga when I first started practicing in 2003 was that it made me feel better because it released tension, improved my flexibility, and relaxed me. Yoga was the perfect complement to the other physical activities I was involved. I tried many different styles of yoga before I discovered and fell in love with Vinyasa style yoga. I practiced yoga for several years before I delved into some of the deeper aspects of yoga. As I learned about yoga philosophy, I discovered that yoga is a system for personal cultivation which gave me an even greater appreciation for my practice.
 
I was once told by my yoga teacher, John Meredith, that a good yoga practice reveals things about you. Yoga postures are like sign posts. My yoga practice has indeed led me to greater self-awareness. I am constantly learning about my body, my habits, my responses, and my inner strength. My desire is to share what I have learned about the strength that flexibility and openness yields; the ability of the mind and body to overcome limitations; the courage needed to face and overcome our fears; and the power in surrendering.

Ashlee Goite

Ashlee Goite discovered yoga while completing her university studies in Conway, South Carolina.  Numerous pairs of running shoes, gym memberships and hours of fitness training awakened her interest in developing a spiritual practice, as well as her physical practice. She experimented with several styles of yoga classes before one of her instructors suggested she join her and a group of ashtanga practitioners that met several times a week at a local tae kwan do studio.  She was hooked by the intensity and focus required with the first session, and she started practicing three to four times a week.
 
With time, the ashtanga yoga practice became an important and powerful part of Ashlee’s life.  She learned the power of being present, of being aware of every moment and how to use that awareness in times of difficulty and stress, as well as in times of calm and happiness.   Eventually, her love of the practice grew and she knew she wanted to share the experience with others, to help them to experience the wonderful changes both the physical and spiritual practice can bring to one’s life.