Namaste_Heather

Welcome to Namaste~Heather. Thank you for stopping by. I created this site for two reasons . . . to publish a current class schedule and to write! If you view the classes page, you’ll see that I am now only teaching regularly at Ohio University. I am, however, available for individual sessions, prenatal classes, Couples/Partner Yoga Classes and Yoga Parties!

Namaste is a Sanskrit word that loosely translates to “the light that is in me acknowledges/honors the light that is also within you”. My writing here is about that . . .  my hope is that my words emanate from my highest self. Sometimes about yoga, sometimes not, mostly its about what’s in my heart, what I feel passionate about. It’s about life and how I view it through a yogic lens. I’m currently very interested in sustainability and living more in-tune with Mother Earth, so many of my posts relate to those issues.  To me LIFE is the great yoga practice of all! I live in awe and wonder of the many blessings I see and feel everyday.

If you are interested in my classes, you may want to know this . . . I’ve been a yogi since 1998. Credentials to teach include:

• Integrative Yoga Therapy Teacher Certification (2007)
• 200 Hour RYT through the National Yoga Alliance (since 2007) ongoing CEUs
• Certified Storytime Yoga Teacher (2009)
• Prenatal Yoga Teacher Certification (2010)
• B.S. in Interpersonal Communication: Concentration in Health and Social Sciences
• I teach from a place of creating awareness, acceptance and mindfulness
• All levels of students are welcome
• (See student comments below)

I discovered my passion for writing in college and used those skills professionally for many years; writing web content, news articles, press releases, proposals and teaching manuals. During and just after teacher training, I wrote several yoga articles for print publications and websites. In 2008, I left a full-time job to teach yoga and focus on family. In 2009, I felt a deep void in my writing life, hence the creation of Namaste ~ Heather. During this time, I also contributed online content as a Columbus Green Living Examiner, and wrote about yoga and yogic philosophy at Associated Content.

I’m not currently writing for any of these sites lately as I am now employed by a fabulous forward-thinking company to create websites, write copy and develop interesting blog posts. For this job, I research interior design and have another site, namaste*hOMe where I collect inspiration and write privately. I feel truly blessed. Professionally I am doing two things I LOVE – teaching yoga and writing. Plus my schedule and the flexibility of working from home allows me to be with the most important people in my life, my husband and daughter!

Please stop by often and leave comments. If you’re on Facebook feel free to “Like” my page there for regular post updates.

Student Comments:

“Heather’s classes are flowing and thoughtful, and she is very good at adjusting poses to fit the students’ physical capabilities. She is very encouraging and has a peaceful manner.”

Judy C.

“Heather’s classes have been physically, mentally and spiritually fulfilling, as well as challenging for me.  I have learned so much about myself.  I am much more aware of how important breathing is for my entire body, both physically and mentally.  From day one, I immediately felt the energy inside myself, more energy than I even knew I had.”

Stephanie H.

“Wow! I can’t believe how open my body feels!  I feel with each passing class I am able to push my body a little further.  I just wanted to thank you for such a great first experience in yoga!  You’ve opened my mind of how great it can be for your body and well-being.  You’re a great instructor!”

Nicole H.

“I hope I can take your class again sometime next year because I like it so much.  You are such a fantastic instructor; you’re encouraging and kind.  You’re always willing to help us out.  Thank you for helping us all understand how great yoga really is!”

Jenni V.