THERAPEUTIC YOGA for BACK CARE, STABILITY AND BALANCE

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STRUCTURAL YOGA™ FOR ATHLETES

SERIOUS SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS & ATHLETES WHO WANT TO OPTIMIZE THEIR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE  (no yoga experience necessary)

3 hr. workshop with Mary Bartel

Don’t let nagging musculature discomfort and impaired range of motion keep YOU from excelling in sports.
 

Explore your body in this experiential 3 hour Yoga workshop that will teach you how to build muscle strength, stability and flexibility where you need it to excel in your athletic endeavors.  Mary will teach you great Yoga warm-up exercises and postures in the anatomical movements key in athletic performance.

In this workshop you will learn to connect with your body/mind/breath to:
· develop a keen awareness of muscle sensations and alignment.
· recognize the difference and importance in the feelings of muscles contracting versus stretching.
· learn how to improve range of motion and increase joint health.
· guide your breath with intention to the working muscles.
· make the micro-movements that will contract or relax muscles on a deeper level moment to moment.
· learn how to strengthen or release the muscles in your body that most need it.
· exercise with the new knowledge to work on what YOU need for optimal athletic performance.

FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT

Increasing Joint Mobility Through The Joint Freeing Sequence and More

Presented by Mary Bartel, Sturctural Yoga Therapist

Feeling creaky, stiff or cranky?  Let's loosen it up!
 

Explore the potential for enjoying your body move with greater fluidity and no, or less, pain with an easy home practice that takes only 30 minutes to perform.  The Joint Freeing Sequence when performed mindfully and with breath is self-nurturing and will help you de-stress and de-compress your body and mind while increasing joint mobility, muscular tone, strength and flexibility.  These exercises are great as a stand alone practice or as a warm-up for a longer yoga session

Joints that are free in movement do not crack, create muscular stress, discomfort, or cause movement in an adjacent joint.  Learn how to reverse any of these symptoms of stuck energy flow - what yogis call ‘prana’ (life force).

This workshop is for everyone and any age.  Join us - wear comfortable clothes – we’ll have fun. 

In this workshop:
*  you will learn and practice a sequence of easy movements to increase your body’s freedom of movement.
*  you will learn what the ideal range of motion is for each joint.
*  you will gain awareness as to which muscles in your body are tight (need more release/stretch) and which muscles are weak (need more strengthening).
*  you will be pleased to learn such an easy set of movements can make a dramatic difference in the way you feel, look and move!

Click here for Mary's Bio.

Testimonials:

I loved the workshop, I felt so good the rest of the day and I have done the routine both days since then, I would like to attend the follow-up session

Margaret, Tupper Lake

Very informative workshop...I can't believe how fast the time went by as we engaged in yoga practice!  As I age, I want my body to have the ability to maintain muscle mass and range of motion.  Your class incorporated a multi-level approach on how to perform joint freeing postures with the correct body alignment.  Your enthusiasm and encouragement created an easy learning environment... everyone felt comfortable as we practiced doing something good for ourselves!  

Final thought:  I know my posture has improved (I've become more aware) because you shared your experiences/reasons for yoga practice -- Thank You for making a difference!  Kathy, Tupper Lake

Mary you are a wonderful instructor.  I learned a lot from your session.  I'm hooked!  I have started working on the joint freeing series at home.  My lower back ahs not hurt for for 2 days now - a great relief.  I believe my toes and feet are less painful also, and after only 3 sessions.

Thank you for the handouts you gave us; they have been great to work off of.  Also, thanks for the efforts in making them as I will have them forever!  I would recommend this series to anyone who is just starting to exercise regularly or has been at it for years.  It has a lot to offer either.  Holly, Tupper Lake

ANATOMY OF YOGA POSES - STRUCTURAL YOGA
3 hr. workshop with Mary Bartel

Come explore your body and Yoga practice in this experiential workshop to understand the major anatomical movements of the primary Yoga postures.
Deepen the connection you have with your muscles as you learn which muscles are stretching / relaxing and which muscles are contracting / strengthening - as all muscles work in pairs.
 

With this understanding of your body, you will be able to:

- deepen your capacity to drawer your senses within
- develop a keen awareness of muscle sensations
- recognize the difference in the sensation of stretching versus contracting
- guide your breath with intention to the working muscles
- make the micro-movements that will contract or relax muscles on a deeper level moment to moment
- explore what truly feels good as you cultivate a steady comfortable pose ... most import as is instructed in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.

MEDITATION & DEEP RELAXATION - Cultivating a living relationship to spirit.

Theory and Practice
2-1/2 hr. workshop with Mary Bartel

· Want to be more present, more at peace, more effective, more awake?

· Want to bring greater clarity and insight into your relationships and work ... your life?

· Looking for a way to access the source energy that can fuel a more dynamic Self?

Yoga can teach you how to go deep inside and remove the physical, emotional and mental blocks that keep your energy and awareness from flowing freely through you and into your life. Meditation is the essence of yoga, a state of dynamic rest that naturally leads to insight as well as dynamic and creative activity, a way to transform yourself into an expression of your full potential.  Conscious deep relaxation is extremely healing on all levels of the body, physical and subtle.

We will explore the Yamas and Niyamas in a series of sessions beginning with these two summer sessions and will continue into the Fall/Winter session.  You do not have to attend all of them.  Each of the  5 Yamas - Restraints and 5 Niyamas  is a practice.  They are strong moral, ethical and spiritual considerations that when practiced reduce suffering and aim one more towards the lofty yoga goal of liberation of the soul.  We will explore one of the precepts each class and it will be the basis for our contemplation leading into a guided meditation and deep relaxation session.

The precepts of Yama and Niyama are laid down in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, as the first two limbs of yoga - the foundation of the Yogic spiritual practice known as the Ashtanga 8 Fold Path.  When these precepts are implemented the practitioner is better able to obtain the full benefits of the next two steps asana (yoga postures) and pranayama (breathing regulation) and the four deeper practices beyond - sense withdrawal, concentration, meditation and liberation.

Bring:  Journal or notepad, writing instrument.  Props (cushions, blankets) provided.

YOGA FOR WOMEN - Enhancing your sensuality and sexuality through the wisdom of sister sciences Yoga and Ayurveda

2-1/2 hrs. with Mary Bartel

Hips of all shapes, sizes and colors welcome.  Please pass this info on to a friend who has hips.

This workshop is for women who wish to awaken and empower themselves through the wisdom and practices of Yoga to enhance the sensual and spiritual dimensions of their self and their relationships.  We will look at the Ayurvedic model (sister science of yoga) for obtaining inner peace and psychological balance and then practice Yoga exercises for flexibility, breathing and rejuvenation.  “Disciplined practice” of just 20 minute sessions or more, will heighten the acuity of your senses and expand sensuous experience—not just sexually, although that is a benefit of the practice.  Good interpersonal relations requires “self-study” and growing the love for one’s Self.  We’ll use the physical practices of yoga to dive within the subtle energy body to explore where energy may be stuck, learn how to unravel it and ultimately free you from that which holds you back from “surrendering to your Higher Power—the Goddess within” so you can better “let go and feel free” body, mind and spirit.

This is an all levels class. Beginner's are welcome. Leave with home practice pose sheets.

Please register and pre-pay as space is limited.

RESTORATIVE YOGA
2 hrs. of "Letting Be" with Mary Bartel

When the body is fully supported it can effortlessly let go.  Restorative Yoga is the Yoga of non-doing.  The practice is nourishing and healing physically, emotionally and spiritually as it invokes a natural state of balance and healing rest.

The session begins with a seated centering meditation, then you do gentle yoga movements to prepare for the supported restorative yoga postures.  No yoga experience necessary.
 

PREGNANCY YOGA

3 hr. workshop with Mary Bartel

This workshop provides an opportunity for pregnant women to enhance awareness of and confidence in pregnancy, labor and birth.  Partners are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Through discussion, gentle postures, breath work, vocal toning, meditation and massage couples will cultivate greater relaxation, understanding and enjoyment for childbearing.  Calm and flexibility ease the birthing process, reducing pain and increasing joy of giving birth.

With yoga, breath work & meditation, pregnant women can:

¨ Embody the power, beauty and transformation of pregnancy, birth and motherhood.

¨ Create optimum conditions of health & awareness

¨ Express and resolve their fears and anxieties

¨ Prepare to give birth actively, instinctively and naturally

¨ Realize and be confident that birth is holistic - a body and mind process.

Testimonials:

My husband and I took a Pregnancy Yoga session with Mary 6 months into my pregnancy.  The class gave me some VERY comfortable positions to use when I was feeling less than "normal".  The most beneficial part of the class was the breathing and visualization techniques to use during labor.  I was able to have a natural child birth and I know it was in large part from the breathing and visualizations techniques that Mary had taught me. Sarah, Lake Placid

My prenatal yoga session with Mary made me feel so excited about being pregnant and the whole natural process of it all.  I really liked her emphasis on breathing, relaxing, and positive imagery.  She gave me some yoga routines to help strengthen myself both physically and mentally, which I find enhances this amazing process. Sara, Saranac Lake

YOGA POSTURES BEYOND THE BASICS, but not too crazy!  Including Inversions

A Yoga Postures Clinic with Mary Bartel

Develop a better sense for postures you may have difficulty with, learn new postures and variations. This time allows you to work on postures in a very supportive atmosphere and to ask questions without feeling like you are disrupting the flow of a class. In this session, you will develop a better understanding of which muscles should be stretching and which contracting (strengthening) in various poses, positioning the body in postures with more confidence and safety.

This clinic will focus on standing postures, balances and inversions.  Learn the prep poses for some harder poses and the use of props to to create optimal alignment.  Once you learn these variations, you will be able to incorporate them in your personal and class practice - so you are able to challenge yourself when the moments are right.

Participants should have at least one year of experience or have developed the strength and comfort to hold poses.

Bring your sense of humor and humility, ultimately leave inspired and with a few new tools in your belt. 

There will be demos and opportunities to watch and see and then practice.

When signing up let me know if there are any specific poses you would like included in this workshop.

Testimonial: 

The strength of Mary’s Posture Clinic lies in her wonderful ability to explain, demonstrate and correct her students.  Her passion for yoga is contagious and it’s always a joy to learn from her. For me practicing yoga is a continuous journey and Mary always make it fun and interesting.”  Susan Friedmann, Lake Placid

YOGA FROM THE INSIDE OUT to deeply relax into and nourish body, mind & spirit

An extended 2 hr. class with Mary Bartel 

Come explore your body in a new light.  The focus will be in attuning to the areas of the body that are calling to be freed or decongested while in held postures or in movement meditation.  You may find that with less restriction on how to hold the poses you find a new sense of freedom and joy in movement. 

In this class, you will:

· Be guided into yoga flows and asanas (poses) with guidance to truly explore your divine nature from the inside out. 

· Be invited to discover the more feminine qualities of Yoga practice.

· Learn to cultivate deep awareness in a more organic exploration of movement through developing a connection with your ‘subtle energy body’.

· Be encouraged to trust that the ‘energy body’ can expand outwards beyond your physical body and travel in all directions.

· Explore what truly feels good.

· Breathe, relax , feel, watch and allow moment to moment!

Mary trained with Angela Farmer, master yogini, in this her style of yoga.  Angela teaches her Yoga style (called Inner Body Flow) worldwide.  She said this style evolved after many years of practicing so rigidly with focus on alignment and perfection - a more masculine approach - and the need and urge to feel more and to have the freedom to move in yoga.   She invites students to: “Be slippery like a snail in its shell, undulate and slither like a snake, spread your wings like a bird.  Above all, let the light in and allow your soul to express itself in whatever way it chooses … through every cell in your being.  Let the energy of life flow through you!

YOGA POSTURES BEYOND THE BASICS, but not too crazy!

A Yoga Postures Clinic with Mary Bartel

In this workshop we will explore developing your asana (yoga postures) practice beyond the basics.  We will begin with a warm-up series to heat and open the body in all the right places so we can gradually build onto a series of postures - taking them to the next level.  This clinic will focus on standing postures, balances and inversions.  Learn the prep poses for some harder poses and the use of props to to create optimal alignment.  Once you learn these variations, you will be able to incorporate them in your personal and class practice - so you are able to challenge yourself when the moments are right.

Participants should have at least one year of experience or have developed the strength and comfort to hold poses.

Bring your sense of humor and humility, ultimately leave inspired and with a few new tools in your belt. 

Although this is a 3 hr. workshop - there will be integration time.  There will be demos and opportunities to watch and see and then practice.

Testimonials: 

“The strength of Mary’s Posture Clinic lies in her wonderful ability to explain, demonstrate and correct her students.  Her passion for yoga is contagious and it’s always a joy to learn from her. For me practicing yoga is a continuous journey and Mary always make it fun and interesting.”  Susan Friedmann, Lake Placid

RESTORATIVE YOGA - For Healing The Physical & Emotional Body
with Mary Bartel

When the body is fully supported it can effortlessly let go. Restorative Yoga is the Yoga of non-doing. The practice is nourishing and healing physically, emotionally and spiritually as it invokes a natural state of balance and healing rest.

In this workshop participants will learn to ease their way into relaxing Yoga poses with the support of well placed blankets, pillows and chairs. Experience lingering quietly in these propped poses to sooth away stress and tension. The session includes gentle stretching to warm and open the body, breathing techniques, supported poses, conscious relaxation and meditation.

In general, restorative poses are for those times when you feel weak, fatigued, or stressed from your daily activities. They are especially beneficial for the times before, during, and after major life events: death of a loved one, change of job or residence, marriage, divorce, major holidays, etc. In addition, you can practice the poses when ill, or recovering from illness or injury.

Please bring 3 pillows and an eye pillow if you have one.

YOGA FOR BACK CARE
with Mary Bartel

Strengthen, lengthen and flex. Learn to move without fear. Gentle stretches and yoga poses will be taught so you can practice at home. Begin to unleash tension and soreness in your back. I suffered chronic neck and back problems for years...this is what brought me to yoga - and it has changed my life! Bring two pillows and a blanket.

SAFE YOGA FOR BETTER POSTURE, OSTEOPOROSIS & BACK CARE
with Mary Bartel

This is a class to learn safe stretches and yoga movements to sustain skeletal strength and also contraindicated movements to prevent injury in persons with, or at risk of, osteoporosis and other back problems. You will gain awareness of how you may move habitually and not symmetrically with good body mechanics. NOW is a great time to learn the techniques that will help you on or off the yoga mat to help reduce or even alleviate the nagging aches and pains you may be experiencing. You will leave with a routine for home practice that will help decompress, lengthen and strengthen your spine. As a person who began a yoga practice due to chronic neck and back problems, I found this information invaluable.

FLOWING WITH SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

with Mary Bartel

Think of and feel your Yoga as meditation in motion and join me in this workshop where we will work specifically tuning into smooth transitions of flow yoga (movement from one posture to the next). Body mechanics will be stressed in this workshop as we move slowly and mindfully with breath. Smooth mindful transitioning during your yoga practice is essential for injury protection. Plus, you will benefit more as your body and mind work together and feel the grace and poise you create in your movement. I like the line of another yogi: it's not what you do in yoga that matters, it's how you do what you do that matters! The clinic will include demonstration, instruction and ample time for practice of each sequence.

This time together allows you to work in a very supportive atmosphere and to ask questions without feeling like you are disrupting a class. In this session, you will develop a better understanding of the biomechanics of positioning the body in postures with more grace, confidence and safety. Have fun while you deepen your practice. All levels of experience welcome.

PRANAYAMA (Yoga Breathing Techniques)  4 Sessions

with Mary Bartel

Explore the effects of pranayama and bandhas (locks) and how to incorporate them into a deeper, balanced sadhana (spiritual practice). You will learn new techniques each session, followed by a guided class including pranayama, meditation and relaxation. This class is for those students who want to explore the deeper practices of yoga.

CORE STRENGTH AND PILATES WORKSHOP

with Mary Bartel

These classes or workshops include a mix of yoga-like movements and yoga, targeting the core with strengthening techniques to develop strong, lean, flexible muscles. These exercises are designed to achieve total body strength and greater mind body awareness. Emphasis on correct form will be stressed. Exercises are done with low repetitions, slowly. The slower you move the more strength you build - using your own body's resistance. As one progresses, the key elements of Pilates becomes easier: concentration, control, precision and coordination; isolation and integration; centering, fluidity, breath and routine. Once learned a good routine can be done at home in 20-30 minutes.

STRETCH to DECOMPRESS

An extended 2 hr. class with Leigh Ann Tahash

A nice gift for you!
Come take a break from life to Stretch, Flex & Decompress!

The class begins with some movements and standing stretches, progressing into deeper levels of stretching.  There is a strong emphasis on breathing throughout the class.  The slow deep breathing allows for release of stress, and for the opening and releasing of deeply held tightness throughout the body.

This Stretch class can be used to create better flexibility, increased range of motion, and as a way to develop and enhance body awareness.  This class can potentially be used as a tool for personal growth, and a way to create deep transformational changes in one's life - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Stretch technique is that of Lucy Bowen McCauley, dancer, choreographer, and teacher at the Academy of the Maryland Youth Ballet.  Leigh Ann's contribution to this technique comes from 15 years of teaching and observation of my students, my own past dance and movement training, plus experiences with Educational Kinesiology, bodywork, and healing energy therapies.

INTRODUCTION TO AROMATHERAPY

3 hr. workshop presented by Jim Hoit, LMT & Aromatherapist

Join Jim Hoit, licensed Massage Therapist and certified Aromatherapist in examining the history and science of essential oils and their therapeutic applications.

In this workshop we will:

·        look at the chemistry, manufacturing and how to know the purity of essential oils

·        discuss both the physical and emotional balancing aspects of their substances viewing them from both an eastern and western perspective.

·        learn which oils would be wonderful and safe for tending to some common ailments and discomfort.

·        blend a custom creation of your own to take home.

REFLEXOLOGY FOR PARTNERS

3-1/2 hrs. with Jim Hoit, LMT
 

 Join certified reflexologist Jim Hoit, LMT for this one day introduction to the most fun your feet will ever have.  You will learn the basics of zone theory, mapping, preparation, contraindications and technique.  There will be a demo session and then you’ll get your feet wet “ha, ha” by sharing application with your partner while Jim observes and assists.  Participants will leave with a basic foot map and knowledge to perform a relaxing foot massage session.   Bring short fingernails, towel, lotion, and your feet. 

INTRODUCTION TO SHIATSU - A Japanese form of Body Work

2-1/2 hrs. workshop with Jim Hoit, LMT

Based on the traditional Asian principle that: “Where there is free and balanced flow of life energy, or ‘chi’ illness will not appear”, Shiatsu provides us with an easily accessible and inexpensive method to encourage that flow.

Join practitioner and instructor, Jim Hoit, Licensed Massage Therapist, for this intriguing look into this Japanese style of bodywork.

In discussion and hands on experience, you will learn about the concepts of; yin & yang, the five elements, meridians, and the methods used to encourage harmonious energy circulation to promote physical and emotional well being.

Attendees will receive a coupon good for a 25% discount on a Shiatsu session with Jim.

TAO & THEN - Introduction to Taoist Theory & Tai Chi Easy

2-1/2 hr. workshop presented by Jim Hoit, LMT

John Qi (Chi) Gong practitioner and Shiatsu therapist Jim Hoit for an exploration of Taoism, the philosophy that gave birth to the concepts of Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and Tai Chi.

Learn about the ideas of Chi, Yin & Yang, and inner alchemy.  Then join us in the practice of the Healing Sounds & Tai Chi Easy.  The workshop will conclude with a simple visualization meditation.

In the Chinese language, tai chi means the "balance and harmony" of natural forces within ourselves and our world. Tai chi also means "supreme ultimate," pointing to the awesome nature of all life and our own lives within the universe. Tai chi is a very well-known form of the ancient self-healing art known as qigong. Qigong (Chi Gong) means to cultivate (gong) healing life energies and resources (qi).

Tai Chi Easy is a is a great starting practice with simple qigong and tai chi movement - a mind-body practice that combines exercise and meditation to activate self-healing properties ancient Chinese texts call the "healer within" and the "elixir of life."  Jim’s teacher, Roger Jahnke says, “The most profound medicine for body, mind, and spirit is produced in the human body for free.”

PRIMORIAL CHI KUNG
3-1/2 hr. workshop with Jim Hoit, LMT, Chi Kung Instructor

LESS STRESS? MORE VITALITY?  A SENSE OF HARMONY AND BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE?

 If any of this appeals to you, join Chi Kung practitioner Jim Hoit and other curious souls as we explore the practice of Primordial Chi Kung.  Chi Kung is the ancient Chinese discipline of gathering and circulating the forces of nature and the cosmos for physical, emotional and spiritual enhancement.  It’s benefits have been documented innumerous scientific studies.  Primordial Chi Kung is one of the most profound manifestations of this art.  Don’t miss this opportunity to add it to your wellness tool kit.

DEEP HEALING QI-GONG

2-1/1 hrs. with Jim Hoit, Certified Reflexologist & Aromatherapist.

Join us for an exploration of this Qi Gong form developed in Chinese hospitals for those dealing with chronic conditions.  Works on the spiritual, emotional & physical bodies through a combination of movement, sound, affirmations and visualization.  This form compliments Primordial Qi Gong, one of our most popular workshops.

Jim has practiced numerous Qi Gong forms for 10 years and studies with Roger Jahnke author of The Healing Promise of Qi as well as from Diana and Rene Navarro.

YIN YOGA & YIN YOGA MASSAGE
Full Day (6 hrs.) Retreat with International Presenter Ken Nelson

Enjoy the ordinary magic of stretching, lighten your spirit, and increase your freedom of movement. Get support for healing and wholeness through joint mobility, flexibility and compassionate community in this 2 part full day Yin Yoga and Yin Yoga Massage Workshop.  Choose attending the a.m. or p.m. session or come for the full day.

The morning session – Yin Yoga:  Learn a simple set of Yin Yoga postures.  Yin Yoga complements the muscular (yang) styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat and the lengthening and contracting of muscles. Yin Yoga primarily targets connective tissues (fascia, ligaments, bones and joints) normally not exercised in an active asana practice.  Yin Yoga relieves pain and chronic tension in the hips, thighs, pelvis, spine, neck and shoulders by stretching and rehabilitating connective tissue—countering the shortening and stiffening effects of aging, injuries and neglect. 
  

The afternoon session – Yin Yoga Massage:  You'll have fun learning to give and receive asimple set of assisted-yoga-floor postures. Receivers hold these relaxed, supported poses for several minutes, while givers apply easy-to-learn, effortless Shiatsu and Thai massage methods: passive stretching, acupressure, twisting, range-of-motion joint mobilization, energy balancing, breathing, and gentle rocking.

Yin Yoga is rooted in Yoga Therapy, Energy Medicine and Meridian Theory—with insights into unifying chakras and meridians into one energy-conducting system. While Yang Yoga is mostly muscular, Yin Yoga works on connective tissue and fascia, found everywhere in the body.  New evidence shows fascia as the fabric of life—a living crystalline web through which meridians weave their vital life force (Prana or Qi) as healing bioelectric signals.

Addresses all skill levels & ages interested in health & healing, yoga, massage, movement, dance, healing/martial arts, holistic medicine, helping professions, & spiritual community. Yoga teachers—enhance your personal practice & get classroom skills to assist your students. Cushions and blankets are available at the studio but you are encouraged to bring your own mat and props if you have them. SPACE IS LIMITED so please book early.
 

BIO:  Ken Nelson, PhD, a leader in teaching the healing arts, has taught worldwide since 1975. He lives in Lenox, MA, where he teaches yoga, massage and meditation at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. www.SacredHealingArts.net

MINDFULNESS PRACTICES TO OPEN AND HEAL THE HEART

3 hr. workshop with Mary Scott

As spring arrives with its' first green shoots and warmer breezes it can also be a time of renewal and reawakening for us. When we are present for this moment, stop doing and bring our awareness to being, we may also become aware of our hearts deepest longing for others, for ourselves, and for our world.

During our time together we will engage in mindfulness meditation practices to heal and open our hearts, while extending compassion into our world.  This workshop will include guided practices, movement, partner exercises, and deep relaxation.  No previous experience is needed to attend this workshop.

My Bio: Mary J. Scott, MA, RYT 500,

Mary Scott is a long time practitioner of mindfulness meditation and completed the professional internship in Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction with Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, and teaches MBSR programs in her community. Mary is a Structural Yoga Therapist and a student of Mukunda Stiles.   Mary is also an aspirant to the Tiep Hien Order (Of Interbeing) of Thich Nhat Hanh, and also considers Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Joan Halifax Roshi, Joanne Friday, and Jose Ressig as her teachers.  Mary completed the core curriculum in Health and Spirituality at Andover-Newton Theological School.