33 years ago I was in constant pain. I had been suffering from chronic lower back pain for almost 20 years, and had been in wrist braces for 7 years. Although I had been practicing yoga for 17 years and teaching for 10, I started taking yoga from a variety of yoga teachers to expand my knowledge. In one class the instructor told us to envision light going up the spine. When I did, I experienced an energy go up my spine like a lightning bolt. I decided it was time to find my master teacher. The very next week I received a flyer for a conference celebrating the 100 years anniversary of Vivekananda bringing yoga America. Most all the well-known yoga teachers and gurus would be there. I was going!

At the conference I took a class with Yogini Kaliji, the founder of TriYoga, and had a similar energy experience in a mudra class. After that workshop I told her about my experience and asked who would teach in my area. Her first words to me were “You will”. This was in May 1993 and I had 2 young children and was working in high tech. But she wasn’t wrong. That year I was invited to speak at computer conferences in California that coincided with every teacher training.

TriYoga cured my bad back and painful wrists. Recovering from multiple orthopedic surgeries I found I could escape pain by going into blissful states of meditation. I was inspired to share this knowledge, so I quit high tech, opened a large yoga studio, and developed a therapeutic yoga training program with my brilliant co-director who is wholistic advanced practice nurse. We brought in leading teachers from across the country, and started a free monthly yoga therapy clinic for the community where we witnessed many transformations.

Whereas 30 years ago I was suffering from chronic pain I am now grateful my pervasive arthritis and all it has taught me. It has enabled me to help many others alleviate their pain and suffering. It is my inspiration and purpose to share this knowledge.