AcroYoga blends the spiritual wisdom of yoga, the loving kindness of Thai massage, and the dynamic power of Acrobatics. These three ancient lineages form the foundation of a unique new practice that cultivates trust, connection and playfulness. Our highest aim is to bring individuals into a state of union with themselves, with each other, and with the divine. From this place of mutual support the true self can be realized, honored and shared for the benefit of all. Om Shanti
Based in San Francisco, we offer ongoing classes in the Bay Area, and travel internationally sharing the practice. We are in deep gratitude to the network of assistants, students and studios that continue to support this work, and to the many gifted teachers and collaborators who have been our inspiration. Through practicing AcroYoga, we experience a deepening trust in ourselves and others, and realize that by working in partnership, we manifest more than we ever could alone.
Circle Ceremony
"By allowing ourselves to enter into a state of receptivity, we can be open to hearing, feeling and sensing the presence of God coming through another."
- Joyce Vissell
The circle initiates the ceremonious joining of our yoga community with a flow of integrated movements. Here we establish connection with those around us and cultivate our openness to the divine. The circle ceremony sets the tone and theme for our journey together.
Asana Warm up
"On looking at what is in the mirror in front of you, think of what is behind it."
- Wu Wang
Asana warms the body and grounds us individually in preparation for partner work. A mirrored partner asana flow helps to develop concentration, focus, and flexibility. This is an opportunity to look outside ourselves and open our awareness to the common experience.
Partner Flow
"The heart of this path is to look for and support each other's essence. When each partner actively looks for opportunities to support the other's essence while also supporting their own deepest self, essence overflows in a growing spiral tha includes both. We seek an experience that unifies rather than divides; there we can actually celebrate the unity of humanity."
- Kathlyn & Gay Hendricks
Partner Flow is a creative sequence of mutually beneficial partner asanas and stretches. Communication, self-acceptance and honesty are the roots of the partner experience. Central to this practice are trust and compassion, the first two observances of Yoga. When two become one, we become breath in motion together.
Inversions
"Only the person who risks is truly free."
- Anonymous
Inversions turn our world upside down and bring out our childlike nature. Inversions force us to summon our courage and let go of fear. Spotting techniques develop deeper levels of trust, building the foundation for acrobatic partner skills.
Partner Acrobatics
"The glory of friendship is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Partner Acrobatics is the most dynamic expression of this work. Greater levels of risk amplify the need for heightened trust, concentration and presence. After developing our base of partner skills, we are ready to rise to the challenge of group formations and pyramids.
Flying
"Get the base stable befor you fly."
Flying flows can range from gentle, massage-based stretches to more dynamic balancing or acrobatic sequences. Therapeutic flying utilizes gravity to release and open the flyers' spine while grounding and empowering the base. This is the nectar of AcroYoga, aka Anti-Gravitational Spinal Elongation. The gentle kindness of Metta can be transmitted from the base to the flyer.
Thai Massage
"Humble yourself to receive before you can truly give."
- Native American Saying
Thai Massage is a healing art that combines massage and yoga asana with an emphasis on "metta"- loving kindness. Once the flyer lands the role of giver and receiver shift. The flyer can give back to the base the metta that was offered during the flying. It cultivates the healing capacity of the giver and uses passive yoga stretches to open energy lines in the receiver. It is a time to honor and express gratitude to our partners.
