Fifteen years ago I found myself suffering from
chronic hip pain, probably due to years of dancing in high heels while
performing on stage in Las Vegas, Nevada. After X-rays showed no significant
damage I looked for ways to relieve my pain. Physical Therapy seemed the next
obvious treatment. During PT, my Therapist recommended I try taking Yoga
classes and also recommended a teacher. I began studying at Lara Mazour's
Yogablends in Las Vegas. It didn’t take me long to discover that daily Yoga practice not only helped my
pain but it gave me a sense of well-being I’d never experienced before. Lara, a fantastic
teacher, was the one who originally inspired me to consider teaching Yoga.
After I left Las Vegas for the beautiful
Adirondack Mountains of New York in 2005, I began missing the wonderful
teachings of my Guru, Lara. The rural area I moved to didn’t have a nearby Yoga studio and many of the
people I met weren't aware of the wonderful benefits of Yoga. It occurred to me
that maybe I was the one who should bring this wonderful gift of Yoga to the
people in my community. In 2008, I called Lara to discuss what skills I needed
to become a teacher. Lara is a certified Yoga Alliance trainer and, to my
delight, she invited me to come live with her and her family in their new home
in Carlsbad, CA. She offered to take me under her wing and teach me the skills
I needed to become a 200-hour, YA certified teacher. It was a fantastic gift
that would change my life.
My training with Lara was amazing. Her family
was warm and welcomed me as if I was a member of their family. I practiced Yoga
daily beginning with early morning sadana and accompanying her to all of her
classes. She took me to The Gardens of Paramahansa Yogananda to practice
meditation. I studied anatomy, learned the Sanskrit names of poses, practiced
sequencing, learned about yamas, niyamas, chakras. And, she taught me to chant.
We visited Deepak Chopras La Costa Resort and
Spa, where we attended a world famous Yoga class. We selected some of my
favorite Yoga music in the Resort’s
shop. I attended Singing Bowl Meditation on the beach, and shopped for Yoga
items at street bazaars in Carlsbad where there is a Yoga studio on every
corner. Lara introduced me to a lifestyle and experience that transformed my
life. She didn't miss a thing. She inspired and encouraged me to be open to
question and pursue all there is yet to learn. Her teaching influences me to
this day.
When I returned to the ADK Mountains I
returned as a Yoga Teacher. Fate then opened another door for me, I was offered
a job at the Johnstown YMCA. With their support I was able to build a
successful Yoga program. An experience that helped me develop my own personal
teaching style.
It wasn’t
enough, I wanted to reach out to more people in my community. The area I live
in has many retired people some of who suffer needlessly from ailments that
keep them from enjoying an active outdoor life in the beautiful Adirondacks.
That's when I discovered The Kripalu Center in Lennox, MA. At the Center
there was an advertisement about a chair yoga class taught by Lakshmi
Voelker. In 2009 I decided to attend thinking I may be able to find a way
to help our Senior Citizens improve their strength and activity levels. Lakshmi
was wonderful and she reminded me of my own Guru, Lara. I learned so much about
the ways I could adapt Yoga for every age. I completed the program and became a
certified LVCYT teacher.
As fates’ door continued to open, I was able to convince
two local senior centers to offer Chair Yoga classes. The senior citizens who
attended began to feel and look better after just a few classes. The classes
have grown steadily and many of those original students remain dedicated to
attending classes twice a week. They tell me of positive health changes-lowered
blood pressure, improvement in their arthritis symptoms, lessening of pain in
hips, knees, shoulders and joints. I see the postural improvement, better
balance and increased strength in their poses. Best of all they smile more and
have a better overall outlook on life. They are such a gift to me. I also
completed the Silver Sneakers fitness program YogaStretch Part I, II, and
III, adding more tools into my Yoga/wellness toolbox.
In 2012 the “Onyyoga” studio was opened in
my home. I wanted to have a place where I could share my love of Yoga and offer
classes, workshops and private lessons. A beautiful intimate setting that
overlooks Lake Sacandaga. The present classes are filling up so I’m adding new classes and workshops this year to
allow more people to experience the benefit of Yoga.
I’m
always seeking to learn more and expand my knowledge of Yoga. I regularly
attend classes at Kripalu. I’ve been privileged to study with Lee Albert and Sara Meeks, both of whom have introduced me to therapeutic
ways to help relieve pain and increase range of joint motion. I highly
recommend both of their books. I've also attended Baron Baptiste’s Foundations in Action,
an empowering experience taught by one of my favorite teachers. Baron Baptiste
has an amazing ability to guide you deeper in asana (poses) then you imagined.
Wow, talk about Power Yoga. These experiences continue to inspire me to learn,
study and practice more.
In January of this year, 2014, I began the Kripalu,
500-hour Yoga Teacher Training. It's a 10-day, four (4) module training
program designed to deepen my ability to guide others in their study of Yoga.
After completing the first module, I’ve already experienced a deeper understanding of my role as teacher. I
enjoy being a student and learning how I can improve my teaching skills.
Studying with all of the other amazing teachers and having an opportunity to
share and learn from them has humbled me. I’ve
learned many new ways to share Yoga with others. I’m returning to Kripalu in March for the next
module. I plan to finish the remaining two modules in the fall after enjoying
the busy summer months on the lake practicing and sharing what I’ve learned.
Speaking of summer! I can't wait for our classes
on the beach to start. Yoga, as the sunrises, birds and chipmunks singing, dew
covered plants and trees sparkling, breathing it all in. It’s the perfect way to start a busy weekend. This
summer I’ll
also be adding Yoga Hiking-an opportunity for each person to experience their
warrior spirit by walking the paths created by the Mohawk Indians,
warming up with gentle stretches, practicing balance among the trees, feeling
the sun as you flow thru sun salutations. Ending the hike in meditation, your
full attention focused on the natural beauty surrounding you.
I’m on the
journey of a lifetime. I invite you to join me on this wonderful journey. What
a gift I have been given, a gift I want to share with you. No matter who you
are or how you are feeling, Yoga will give you strength and confidence.
If you can breathe, you can do Yoga. I want to show you how.
Ony Antonucci
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