Lita Batho
 
“I got over that first scare and saw that I was something other than what I had known myself to be.” Thom Jones, The Pugilist at Rest While working as a visual artist in Seattle I began practicing yoga (in 1995), and first-hand experience eventually led me to the secondary sources of yoga philosophy, further studies with senior teachers, and travel. In 2002 I met the founder of the Shadow Yoga School, Zhander Remete. I have been fortunate to have studied with him since then, and to have been trusted to teach Shadow Yoga. Through his guidance and that of his partner Emma Balnaves, I found it to be the most direct, transformative, and sustainable method. I am grateful for their ongoing trust and teachings; and to represent their school in the Pacific Northwest. Having taught yoga since 2000 means that by now I’ve taught many thousands of classes, however the process is still engaging and evolving. I attribute this to the variety of and dedication of students, the complexity and depth of the system, and the fact that it is based in the very real principles of life and nature. I offer my gratitude to great teachers who have come before, experienced and preserved the system through the teaching lineage. You can read more about Shadow Yoga below. About Shadow Yoga The texts of Hatha Yoga describe the body as being composed of five sheaths, coverings, or simultaneously existing layers: ‘shadows’. The process of Hatha Yoga has evolved with the purpose of dissolving these shadows to reveal the true Self hidden within. Shadow Yoga is organized so that the beginner starts with simple movements and warm-ups to direct their attention, build awareness and ability, and move without forcing or creating more blockages than they began with. The beginner is provided with three set sequences to learn, which serve as tools work safely within a structure until one’s own inner intelligence and experience can be the guide. The three Preludes stabilize the joints, promote natural movement, reveal habits and synchronize the breath with the movement. The Preludes were designed through understanding of Yoga practice and philosophy, observation of nature, and ancient systems of dance and martial arts. They are also based upon the principles of Marmasthana (108 vital junctions). It is my experience that while Shadow Yoga is inclusive of the philosophy and goals of Yoga, it allows the beginner to work with practical and simple means, as the deeper layers are invisible to the beginning practitioner. The preludes and warm ups are not a new invention, but rather a revival of a traditional way of working, starting with simple natural movements which are the building blocks of practice and without which one may not be able to understand what they are doing with yoga. Eventually, it is essential to see the big picture of all the elements that play upon us. Each person is a unique combination of factors and experience, which require discernment and close observation. Yoga can be seen as a set of tools which are helpful only when used appropriately. Within each individual, a system of Vayu (vital winds) Marma (vital junctions) and nadi (energetic pathways) are at work. But understanding of these systems takes time and diligence, and this in turn takes patience and persistence. Until we reach that place ourselves, it is essential to seek the guidance of someone ahead of us on the path. Through persistence and experience, each of us may arrive at a state of wisdom and clarity. As with any journey, knowing where you are and choosing the next steps with care are essential for arrival. Hatha yoga, in particular the Shadow School of Hatha Yoga, is designed to reduce confusion and instability through it’s systematic approach and firm roots in the natural world and ancient sciences. For more information, please see: www.shadowyoga.com. The book, Shadow Yoga, DVDs, course schedule, and a list of approved teachers can be found also on the website. http://www.shadowyoga.comshapeimage_2_link_0