Teachers
Angela Cerkevich
Angela is a full time yoga teacher and doctoral student in George Washington University’s department of professional psychology. She sees clients individually for yoga therapy, and offers workshops in yoga for anxiety, insomnia and trauma. Angela has spent the past six years studying the therapeutic application of yoga and is certified in Life-force yoga for mood management and restorative yoga. She has also trained extensively in yoga nidra/iRESt for post-traumatic stress disorder and in trauma-sensitive yoga.
In an effort to utilize yoga to make a real - world impact in peace, reconciliation and healing from life’s traumas, Angela created the non-governmental organization, Anahata International whose mission is to assist with the self-healing of individuals and communities affected by trauma, by teaching strategies for recovery using yoga and meditation. Anahata International has trained yoga teachers in Rwanda to use yoga as a tool for community healing. Anahata International facilitates projects ranging from Rwanda to Washington DC and specializes in bringing yoga to high-risk populations.
Angela regularly consults with clinicians eager to incorporate yoga practices into their private practices. She is part of the training faculty of Greenleaf Integrative Strategies, on organization the provides resiliency training to governmental agencies whose personal are deployed to countries in crises and conflict and are exposed to high – risk situations. She has assisted in the facilitation of yoga nidra for PTSD diagnosed veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the DC Veterans Affairs Hospital. She has also lead workshops at the National Institute of Health, Georgetown University’s Psychiatric department, American University’s department of International Affairs & The Washington School of Psychiatry. She currently offers yoga to the general public at Flow Yoga Center where she helped to establish the therapeutic yoga program.
Angela's Teaching Style: Angela's classes are structured to increase mindfulness of the body's intricate patterns and complex form. Her attention to detail is infused with buddhist principals and quite attention. Her goal is to remind students of their natural state peace and wholeness.
Teacher Spotlight
How do you find your flow?
By connecting. I really believe it’s very important to connect with other people in times of joy and sorrow. I try to stay connected to nature by allowing myself to be occasionally swept away by its beauty. I try to stay connected and up to date with world events through the media and discussion with others. And of course, by reconnecting with myself and my core each time I hit the yoga mat.
Why yoga?
Not too long ago I made a promise to myself to live my life as a happy person. I took a long look at all the things I had my hands in over the years and all the paths I was able to take at that time. I asked myself, “what could I do that would make me most happy and provide me with a means to live?” Yoga feels good, it's healthy, positive and you can experience its effects in all realms of life. Why wouldn’t I do something so wonderful?
What is your favorite Yoga Pose?
It always changes. I’d say right now it’s full Natarajasana, with my arms over my head and lifting my foot toward to sky. I love it because it stretches so much at one time. The whole front of my body (heart center, rib cage, groin, quadriceps ) is elongated and opened. Also, the pose requires a strong sense of balance and I’ve always struggled with that so I’m proud to be able to hold it for a bit.
What is next in your practice/teaching?
More training. That’s really it. I just want to continue to learn as much as possible. Lately, I’ve been drawn to Anusara yoga, so that’s where I’ll probably go to for training next.
Aside from teaching yoga, what other activities fill your life?
I spend a good bit of my week giving Thai bodywork and I intend to continue to train in that as well. I can often be found hanging around with various furry and feathery friends as I do a fair amount of pet sitting too. I’ll try just about anything new and am always up for a good adventure so if I haven’t done it yet, I’ll probably try and do it eventually.
What are you most proud of?
Seeing some of my plans for my life come to fruition probably gives me the most pride.
What is your personal mantra/motto?
The universe is kind.
What do you most admire in others?
Achievement in the midst of difficulty. Also the ability to remain truthful with other people and one’s self. Speaking the truth is one of the things I’m constantly working on, so I really appreciate it in others.
What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Being carefree. Having the ability to dedicate some time to not worrying about accomplishing, achieving or completing. Having the freedom to run around naked and explore this earth and it’s beauty in all it’s endless variety and vastness.
