Teachers
Gail Harris
Gail has been teaching yoga for over 26 years. She began her practice in 1974. In 1978 she went off to Canada and became certified as a Sivananda Yoga instructor. Gail has always had a vigorous teaching style and found herself drawn to Ashtanga in 1994. After taking a number of workshops with nationally recognized teachers such as Richard Freeman, Gail made Ashtanga her primary practice. Gail has studied directly with Pattabhi Jois on his last three world tours in New York as well as senior Ashtanga teachers Dena Kingsberg and Lino Miele. “What I find appealing with an Ashtanga practice is the opportunity for the mind to gel with the body and become suspended, even while the body works. Eventually, with practice, one can have a strong physical workout while the mind is still. Ashtanga, simply put, is "meditation in motion".
Gail's Teaching Style: Gail has a special way of connecting with others makings students feel both challenged and supported on their asthanga journey. Her deep knowledge of the practice is translated to her classes in a way that makes it both accessible and fun. Gail stays very engaged throughout the class and pays close attention through both verbal and physical assists giving students the opportunity to deepen their practice in every class.
Teacher Spotlight
How do you find your flow?
By suspending judgments and comparisons; then my mind is free to experience movement and breath.
Why yoga?
That's sort of a funny story. I was about to test for my brown belt in karate; the teacher lined all the students up and one by one had us spar with him. He proceeded, in turn, to hurt each of us. I left and never went back. A couple of days later I heard about someone teaching "free" yoga classes. I went three times a week for two years (I was attending the University of Maryland at the time) until Chandra, my yoga teacher, told me it was time I took the Teacher Training; that was in 1976 and I haven't looked back.
What is your favorite Yoga Pose?
Marichyasana B. It's been my favorite for some time. I love the way if relaxes my spine and neck, makes me feel supported and peaceful.
What is next in your practice/teaching?
I'm feeling like I am finally "back - 16 months out from my final treatment for breast cancer; chemotherapy and radiation. It's taken some time to build my strength back up and now that I have, I'm teaching more, practicing more, and starting to work with the Ashtanga Second Series. In terms of teaching, I regularly try to spend some time with senior Ashtanga teachers. This year I'll travel to New York in May to see Pattabhi Jois, and I hope to spend some time with Dena Kingsburg, perhaps in Bali!
Aside from teaching yoga, what other activities fill your life?
My husband, Lloyd, of 19 years, and our two daughters; Eva 17 and Clare 14. I also help run a family business with my sister. We do typesetting and signage, mostly for museums and trade shows, that sort of thing.
What are you most proud of?
My daughters. Though very different, one from the other, both are kind and caring individuals. I'm very excited to see where life takes them.
What is your personal mantra/motto?
I hope this doesn't sound too brash, but: "Get Over Yourself!"
What do you most admire in others?
Honesty, loyalty, and a sense of humor.
What is your idea of earthly happiness?
A warm sunny day on my back porch, a good book and time.
