Beach Walk and Yoga Talk With Lauren Pisano, San Francisco
Instantly picked up on a sense of calm when I first met Lauren. Sometimes those first impressions are just spot on. I was intrigued to learn she studied and taught yoga. After several run-ins in our funky San Francisco neighborhood, we agreed to link up for an early morning adventure. Curious about her yoga journey and around the world retreats, we took to the ocean for a beach walk and some yoga talk.
Check out her classes and retreats at LaurenPisanoYoga.com
*upcoming Thailand retreat
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you became involved with yoga?
I was fortunate to find yoga when I was 19 years old through a friend. Immediately I felt how physically healing and energizing the practice of yoga was. A few years later I met Stephanie Adams and Adi Vajra of Hood River, Oregon, two teachers who imparted the spiritual and mental context of the practice. I owe a great debt to whatever force brought me there, because it changed the course of my life in immeasurable ways, and it thrust me into a deeper communication with my inner self and the world around me. This communication is ever-deepening, and ever-revealing of my own misunderstandings that lead me to foolish action, and of the joys I could easily have missed had I not been blessed by this practice.
I was fortunate to find yoga when I was 19 years old through a friend. Immediately I felt how physically healing and energizing the practice of yoga was. A few years later I met Stephanie Adams and Adi Vajra of Hood River, Oregon, two teachers who imparted the spiritual and mental context of the practice. I owe a great debt to whatever force brought me there, because it changed the course of my life in immeasurable ways, and it thrust me into a deeper communication with my inner self and the world around me. This communication is ever-deepening, and ever-revealing of my own misunderstandings that lead me to foolish action, and of the joys I could easily have missed had I not been blessed by this practice.
How did you evolve into teaching?
I began teaching at my college gym when I was 21. At the time I had little appreciation for the responsibility or context around what I was doing, I just loved yoga and wanted to share it. My mindset has changed greatly since then. I am still learning. Teaching is a practice in and of itself. At nearly nine years of experience I consider myself a beginner.
Can you tell us about your upcoming workshop, where it will be and what someone attending should expect?
I have two upcoming events: a weekend meditation & yoga immersion Oct 4-6th in San Francisco, and a weeklong retreat in Ko Samui, Thailand Oct 26th-Nov 2nd. What to expect? It is difficult to say because everyone perceives experiences so differently. I will say that my intention is to create an atmosphere that will be supportive to your yoga and meditation practice, whether you are brand new or have spent years on the mat. Based on my experience, that means a space that invites peace, clarity, direct communication and joy.
What do you hope people will walk away with from your classes or retreats?
A sense of honesty.
What other ways do you stay active when not doing yoga?
Urban walks or local hikes. Chasing my dog around Haight Ashbury.
What is your favorite thing about San Francisco?
The weather, the fog, the hills... the landscape is so dynamic and beautiful.
