Our Yogi in the Community this week is a dynamic yogi who embodies strength, grace, and freedom. It is so fitting to celebrate Gina on this summer solstice as it marks the 5th anniversary for her as a certified Anusara teacher 🙂 I have had the pleasure of practicing with and learning from Gina and I am so very grateful for her presence and guidance. Meet Gina Minyard!
City: Atlanta, GA. Lived here since the age of 3.
How long have you practiced yoga?
I have been practicing yoga (asana) for 12 years. I have been meditating for 11. I have been a student of John Friend and Anusara yoga for 10 years, and a year and half ago I learned Neelakantha Meditation with Paul Muller-Ortega. I am currently in his year long study and practice course called ‘Entering the Heart of Shiva.’
Why do you practice yoga?
Yoga for me is a way to be radically embodied – to dive into the deepest parts of myself and to bring out the best of who I am into my life. It’s a practice of freedom. I meditate to melt into ground of being and be made new there every day.
I am steady, patient, and soft because of my practice, and I didn’t start out that way! I am ever more present and loving and able to flow with life skillfully and gracefully. I also love the ever unfolding freedom and vitality that comes from practice. Each year that goes by it’s like I’ve never felt better, been happier, or been able to do more physically. I see only an upward trajectory of endless possibility.
I teach Anusara yoga, which is a modern school of hatha yoga that unites heart, mind, and body intentionally and powerfully. In 2006 I became the first certified Anusara yoga teacher in Georgia, and have had the honor to lead the growth of this radical practice here in Atlanta. I offer Anusara Immersions every year, and we are about to begin another round in August. Check my website for details – www.yoga5.com. For more information on Anusara Yoga – www.anusara.com.
