Welcome to a studio unlike most yoga studios. A place you can feel at home, unintimidated, and accepted, yet experience real changes come to fruition. Greenleaf  is a safe haven . . . a nest to grow in and branch out from through its three core trunks emphasizing balance of Mind, Body & Spirit.   Because I've never been one who  felt comfortable or well-served at  huge universities, impersonal mega churches, big-box fitness centers or corporate culture, I created Greenleaf. I didn't want it to be another intimidating , esoteric yoga studio experience or an impersonal, public classroom. Instead Greenleaf is a respite in a hectic world for people of all walks of life no matter one's size, shape, physical condition, emotional or physical challenge.

It began as a concept to offer the ancient tradition of yoga through a safe, modified, and contemporary approach available to everyone. But as the name Greenleaf implies, we are all about growth and self-actualization: enjoying the healthiest, happiest  life intends for us.

Beginning New Year 2020, I am broadening and deepening our services & teachings by launching Studio South, adjacent to Studio North, our main yoga studio. Studio North will continue to offer my subtle, yet deep form of yoga which is accessible to 'every body' yet leaving no one overwhelmed nor underchallenged. Mindfulness Meditation will continue to be offered in Studio North as well.  In Studio South we will be offering 1/2 hour and hour individual and small group guided deep relaxation, called Yoga Nidra Sessions and now Greenleaf is offering special guided meditation, guided relaxation & imagery and now hypnosis  for health and well-being

 My vision for Greenleaf is that we offer  is to offer yoga, but also mindfulness, guided meditation, guided relaxation & imagery , and now hypnosis for the optimal health and well-being.  I'd experienced too many classes where one's individual and specific needs were not just overlooked, but were not even inquired about. 

  ~ At Greenleaf, we acknowledge not only one's inherent uniqueness, but celebrate it!  Here, one size does not fit all. And we use a variety of creative tools and methods to help facilitate positive changes!~

Unfortunately, confirmation that sometimes yoga teachings have pushed too much comes from Glenn Black, who is honored as a master teacher, taught at Omega Institute, NY, and whose clientele is said to include injured and ailing, prominent gurus, celebrities and other celebrity yoga teachers.  In his book The Science of Yoga: The Risks and the Rewards, William Broad, writes, "If Black ran the world, he would have many people -including celebrities of the yoga circuit--relinquish not just difficult poses but the discipline itself.

   " ' It is controversial to say, but it really shouldn't be used for a general class. There's such a variety and range of possibilities. Everybody has a different problem,' " Black said.

  As well-known national yoga teacher, anatomist and author of the DVD,  Anatomy of Yoga,  Paul Grilley put it at the Midwest Yoga Conference, in Bloomingdale, Ill., "We are like a million snowflakes, each the same and yet  unique."

    It is that acknowledgement of that sameness, yet uniqueness I strive to weave into the fabric of every class and private session.  

   According to recent figures 36 million Americans practice yoga, and 14 million of those are over the age of 50. Although the surge in yoga's popularity over the five years has been a boon to what was formerly a fringe activity in the west,  it has also exposed students to the not-so-healthy side of yoga. Professionally, the longer I've taught, the more I've seen individuals with physical  challenges and needs.  

   ~Teaching  a generic class,  aiming to the middle and hoping I didn't leave anyone behind, or go beyond people's abilities, has never been an option in my classes. ~

   Greenleaf is a private studio serving eight students in Studio North and  launching Studio South January 2020, specifically for Hypnosis for Positive Flow, Yoga Nidra (Guided Deep Relaxation),  Creative Visualization: Road Mapping The Life You Desire for one to four guests. To further the deepening of neuropathways  within the parasympathetic (rest/restore/relax reaction) branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)  clients will rest in anti-gravity recliners to  enhance the experience.  No sweaty,  fast paced, packed 'boot camp yoga' classes taught by inexperienced, ill-trained instrutors, or the polar opposite ~ a studio with an elitest, competitive vibe.  Here you can explore self expression, personal growth, empowerment, and deep healing through a gentle, personal approach with limited class sizes and personlized private & semi private  instruction.

•  Introduction to Yoga/Gentle/Subtle Deep
•  Yoga for Back Care : Certified by Dr.  Loren   Fishman MD, Manhattan Physical Medicine<NYC
•  Guided Relaxation and Meditation / Mindfulness
•  Semi Private Yoga Nidra for Deep  Restoration  
•  Hypnosis, Guided Visualization & Imagery for   Positive Change
•  Yoga for Osteoporosis is blended into Therapeutic: Yoga Workshop: Graceful Aging based on Dr. Loren    Fishmans' research 
•  Yoga for Depression or Anxiety ~ trained by Amy Weintraub author of Yoga for Depression
•  Trauma Sensitive Yoga for PTSD 
•  Innovative  Semi-Private Classes & Private   Instruction & Classes

  I welcome you to Greenleaf where I welcome ou you take an active role in your well-being by learning how to care for yourself in a natural, proactive method that effects : mind, body and spirit. Reach out .

 In Service, Peace & Light,

  Pamela

  Taj Mahal, Agra, India, Pamela O'Brien, Founder /Director Greenleaf