Bay Area Yoga Teacher Highlight: Erika van Gemeren
Name: Erika van Gemeren
Practice with me at: Yoga Tree Potrero Hill in SF and Harmonia in Sausalito.
How long I’ve been practicing yoga: Since 1997.
How long I’ve been teaching yoga: Since 2008.
What kind of yoga I teach: The kind that makes you feel like you went to church, a shaman, the gym and a life coach all at the same time.
My mantra these days: Kindness. Or “Be all in or get all out - there is no halfway.”
A posture that has been resonating with me lately is: Whatever my body is allowing; it changes from day to day. Sometimes it's a big expressive backbend or hip opener, and other times it's a bolster or my feet up the wall with a sandbag on my eyes. Anything that keeps me close to the earth!
How I like to practice yoga off the mat: Showing up for a friend or family member who is in need, offering to make them food when sick or offering them energy work.
Favorite way to celebrate the winter: Slowing down, eating nourishing soups, and then escaping to the Caribbean, anyone want to come to Cuba? There is still space!
My Intention for this winter: Purge before Spring gets here, stripping away all that is excess.
My sign: Taurus on the Cusp of Gemini with a Gemini Rising and an Aquarius moon with 4 planets in the 12th house and 4 planets in Taurus, but I don't really believe in the cosmos...clearly.
The last book I read was: The Path of the Priestess by Sharron Rose.
Favorite local juice/tea spot: Samovar as they have the best Chai in the land.
Where I go for a nourishing meal: My home - we actually call my home the Temple of Nourishment!
What’s on your yoga playlist right now: Egemen Sanli. He rocks!
A few of my favorite yoga teachers are: Janet Stone is continually my root teacher for more than 15 years now. Scott Blossom and Ashley Turner as well.
A ritual I love: I have to pick one? My whole life is a ritual. Japa mala, chanting, and anything that will allow my mind to possibly be still for a moment between all the processing.
What I am letting go of this year: Ooooof, a lot. Mostly the story I carry that every man is the same. Especially the spiritual ones that are wolves in sheep's clothing.
What I am embracing this year: That I'm in the mid-life crisis year…42. Uranus Opposition and I may never have a family. I'm really ok with that. Trusting what Shakti wants to express through me.
My website: www.erikavangemeren.com
