I used to think that Yoga was something my parents did to embarrass me in front of my friends in junior high.. But 20 years ago, recovering from a back injury, I began practicing asana and discovered something I had been seeking for years: the manifestation of meditation through motion. Over the years, I developed a signature style which integrates the breath based flow of Ashtanga and precision of Iyengar into a deep, sweaty and transformative mind/body experience. Opening Kula was my attempt to bring a little California vibe to the mean streats of NYC. Abundant love and thanks to the Kula family who have mad this a REAL kula or intentional community – as well as the coolest hang out in the world for my three daughters, who will no doubt find my excruciatingly embarrassing in about 10 years.
Sarah Powers began teaching in 1987. She is the founder and author of Insight Yoga, which interweaves the insights and practices of Yoga, Buddhism, Taoism, and Transpersonal Psychology into an integral practice to discover and enliven the body, heart and mind. Her yoga style blends both a Yin sequence of floor poses to enhance the meridian and organ systems, combined with an alignment-based slow flow or Yang practice, influenced by Viniyoga, Ashtanga, Iyengar teachings, and QIgong. Sarah feels that enlivening the physical and pranic bodies, as well as learning to meet our psychological reactivity is paramount for preparing one to deepen and nourish insights into one’s essential nature–a natural state of awareness. She draws from her studies in Transpersonal Psychology, as well as her in-depth training in the Vipassana, Tantric and Dzogchen practices of Buddhism. Her main influences have been Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Jennifer Welwood, Lama Tsultrim Allione, Bhante Gunaratana, Lama Pema Dorje, Stephen and Martine Batchelor and B. Alan Wallace. Sarah teaches trainings and silent retreats with her husband Ty. They live in Manhattan with their daughter Imani. Sarah’s book is called Insight Yoga: Integrating Yin/Yang Yoga and Buddhist Meditation.
Rolf conducts Vinyasa Intensives and 200/500 Teacher Trainings throughout the US and abroad. A former social worker and US Airborne Ranger who has practiced meditation for the last twenty years, Rolf brings his eclectic background to his practice and his teachings. Born in Manhattan, Rolf Gates grew up in the Boston area as an avid marathon runner, long distance cyclist and champion wrestler. As the descendant of six generations of ministers, he gained an understanding of service and dedication at a very early age.
Noah Levine is a Buddhist teacher, author and counselor. He is trained to teach by Jack Kornfield of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA. He teaches meditation classes, workshops and retreats nationally as well as leading groups in juvenile halls and prisons. Noah holds a masters degree in counseling psychology from CIIS. He has studied with many prominent teachers in both the Theravadan and Mahayanan Buddhist traditions.
Sally Kempton is one of today’s most authentic spiritual teachers. She teaches devotional contemplative tantra—an approach to practice that creates a fusion of knowing and loving. Known for her ability to transmit inner experience through transformative practices and contemplation, Sally has been practicing and teaching for forty years.
Sattva yoga offers both yoga and meditation classes in a supportive and loving environment. Adam is a truly gifted and talented teacher who works with people of all abilities. He has a sense of humor and grace that capped with his own immersion in the practice of yoga makes him a truly gifted teacher.