Art Therapy: Dance, Yoga, Travel, Meditation.
* Meditation . Restorative Yoga . Reiki *
I am a certified Integral Hatha/Iyengar Yoga Instructor. I specialize in finding an individual approach toward each person or a couple (group of people with mutual interest) to address their specific needs and help them to restore the balance in those areas in life where it has been shifted or blocked. I call this process "Art Therapy" in which I use body movements, breathing, music, natural stones and crystals, and essential oils to create a unique experience where we can relax our bodies, quiet our minds, and cleanse our emotions. In my sessions, I incorporate traditional restorative (yin) yoga exercises, general therapeutic stretching exercises, and basic breathing techniques.
To schedule your session email ivanova777@gmail.com or call/text 425-749-0989
To schedule your session email ivanova777@gmail.com or call/text 425-749-0989
The word "meditation" carries different meanings in different contexts. The term "meditation" refers to a broad variety of practices that includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy or life force, develop compassion, love, generosity and forgiveness, as well as to get beyond the reflexive (thinking, logical) mind into a deeper state. The most common meditation technique is to turn attention to a single point of reference. It can involve focusing on the breath, image, bodily sensations, or on a word or a phrase. In other words, meditation means turning your attention from distracting thoughts and focusing on the present moment while remaining on the waking state of consciousness.
Studies have shown that there are many benefits for practicing meditation. However, in my view, the goal of meditation is not to attain any known benefits, but to accept whatever might reveal itself during meditation. In a sense, it is the hardest and the joyous benefit of it. The less you expect from your practice, the more will come. All you need is to open your heart, be honest in your intention, be willing to receive, and be willing to accept.
Remember that there is no better teacher than you, but there is a greater energy than i-self. You are something more than the collection of your emotions, thoughts, preconceptions, and all the information and memories stored inside your brain. You are not your thoughts, nor your emotions, nor your body, nor your mind - you are greater than all of these things. I believe that the meditation itself is one of the greatest tools to achieve such realization. None can force you to it; none can restrain you from it. Meditation finds you when you need it the most.
Studies have shown that there are many benefits for practicing meditation. However, in my view, the goal of meditation is not to attain any known benefits, but to accept whatever might reveal itself during meditation. In a sense, it is the hardest and the joyous benefit of it. The less you expect from your practice, the more will come. All you need is to open your heart, be honest in your intention, be willing to receive, and be willing to accept.
Remember that there is no better teacher than you, but there is a greater energy than i-self. You are something more than the collection of your emotions, thoughts, preconceptions, and all the information and memories stored inside your brain. You are not your thoughts, nor your emotions, nor your body, nor your mind - you are greater than all of these things. I believe that the meditation itself is one of the greatest tools to achieve such realization. None can force you to it; none can restrain you from it. Meditation finds you when you need it the most.
My Students' Reviews:
"Amazing yoga instructor and lovely person!Kristina has changed our lives. We began with one private lesson, and because of her, we will continue forever. She has wonderful demeanor, delightful personality and a great style of teaching. She provides variety and is very focused on individual need and utmost attentive to every move. She is the best!! A joy to know:)" ~ Debra Farley (a student since December 2015)
"Amazing yoga instructor and lovely person!Kristina has changed our lives. We began with one private lesson, and because of her, we will continue forever. She has wonderful demeanor, delightful personality and a great style of teaching. She provides variety and is very focused on individual need and utmost attentive to every move. She is the best!! A joy to know:)" ~ Debra Farley (a student since December 2015)
7-day "Buenos Aires Tango Art" Private Tour
Just when you think this city could not be more magnificent, take a walk along the capital mesmerizing sights and immerse yourself in full Renaissance European-influenced architecture and impressive art scene.
7-day Private Tour Package Includes:
* Hand out brochure “What to Expect … Be Prepared!”.
* Assistance in finding and booking your accommodation.
* Translation Spanish / English / Russian.
* Welcoming home-cooked dinner (dietary restrictions honored).
* Transportation during our scheduled activities (bus/metro at day, and taxi at night).
* Coordinating and assisting (translation and dance partnering) in group dance lessons (class fees included).
* Coordinating and scheduling your private dance lessons with best local teachers (private teacher fees excluded).
* Guided walking tours of the iconic places (lunch / snacks / bottled water included).
* Guided outings to social dancing scenes "Milonga" (tango) and "Peña" (folk dance and music gathering) (ticket included).
* Theater music/dance show (ticket included).
* Personal assistance in art shopping (tango / folklore shoes, clothing, music and souvenirs).
* Making suggestions and reservations at local cafes and restaurants.
* Hand out brochure “What to Expect … Be Prepared!”.
* Assistance in finding and booking your accommodation.
* Translation Spanish / English / Russian.
* Welcoming home-cooked dinner (dietary restrictions honored).
* Transportation during our scheduled activities (bus/metro at day, and taxi at night).
* Coordinating and assisting (translation and dance partnering) in group dance lessons (class fees included).
* Coordinating and scheduling your private dance lessons with best local teachers (private teacher fees excluded).
* Guided walking tours of the iconic places (lunch / snacks / bottled water included).
* Guided outings to social dancing scenes "Milonga" (tango) and "Peña" (folk dance and music gathering) (ticket included).
* Theater music/dance show (ticket included).
* Personal assistance in art shopping (tango / folklore shoes, clothing, music and souvenirs).
* Making suggestions and reservations at local cafes and restaurants.
Suggested reading:
Stages of Meditation: Training the Mind for Wisdom by The Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama explains the principles of meditation in a practice-oriented format especially suited to Westerners. Based upon the middle section of the Bhavanakrama by Kamalashila, a translation of which is included, this is the most extensive commentary given by the Dalai Lama on this concise but important meditation handbook. In his words, "This text can be like a key that opens the door to all other major Buddhist scriptures." Topics include the nature of mind, how to develop compassion and loving-kindness, calm abiding wisdom, and how to establish a union of calm abiding and special insight.
How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life by the Dalai Lama.
An instructional resource and inspirational guide to daily life describes each step on the path to spiritual enlightenment and explains how to practice everyday morality, meditation, wisdom, and compassion.
The Path of Individual Liberation by Chogyam Trungpa.
Topics covered in detail in this volume include the four noble truths, karma, the four foundations of mindfulness, meditation practice, the refuge vows, the three jewels, the five skandhas, the five precepts, and twofold egolessness.
The Sunlit Path by the Mother.
In this book, which is a collection of brief passages mostly from conversations with disciples and students at the Sri Aurobindo International Center of Education, the Mother invites her listeners and readers to answer the call of adventure by courageously taking the path of spiritual self-perfection and transformation. The excerpts are arranged thematically to present the Mother's guidance to the seeker, showing the way through shadows and stumbles to a sunlit path through such topics as how to control one's thoughts, breaking the hard shell of the ego, the absolute necessity of a perfect sincerity, the right attitude to take when faced with even the most mundane affairs of life, the nature of dynamic meditation, and the liberation of a complete surrender to the Divine.
Powers Within by Sri Aurobindo, the Mother.
This book brings light on the nature of various inner powers which we already possess and use more or less unconsciously, as well as with latent powers within, which are as yet undeveloped. The book is of interest to the general reader as well as to the spiritual seeker.
Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy by Mukunda Stiles.
This book describes in details how we can reach a more balanced and harmonious physical and emotional well-being following in accordance with the mother-nature or change of seasons (winter-spring-summer-fall), as well as attuning to the rhythms of each individual.
The Women's Book of Healing by Diane Stein.
In her book, Diane Stein demystifies, explains and teaches how to use ancient skills and techniques to promote femail energies and well-being. The book describes aura and chakra work, creative visualization, meditation, laying on hands, psychic healing, and working with crystals and gemstones.
Nourishing Meals by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre, MS,CN.
Cooking and Health. This book is filled with over 300 gluten-free whole foods recipes for the whole family.
The Dalai Lama explains the principles of meditation in a practice-oriented format especially suited to Westerners. Based upon the middle section of the Bhavanakrama by Kamalashila, a translation of which is included, this is the most extensive commentary given by the Dalai Lama on this concise but important meditation handbook. In his words, "This text can be like a key that opens the door to all other major Buddhist scriptures." Topics include the nature of mind, how to develop compassion and loving-kindness, calm abiding wisdom, and how to establish a union of calm abiding and special insight.
How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life by the Dalai Lama.
An instructional resource and inspirational guide to daily life describes each step on the path to spiritual enlightenment and explains how to practice everyday morality, meditation, wisdom, and compassion.
The Path of Individual Liberation by Chogyam Trungpa.
Topics covered in detail in this volume include the four noble truths, karma, the four foundations of mindfulness, meditation practice, the refuge vows, the three jewels, the five skandhas, the five precepts, and twofold egolessness.
The Sunlit Path by the Mother.
In this book, which is a collection of brief passages mostly from conversations with disciples and students at the Sri Aurobindo International Center of Education, the Mother invites her listeners and readers to answer the call of adventure by courageously taking the path of spiritual self-perfection and transformation. The excerpts are arranged thematically to present the Mother's guidance to the seeker, showing the way through shadows and stumbles to a sunlit path through such topics as how to control one's thoughts, breaking the hard shell of the ego, the absolute necessity of a perfect sincerity, the right attitude to take when faced with even the most mundane affairs of life, the nature of dynamic meditation, and the liberation of a complete surrender to the Divine.
Powers Within by Sri Aurobindo, the Mother.
This book brings light on the nature of various inner powers which we already possess and use more or less unconsciously, as well as with latent powers within, which are as yet undeveloped. The book is of interest to the general reader as well as to the spiritual seeker.
Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy by Mukunda Stiles.
This book describes in details how we can reach a more balanced and harmonious physical and emotional well-being following in accordance with the mother-nature or change of seasons (winter-spring-summer-fall), as well as attuning to the rhythms of each individual.
The Women's Book of Healing by Diane Stein.
In her book, Diane Stein demystifies, explains and teaches how to use ancient skills and techniques to promote femail energies and well-being. The book describes aura and chakra work, creative visualization, meditation, laying on hands, psychic healing, and working with crystals and gemstones.
Nourishing Meals by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre, MS,CN.
Cooking and Health. This book is filled with over 300 gluten-free whole foods recipes for the whole family.
Photo: Katherine Morris and Kristina Ivanova. All rights reserved (c) 2019
Website content and design: Kristina Ivanova. All rights reserved (c) 2019
Website content and design: Kristina Ivanova. All rights reserved (c) 2019