About

Bachelor of Arts

Geography

Minor in Mathematics

Minor in Eastern Philosophy

Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ

Master of Arts

Marketing & Public Relations

Minor in Environmental Education

Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ

Masters of Arts

Transpersonal Psychology

Naropa University, Boulder, CO

Certified Ecopsychologist

Naropa University, Boulder, CO

Certified Yoga Instructor

Certified Reiki Master & Instructor

Usui and Karuna Lineages

When I began practicing yoga in 1973, it was just starting to get a foothold in the Western world. There were no yoga studios as we know them today. And no such thing as yoga mats and yoga clothing. But now yoga is enjoyed worldwide with many different styles, which I wholeheartedly support!

However, my understanding of yoga is the same now as it was then. Which is this: Yoga is the quieting of the mind. And the postures are designed to facilitate that. By giving the analytical part of the brain something to focus upon as it thinks about how to get in and out of the poses.

Since the analytical portion of the brain is a problem solver, it constantly looks for problems to solve. So focusing on the different yoga movements satisfies the analytical mind's need to constantly figure something out.

Meanwhile we also focus on our breath. Which calms the nervous system and opens the doorway to another part of the brain's functioning. The intuitive, creative portion. From this viewpoint life is not so much a problem to be solved as it is a mystery to be lived. This is where we experience the state of just being.

Why is it so important to just be? Well, in this fast-paced world it's become "normal" to go through life over-stimulated and stressed-out. So the mind understandably gets burnt out. Like a computer that needs to be rebooted to work properly, the analytical portion of our brain needs a break. But it can be hard to just stop and meditate after a day of being on the go.

Which is why I am providing Lighten Up Lessons on YouTube. These are easy to listen to segments designed to help you relax and renew. They include guided meditations, inspirational quotes, yoga philosophy, energy clearing techniques, and much more. So if you need a lift in the middle of your busy day or something to help you relax at the end of it, please tune in!

The You Tube Lessons are still in progress. I am currently creating and recording the content. And hope to have them fully available by January 2027.

If you'd like to know when the Lighten Up You Tube Lessons become available, please email me and I'll send you an email when they are up and running. LightenUpWithHart@yahoo.com