Jill Geller: June Teacher of the Month

Meet our teacher of the month, Jill Geller! You can view her weekly schedule of classes here.

What in your practice inspires you to teach?
I've been committed to my yoga practice for over 15 years. Every time I come to the mat in my own practice, I find a space of strength, clarity and confidence that fuels me to move with those same virtues through the rest of my daily life.  I teach in order to help others find these virtues in their own practices and thus within themselves.


Tell us a little about your yoga journey and how this influences what you bring across in your teaching? I felt an undeniable draw to practice yoga when I moved to Manahattan during college; it was something I HAD to do.  I was hooked in the
middle of my first class watching a room full of people practice Vasistasana (Side Plank).  Watching, because I couldn't fathom HOW it
was possible to support my whole body with one arm and I NEEDED to know.  On my journey toward side plank however, so much more than the
physical achievements of a committed practice came to light. Supplemented by my training as an Art Therapist, my yoga practice merged a physical, mental and emotional strength that previously had been inaccessible for me.  Side plank happened and that was just the beginning.  In my classes, I encourage students to explore how they move between poses, physically, mentally, and emotionally, how they exist within each asana and what the whole body, mind and spirit is experiencing at any present moment.

What is your favorite activity outside of yoga and how does yoga help this activity? Outside of Yoga and practicing Art Therapy which yoga helps considerably by keeping me grounded, aware of my own body, space, and emotions, my activities are dominated by whatever my two little kids are doing: climbing jungle gyms, going on nature walks, playing on the floor, running in circles ... My yoga practice gives me the strength, flexibility (and Patience!) to keep up with them ... mostly.

How would you describe your teaching? My teaching combines flow, alignment, and yoga philosophy to foster an environment for self discovery on a journey toward strength of body, clarity of mind, and confidence of spirit.

What makes teaching at Kaia yoga a unique experience? Kaia is a community of explorers that has something for everyone. There is always something new to learn while familiar, comfortable ways are also nurtured and supported.