Elizabeth Rodano

Liz stumbled upon yoga by accident when she was late for a pilates class at her gym. She was immediately hooked, and began to think that perhaps there is a reason behind every happening. After studying with various teachers and learning many different styles of yoga (Bikram, Iyengar, Hatha, Vinyasa), Liz embarked on the journey through yoga teacher training. She completed her studies at Sonic Yoga in New York City, registering with the Yoga Alliance at the 200 hour level, certified in Vinyasa Yoga. She has recently begun the journey to advanced 500 hour certification at ISHTA Yoga in Manhattan, under the tutelage of Alan Finger and Sarah Platt-Finger.

Liz believes that yoga found her when she needed it the most. Often riddled with anxiety, yoga allowed her the space to settle her mind and find calm. Yoga is not just a practice, but a way of life. Practicing mindfulness in even the most mundane of activities bring her calm, joy and peace. Having lived in numerous countries around the world, she feels that the message of yoga is universal. A practice older than any religion in the world, yoga provides a solid foundation for any spiritual path. Those looking to embark on a spiritual journey will find that she is well-studied in the works of Pantanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, scriptures she gains daily inspiration from.
 
Formerly a special education teacher, she began implementing short “mindfulness” practices in her classroom. She was amazed at the difference it made for her students, both academically and behaviorally. She co-facilitated a yoga club for elementary and middle school students in Newark, NJ for the last two years, and found that she was able to reach students in a way that she had not been able to in the classroom. She completed childrens yoga trainings with Neney's Yoginis, Street Yoga, and Little Flower Yoga. She currently works full-time for Bija Kids Yoga in Brooklyn, NY where she brings a holistic educational experience to children aged 2 to 8 both on-site and in various daycare centers and local schools. Additionally, Liz is pursuing a M.S. in Mental Health Counseling, as she hopes to help others, especially children and teenagers, through a fusion of counseling and yoga methodologies.

Liz believes that all beings can benefit from yoga, whether directly or indirectly . When we practice yoga with an open heart and listen to the divine within, we are able to discern our true dharma, or path in life. When we have the courage to live our dharma, we find that obstacles in our path fall away. There is no greater joy or peace than living the life you were truly meant to live. Suffering is always optional, and when we choose to let go of it, we find ourselves immersed in bliss.