Leigh Ann Stratakos

I discovered yoga during my last semester at university. After graduation, I practiced Iyengar Yoga for two years until I was given a Kripalu catalog. In January 2001, I dove in, not knowing the seriousness of the words “Volunteer to Change Your Life”. I did a lot of work, physically, cleaning toilets and making beds, and emotionally, peeling through layer upon layer of old patterns, pain and buried feelings. I learned everything from asana and pranayama, to non-violent communication, to the difference between tofu and tempeh! I felt a strong desire to share yoga with others, however, I left with my mind spinning. Before I started teaching, I wanted to get grounded. What better way than backpacking part of the Appalachian Trail?

I went home, cleared out most of what I owned and boxed up the rest. I bought a backpack and a pair of hiking boots, and headed south. Just like Kripalu, I dove in, feet first this time! I hiked 11 miles on day one, straight up. I seriously thought I might die, but I didn’t. I loved every minute of it...carrying what I needed on my back and learning to live with the land. I faced fears I didn’t know I had and found an inner strength which taught me I can do anything if I focus. Most of my days followed a similar pattern. For the first few hours, I was terrified. I was afraid of dying alone in the woods, being attacked by a bear or running into a crazy man. I jumped at every noise, which 9 times out of 10 was a squirrel or bird. The scariest thing I saw was bear scat. The next few hours of each day I was so exhausted the thought of dying wasn’t so bad as it would be a way to escape the pain in my feet, legs and back. Then, I dropped into “the zone” and I would count my footsteps, eight at a time. After lunch, I was convinced I could hike forever. After a month I dropped my pack, fell in love with a house and began offering yoga classes in my studio, 3 Moons.

One day, I was invited to Easton Yoga and my body was introduced to a whole new world of asana, including Ashtanga and Vinyasa. I was asked to teach and did so for three years. In 2003, I completed a Yoga Synthesis™ Teacher Training and the following year Level 1 & 2 of the Radiant Child Yoga Program. In January 2005, I decided to dive again, this time into the inner workings of my mind. I ventured up to Mass. to attend a 10 day, Vipassana meditation course.

Before I left for the course, I asked a friend, “What if I lose my mind?” “Maybe you’ll find a better one,” he said. Luckily, both happened! Vipassana brought to life all the things I had read in books. It turned my knowledge into wisdom and for the first time I experienced how my mind works. Almost a year later the teaching clicked in a classic light bulb moment and a simple yet powerful understanding unfolded.

Today, I continue to own and operate 3 Moons, teaching in the studio and out on the trails. As much as I enjoy leading a strong, vinyasa class, I still love introducing beginners to the practice. I share all aspects of Yoga, including pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, diet, and philosophy. I teach from my experience and I believe Yoga is a life long journey that works best with consistency, perseverance, non-judgement, fearlessness, and honesty with oneself.