Laurie Scott

She teaches Ananda-style yoga, a spiritual and gentle type of yoga that is done slowly with deep breathing, positive affirmations and pauses in between the poses. It cultivates inner peace and relaxation, and helps uplift one's energy. Students remark on how relaxed they feel afterwards, and often experience a deep sense of tranquility that lasts for hours. Laurie hopes yoga will be a relaxed and enjoyable experience for anyone she teaches, and welcomes beginning students of all sizes and ability. She knows many people feel intimidated to do yoga, thinking that yoga classes consist of slender young women in tight leggings who do each yoga perfectly. She herself is older and average looking, and most comfortable wearing loose clothing. The goal of her yoga classes is for people to experience greater peace and tranquility, rather than just for physical exercise, although it can be very beneficial physically too. She also often includes inspirational reading and a short meditation in her classes. Pets are welcome at her private lessons, who seem to really enjoy the calm atmosphere of yoga class too.Laurie comes from a spiritual background. As a teenager, she questioned the meaning of life and sought inner peace and happiness. She studied yoga and meditation from teachers from India and their senior students. As a young adult, she also lived in a traditional ashram for seven years, four of which were spent living in India. Afterwards, she studied Indian classical music with the great Indian classical musician, Ali Akbar Khan, in California for almost 25 years, and plays the musical instrument, sarode (aka sarod). In 1990, she became a devotee of Amma, the hugging saint, who recommends yoga for inner peace and well being.Laurie has written and published an entertaining and candid memoir, "A Spiritual Journey to Now" (available on Amazon), some of which shares her experiences of living in India. She has also recorded four albums of her music, most of which can be heard for free on her Youtube channel. Given the opportunity, she shares her music in institutions where people are isolated and suffering, and helps bring peace and happiness to others through music. She was once featured in the Sunday Lifestyles section of the Marin Independent Journal , Marin County's largest newspaper, and also been interviewed on New York's radio station, WRPI (In the Spirit).What students have said about her classes:"Laurie's class sets the tone for my whole week. In addition to helping me feel much better physically, I am much calmer and more focused." — AC"It's a tranquil journey into health happiness and well-being. Laurie's peaceful presence complements a wonderful class filled with inspiration and encouragement." — RJN"Her yoga class is wonderful! Its not at all intimidating to me as a novice yogi. I appreciate her gentle and calm direction and how she speaks. She accommodates any limited ability by tweaking the poses when necessary. But mostly my mind becomes calm and focused throughout the entire class. I feel euphoric and my body feels so good afterwards. My small dog and I always look forward to the next class."— JH