About Martina
In the early 1980’s my mother along with other women from our community took yoga classes on a regular basis. The yoga classes were brought to our small, rural town in southern Germany by the local extension office.
Yoga had much to offer to my mom, I believe. Despite her busy life of raising seven children and running the family business after my father’s passing, she took the time to do some yoga every day. The most vivid memory is of my mother (now in her eighties) doing yoga in our dining room in the mornings, while I was getting ready for my school day.
I discovered yoga for myself in 1994 when I moved to the USA, to Morrison. At that time I used to tape and practice with the PBS series “Yoga with Lilias Folen”. This was followed by a class at Sauk Valley College and a number of home videos and books.
Through yoga I feel healthier in my body and mind. My neck and back used to trouble me quite a bit. Now this happens only on occasion. I believe it has improved my immune system, since I rarely get sick. Overall I feel much stronger and more flexible.
Yoga has taught me about embracing the ups and downs of life with greater ease. I do feel calmer and more relaxed in myself.
In short: Through yoga I feel better!
I wanted to be able to share the yoga with others, so in 2002 /2003 I studied to become a certified Hatha Yoga Teacher. It was 9-month training through the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago, IL. There I learned an array of yoga poses in detail. I learned to establish my own daily yoga practice. And I learned how to safely lead students through yoga in classes.
The foundation of the teacher training program was experience based learning. This was accompanied by a large amount of integrated yoga knowledge. The emphasis was put on a thorough understanding of yoga theory through practice.
In 2008/2009 I worked on my certification as meditation teacher also through the Temple of Kriya Yoga. The 12-month training again was experience based, supported by thorough study of theoretical material.
The addition of meditation has offered deeper joy and contentment for my life. I feel so much happier!
I find life interesting. In yoga and meditation I find the tools to explore life to greater degrees.
I am very grateful for the solid foundation of both teacher training programs. To this day I remain a student of yoga and meditation. More so, yoga has become a way of life for me! I love it and I am ready to share my knowledge
