Community Heals

Terry Ariano has had an involvement with yoga since discovering it during her high school years. In 1998, she started practicing regularly, and in 2005 met teacher Amy Pearce Hayden in Holmes, NY. Terry immediately felt a shift in her approach to yoga, attempting to go further with her physical practice than she had ever thought possible for her body. Physical obstacles began to release, and she felt an expansive growth in her physical abilities, an increased stamina and pleasure in doing a more strenuous practice.Following an illness, she enrolled in teacher training with Pearce Hayden, when “the spiritual aspects of yoga became relevant in my life. Yoga is really responsible for keeping me sane throughout the whole ordeal. Once I came through it and felt my energy level returning, I decided to continue that spiritual exploration by enrolling in teacher training, as a sort of immersion recovery vehicle.” She received her 200 hour certification in 2006. She has taught since then at many yoga studios and locations throughout the Hudson Valley.

”Yoga as a physical and spiritual practice has enriched and grounded my life. I have come to recognize the interconnectedness of all Beings. I can recognize yoga as present in every aspect of daily life, and am a continual student in learning to integrate yoga philosophy on and off the mat. Yoga has allowed me to improve my attitude and outlook in life, and filled me with a purposeful goal to accept the unchangeable in my life, and to work at expanding my level of consciousness.

In my classes, I strive to impart a sense of possibility to those who come to practice, to allow people to develop in their individual ways, and provide positive feedback while students find what works for them. I enjoy working with people who would not normally choose yoga as a physical practice, and help them understand how it can help them deal with aging and physical infirmity. As spirit and nature are very important in my life, I try to integrate these elements into classes, and encourage students to draw inspiration from the beauty and magic in the world around them.

Tai Chi, an internal art form and moving meditation, focuses on cultivating internal energy, which the Chinese refer to as "Chi". Like other internal arts, it is famous for calming the mind, relaxing the body, and strengthening the spirit. Some other benefits, which may sound much more practical in modern society, include boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure, improving balance and strength, and counteracting depression and anxiety.

Sifu Steven Reilly has studied at Dragon & Crane, in Somers, NY, for over 10 years. He practices both Tai Chi and Shaolin Kung Fu under Master John Scattaretico. He is truly grateful for the opportunity to begin sharing this art with those who wish to learn. This weekly one-hour class will offer students an opened door to a world of movement, philosophy, and laughter. All skill levels are welcome, and beginners are especially encouraged!