Amy Jorgensen 

Fifteen years ago I received a life-changing gift from my mom: a yoga video starring Cindy Crawford, a VHS I played repeatedly until I left for college. Ever since that momentous occasion, I have explored many styles of this ancient and transformative practice (including Kundalini, Ashtanga, Acroyoga, and Yin). The first time I took a class from a skilled vinyasa flow teacher, I found a little piece of myself.

My official training happened in 2005 at the Integral Yoga Institute in San Francisco, the oldest yoga institution (and one of the many ashrams) in the city. I chose this course of study because of the in-depth curriculum including all 8 limbs of yoga, not just pranayama and asana. Since then, I have taught at a little studio a few blocks from the Pacific, a few studios and an eclectic gym in Portland, OR. I have studied with gifted teachers in both cities and after 10 years of living out west, am thrilled to finally get back to my roots.

I teach a challenging vinyasa flow class that is adaptable to any skill level. The strength of the vinyasa practice is in its diversity, which allows me to be creative and inventive with connecting asanas together. Teaching is kind of like free-styling: I’ve never taught the same class twice. The practice of teaching yoga is a powerful outlet and heart-opening service that I am excited to contribute to Yogave.

When I am not speaking sporadic sanskrit in my yoga pants, I am graphic designing (www.notarobot.org and www.turtleloveco.com). Art is another big passion: I make installation art (www.amyjorgensen.org) and am on the board of directors for Mensk (www.menskmaine.org). That’s a lot of websites, which is why I try to spend as much time as possible in nature and on my yoga mat!