Dear One:
By virtue of the fact that you ended up on this page, you are on a journey.
OR
you clicked the wrong button, in which case it's best you leave… QUICKLY.
My own journey began in 2000, when I was dragged by some dear friends to my very first group fitness class.
It wasn't a pretty picture.
But I persevered: within just a few months my conditioning was greatly improved,
and the repercussions were stunning.
It became readily apparent that many of my limitations were in large part a product of nothing more than my conditioned beliefs.
I began to study the experts,
and to devour the latest techniques in exercise physiology,
brain health, psychology, nutrition and alternative self-care practices.
I claim to be an expert in none, but am acutely aware of the thread which connects these disciplines:
the potential for a vastly improved experience of life is just a decision away.
Interestingly enough, my own health issues then necessitated dramatic shifts and personal experimentation,
taking the learning from an intellectual place
to a personal one.
When a colleague suggested I take an introductory yoga teacher training,
little did she (or I, for that matter) realize that her comment would once again change my trajectory.
I was, and continue to be,
enchanted by the holistic, transformative power of regular practice
and the deep and abiding spiritual wisdom of the tradition.
I began teaching, continued my studies and, in 2012, received my RYT® certification from the Om My Yoga Academy.
In tandem, I dove headfirst into the hard work of
deep personal introspection – svadyaya in Sanskrit -
that continues to this day
and I emerged with a renewed thirst for supporting others as they
rediscover their magnificence.
From 2009 until 2011, I worked through a local fitness center to develop
a comprehensive wellness program for 2000+ older adults.
In 2011, I founded
Symmetry Yoga & Wellness,
dedicated to supporting individuals in their journey to
vital, balanced, empowered and intentional lives.
Recently, I completed the
Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist certification,
adding to my toolbox and rounding out my understanding of the pillars of
good health, true happiness, fulfillment and longevity.
Then, on July 1st, 2016, I became the owner of
Just Breathe Yoga & Fitness in Sinking Spring,
and now teach alongside a team of skillful, passionate and dedicated instructors.
Teaching is my joy and my dharma.
My workshops are interactive and experiential, and intended to empower you forward on YOUR path.
My yoga classes are primarily vinyasa (flow) or breath-synchronized-movement-based,
yet heavily influenced by the incredible faculty at our very own Himalayan Institute in Honesdale PA.
My students range from athletes to stressed-out moms to business professionals
to those brand new to the healing and restorative power of yoga.
I love to travel but most days, I practice, study, teach… and try really hard not to take myself too seriously :)
Wishing you well on your journey,
Valerie
XO
In the words of Walt Whitman, "re-examine all you have been told… dismiss whatever insults your own soul.”
By virtue of the fact that you ended up on this page, you are on a journey.
OR
you clicked the wrong button, in which case it's best you leave… QUICKLY.
My own journey began in 2000, when I was dragged by some dear friends to my very first group fitness class.
It wasn't a pretty picture.
But I persevered: within just a few months my conditioning was greatly improved,
and the repercussions were stunning.
It became readily apparent that many of my limitations were in large part a product of nothing more than my conditioned beliefs.
I began to study the experts,
and to devour the latest techniques in exercise physiology,
brain health, psychology, nutrition and alternative self-care practices.
I claim to be an expert in none, but am acutely aware of the thread which connects these disciplines:
the potential for a vastly improved experience of life is just a decision away.
Interestingly enough, my own health issues then necessitated dramatic shifts and personal experimentation,
taking the learning from an intellectual place
to a personal one.
When a colleague suggested I take an introductory yoga teacher training,
little did she (or I, for that matter) realize that her comment would once again change my trajectory.
I was, and continue to be,
enchanted by the holistic, transformative power of regular practice
and the deep and abiding spiritual wisdom of the tradition.
I began teaching, continued my studies and, in 2012, received my RYT® certification from the Om My Yoga Academy.
In tandem, I dove headfirst into the hard work of
deep personal introspection – svadyaya in Sanskrit -
that continues to this day
and I emerged with a renewed thirst for supporting others as they
rediscover their magnificence.
From 2009 until 2011, I worked through a local fitness center to develop
a comprehensive wellness program for 2000+ older adults.
In 2011, I founded
Symmetry Yoga & Wellness,
dedicated to supporting individuals in their journey to
vital, balanced, empowered and intentional lives.
Recently, I completed the
Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist certification,
adding to my toolbox and rounding out my understanding of the pillars of
good health, true happiness, fulfillment and longevity.
Then, on July 1st, 2016, I became the owner of
Just Breathe Yoga & Fitness in Sinking Spring,
and now teach alongside a team of skillful, passionate and dedicated instructors.
Teaching is my joy and my dharma.
My workshops are interactive and experiential, and intended to empower you forward on YOUR path.
My yoga classes are primarily vinyasa (flow) or breath-synchronized-movement-based,
yet heavily influenced by the incredible faculty at our very own Himalayan Institute in Honesdale PA.
My students range from athletes to stressed-out moms to business professionals
to those brand new to the healing and restorative power of yoga.
I love to travel but most days, I practice, study, teach… and try really hard not to take myself too seriously :)
Wishing you well on your journey,
Valerie
XO
In the words of Walt Whitman, "re-examine all you have been told… dismiss whatever insults your own soul.”
Valerie Willms is an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist (AYS), Registered Yoga Trainer (RYT 200®), wellness coach and corporate workshop presenter. She has taught more than 1000 yoga classes and is a regular student at the Himalayan Institute. She is a passionate advocate for women's self-empowerment, education, awareness and healing. Valerie is married with two young adult children, and in her spare time loves to hike, travel, write and create delicious plant-primary dishes with an international flair. Her perspective on integrative wellness has often appeared in local publications.