When Yoga Becomes Yours: A chit-chat with Heather Haxo Phillips
At the Threshold: When Yoga Becomes Yours
A conversation for students seeking a deeper relationship with practice
with Heather Haxo Phillips
free
Sunday, March 29 from 3 – 4:15 pm pacific
in-person and on zoom
We all arrive at yoga for different reasons—relief from pain or stress, curiosity about new ways to move, or a quiet longing for change. In the beginning testing out Iyengar Yoga, we are not quite sure what is going on, but we like it. We come to class, follow the guidance, do the work and receive what’s offered. It is fun. It feels good. And so we keep coming back.
Over time, consistency becomes a practice itself. Life’s twists and turns test our commitment, yet we keep showing up. Coming to class again and again builds a valuable steadiness—in the body, mind, and the spirit. Even when life is busy, unpredictable, or demanding, we find ways to get to class. That commitment alone shapes us. We feel more at home in our bodies, more resourced emotionally, more grounded in ourselves.
Many practitioners remain in this place for years or a lifetime as deeply devoted class-goers who touch the edges of yoga’s depth through workshops, events and even retreats.
And then, for some people, a different pull arrives:
A threshold moment.
You might feel a pull toward a more personal, engaged practice—a desire not only to do the poses, but to understand why we practice, how to adapt your practice to your life’s changes, and how to bring yoga into your daily life. This could be called a threshold moment: a desire to move from being guided in class to being an active participant in your own practice.
This shift opens the door to a deeper, more personal relationship with yoga. Indeed, crossing offers you a relationship with yoga where you take ownership, explore deeply, and bring the practices more fully into your life.
In this intimate conversation, Heather will share her own journey of crossing that threshold—from dedicated student to active practitioner. We will chat about how that shift marked a transformation in her practice and her life.
Together, we’ll explore what this threshold moment might look like for you, and how to take the next steps—whether that’s developing a home practice, diving deeper into study, or exploring a longer commitment such as Sadhana Studies.
This will be an interactive session. Whether you join us in-person or on zoom, please be there live. Our activities will be done in small and large groups. It will not be the same experience watching a recording.
You’ll leave with clarity, inspiration, and concrete next steps to continue your yoga journey with intention and curiosity.
REGISTER HERE: In-Person REGISTER HERE: Online
WHAT TO EXPECT
The yoga tradition offers us so much wisdom. Even within Iyengar Yoga there is a universe of interesting topics to discuss. Over an informal hour together, we will take a deeper dive into one specific topic that we love.
We welcome everyone whether you are brand new to Adeline Yoga or have been an Iyengar Yoga practitioner for decades.
Our chit-chats are a fun time for community conversations together. For many years, we have gathered at the Iyengar Institute in Pune to chit-chat with Geeta Iyengar, Sunita Iyengar and now Abhijata and other RIMYI teachers. We treasure these times together and enjoy bringing this tradition to Adeline Yoga. It is a fun time to engage in stimulating conversation around important topics that relate to the greater Yoga tradition.
The purpose of our gathers are to:
- Excite and inspire aspiring and current yoga students everywhere
- Give students access to our outstanding faculty, allowing them to get to know their teachers in new ways
- Expose students to facets of Iyengar Yoga that they might know know about
- Give teachers an opportunity to talk about topics they love
TUITION:
Free!
A recording will be sent to anyone who registers.
Want to support these chit-chats a little more? Send a donation via pay-pal here: PayPal.me/adelineyoga
One hour prior to the workshop you will receive a unique zoom log-in and specific instructions.
First time on Zoom with us? Check out our tip sheet! Our tips will help you get ready for your first class with us.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Heather Haxo Phillips (she/her) is Director of Adeline Yoga and a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher at the Senior Intermediate level (Level 3).
Among the highest certified Iyengar teachers in the East Bay, her additional certifications include: Certified Yoga Therapist (c-IAYT), Relax and Renew restorative yoga teacher and Yoga Alliance E-500 level instructor. She has specialized yoga therapy training which includes scoliosis, musculoskeletal injuries and pain management.
One of her asana-related specialties is women’s health. Heather has a deep commitment to the ancient teachings which includes mantra sadhana (chanting) and Sanskrit, pranayama and yoga philosophy. You can expect to find aspects of this in all of Heather’s classes.
Heather deepens her own practice by studying regularly with senior Iyengar teachers, Sanskrit and Vedic scholars, and the Iyengar family in Pune.
Heather is past President of the Board of Directors for the Iyengar Yoga Association of Northern California and an active volunteer for the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States. She is a mentor and assessor, and recently retired from serving on the Assessment Committee for IYNAUS.