About Svadhyaya Yoga Studio

Our Philosophy

Svadhyaya is one of the Niyamas; the Yogic practices of observation.  Svadhyaya translates to mean Self Study or Spiritual Study.  There are many ways to study your Self.  The practice of restraint (Yamas), observation (Niyamas), Poses (Asana) and Breath (Pranayama) prepare us to look within ourselves. 

Pratyahara is the practice of turning inward and the initial step that helps us turn within to truly see ourselves.  It is the way in which we integrate that which we have learned from others and that which lies within us already.

The focus at our studio is on learning the whole practice of Yoga.  Although our studio classes are described based upon the style of physical practice offered, each class incorporates every aspect of Patanjali's eight limbs.  While practicing at the studio you will be encouraged to listen to your Self; to honor your body, breath and mind as well as to explore the practice on your own.

Learn to breathe with power, open your body with strength and flexibilty, calm your mind and meditate.  The teachers at Svadhyaya are there to help you practice Yoga no matter what may limit you.  You will be offered props as needed, guidance when you feel lost and comfort during final relaxation.

Anyone can do Yoga.  Join us and Discover Your Self.

Biography

Jenay
Jennifer (Jenay) Aiksnoras is the founder of Svadhyaya Yoga Studio.
Jenay has been practicing Yoga since 2000.  She began by practicing Svarupa Yoga in Boston during her undergraduate studies.  Soon after, she began to explore other forms of Yogic practice.  Throughout the following years, Jenay took classes in Ashtanga, Anusara, Vinyasa, Iyengar, Kripalu and Bikram.  When a move brought her to New York, she began her practice at the local gym and met Amy Pearce-Hayden.  Amy is the director of  The YogaScape and is Jenay's first guru.  Jenay became certified in Raja-Hatha Yoga in 2006 and immediately began teaching.
Jenay enjoys teaching active vinyasa classes and is always sure to throw in some Iyengar-style alignment suggestions.  She has experience teaching all ages and abilities including seniors with Alzheimer's and children with special needs.  Jenay is a 200hr E-RYT and will receive her 500 hour at the end of 2011.

Want to know more about Jenay's training?  www.theyogascape.com

Leanne Leanne first began testing the waters of yoga in high school.  It wasn't until much later, when she needed the strength to overcome deep sorrow after losing a beloved family member, that she found yoga to be an essential part of her life.   During the summer of 2009, Leanne began attending classes with John Calabria in her hometown of Concord, Massachussetts.  After the very first class she attended, John told her in all honesty, "you could teach that class."  Encouraged by this, she found Yandara Yoga Institute in Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico.  Leanne was trained in Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, meditation, and healthy, low-impact living, among other things.  Her classes are influenced by the many outdoor activities she enjoys, such as snowboarding, biking, hiking, swimming, and running.  Along with the active, vinyasa-flow style classes, Leanne finds balance with the restorative, meditative, "yin" yoga. Join Leanne for Deep Stretch.

Ashle Ashle went to her first yoga class on a whim, and immediately fell in love with the  practice.  After three years of dedicated Vinyasa practice, Ashle felt compelled to share her passion for yoga with others by becoming a teacher.  She studied at Laughing Lotus Yoga Center in San Francisco under Keith Borden and Jasmine Tarkeshi.   Ashle’s classes are best described as an ecstatic and creative expression of self  through movement. She encourages her students to honor their bodies and move like themselves.  When not teaching or practicing, yoga, you can find Ashle dancing, hiking, and getting way too excited about finding her favorite albums on vinyl. Join Ashle for Active Flow on Tuesday mornings.

Randy Randy is a student at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco; the oldest Iyengar Yoga teacher training program in the U.S.  He is currently enrolled in the 500 hour program and getting ready to start his second year.  He travels to the city on an almost weekly basis to study with his teachers and take classes at the institute.  He is passionate about sharing what he is learning with the Lake Tahoe Yoga Community and eager to see you in his classes here at the lake. Join Randy for Yoga Basics on Wednesday evenings.