Get To Know The Yoga Instructor
Anne Avant began attending Iyengar hatha yoga classes while living in the San Francisco area in 1978 where she studied with many senior teachers. She continued her studies after returning to Little Rock in 1984, attending numerous workshops around the country and in Ireland, and began teaching in 1987.
She was the first teacher in Arkansas to receive her Iyengar certification (CIYT) in 1991 and is also an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) through Yoga Alliance. She maintains her certification with continuing studies in workshops, conventions, and online classes. She is fortunate enough to have attended several conventions with Mr. Iyengar, his daughter, Geeta, and granddaughter, Abhijata.
Anne received her "Yoga for Scoliosis" certification in 2018 from Elise Browning Miller, a senior Iyengar certified teacher from California. The training provided detailed knowledge on working with different types of scoliosis to help stretch and strengthen chronic tight and weak areas due to the abnormal curvature of the spine.
Therapeutic Benefits of Each Asana
Good alignment of the bones and muscles is essential for the therapeutic benefits of each asana to be obtained. Then the nervous system, circulatory system, glands, and organs can optimally function. Many times, muscular aches and discomforts are remedied through the asanas, and strength is gained in weaker areas. The body is brought back into balance with more stability and a calmer nervous system. A calmer nervous system enhances the immune system.
"I love teaching yoga and am thankful for all my teachers and every student. Each student has helped keep the studio alive, and I hope that each one's life has improved as well by doing yoga."
About Cedar Rock
Anne and her husband, Hans van der Werff, designed and built Cedar Rock Yoga Studio in 1998. “It was one of the most joyful times of my life to begin teaching in a space we had created."
Iyengar-Style Hatha Yoga
All Classes Teach the Iyengar Method of Hatha Yoga
This approach emphasizes a balance between strength and flexibility, builds endurance, and develops self-awareness through precision in movement and attention to subtle aspects of posture and breath.
The B.K.S. Iyengar method of hatha yoga is internationally known for its emphasis on form, alignment of bones, rhythmic breathing, and the use of props.
Asanas, the postures practiced in yoga, comprise the third of the eight limbs of yoga. The first limb, Yama, reflects the ethical standards: nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation and non-coveting. To truly practice asanas, developing these qualities is essential. They are then carried over to all aspects of our lives.
We begin our exploration from the known (physical) to the unknown with the practice of asanas, and develop from the gross to the more subtle aspects of our nature. When we are able to find the "comfortable seat" and quietness of the pose, we are able to go deeper into the more subtle layers. This is accomplished with practice, persistence, and patience.