Original Yoga practices have their beginnings in ancient Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism of early India. The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit term “yuj” – a verb meaning “to unite, connect, join”. The definition of Yoga as a “Union of Body, Mind and Spirit” is consistent across time and culture and was originally developed as a complete physical, mental and spiritual way of life. Yoga was written about in such early texts as the Rigveda, Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita where ideas of Karma Yoga – Action, Bahkti Yoga – Devotion, and Jnana Yoga – Knowledge were introduced.
Centuries later, these concepts were further developed in the more modern texts of the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali and the Yoga Pradipika by Swami Svatmarama. Also introduced were the principles of Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga, just to name a few of the many popular practices today. Among the many components of modern Yoga, Asana and Pranayama or postures and breathing are very popular disciplines. A student, sometimes referred to as a yogi, yogini or devotee and taught by a certified and credentialed yoga teacher, pundit, or swami, will develop strength, balance and flexibility in body, mind and spirit through the practices of standing, bending, twisting, inverting, balancing, sitting, chanting, breathing and meditating.
Other popular yoga practices include singing, dancing, playing music, devotion, study, fire ceremonies, and selfless service. Each teacher, group and culture offer their own unique training, experience and interpretations based on years of study, practice and devotion. Research, experiment, practice and seek out others of like body, mind and spirit. Be well, study smartly, practice safely and get started today!
Elizabeth McCarthy is bringing her practice to Ruscombe after being in the field of psychology for 20 years in a variety of settings. She has worked in the ER, outreach, group homes, and outpatient community mental health. McCarthy received a Masters in Science from Johns Hopkins University in Clinical Community Counseling and was granted a license in clinical counseling. She worked in the clinical community psychiatry program at Johns Hopkins Bayview for five years before a brief pause to begin raising a family. She then returned to practice, providing individual and group therapy to those with symptoms of trauma, bi-polar, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. In 2018, she completed her 200 hour yoga teacher certification. Most recently she completed her Foundational training in Trauma Sensitive Yoga and Nature-Informed Therapy. She is currently growing her private practice to specialize in wellness approaches including: Somatic approaches such as Poly-Vagal Nerve Theory; Yoga, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and the many aspects of Mindfulness; Parts work, such as Internal Family Systems; Dialectical Behavior Therapy; Mindfulness Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Transpersonal Psychology, and Nature Informed Therapy. Continue reading “Elizabeth McCarthy, LCPC, RYT”
Alden has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2006 when she received her massage certification from the Holistic Massage Training Institute in Baltimore, MD. She is nationally certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork through NCBTMB as well as a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Alden began her massage practice in a private office. From 2008-2011 she was co-owner and director of Evolvewell Healing Arts Studio located in Roland Park, where she maintained a bodywork practice and taught weekly yoga classes to both adults and children. Currently she is a volunteer massage therapist at Joy Wellness, a holistic wellness center attached to Shepherd’s Clinic in Baltimore City. Alden is a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher offering group, corporate, and private therapeutic yoga. She is also a co-facilitator of the Wise Heart Community which meets weekly at Ruscombe Community Healing Center. Continue reading “Alden Caldwell”
Dennis Ossiander is a dedicated Healing Arts professional with over 25 years experience providing his clients with the highest quality Massage, Yoga, Meditation, and Healing Arts services available. While fostering feelings of comfort, safety, and well-being, he utilizes proven techniques that are most beneficial in each healing session to reduce stress, pain, muscle and joint dysfunction. Dennis will help you achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Your highly customized and therapeutic sessions will be relaxing, rejuvenating, and energizing while gently encouraging an integration of body, mind, and spirit.