Paisley Close
When I took my first yoga class in 1996 I never, ever dreamed that it would become my passion and my profession. What started out as a way to feel better in my body eventually created the framework for me to understand life and to love myself. Yoga, for me, is an owner’s manual to life and to the body, and the two cannot be separated. So it is in practice that we integrate the spiritual and the physical. This is why I teach, this is what I offer to my students.
Anusara yoga is the style of yoga that truly captures my heart. The elegant principals of alignment and the masterful philosophy on which Anusara is built give my mind something to chew on, to help me see the Big Picture. While the mind is dutifully understanding the structure, the body feels the magical opening and the two weave together this tapestry of form and essence, spirit and matter. And, why? Because its fun and it helps me know myself better and love myself more.
Teaching yoga, which I’ve done since 2000, certainly helps me digest this process and integrate it into daily life. The gift my students give me is that I must truly assimilate the information in order to articulate it, which means I really have to do my homework. What a great opportunity to move forward and evolve! I love learning and evolving, but even more inspiring to me is seeing students awaken, shift and raise their vibration. I get a hit off of that and it raises my vibration, inspires me and together we build an upward spiral.
My classes are full of enthusiasm for this journey and they move back and forth between the physical and alignment aspects to the esoteric and philosophical. So it is with a pinch of philosophy, a chunk of alignment and a dash of humor that we remember we have everything we need for ultimate freedom and joy in this life, even the owner’s manual!
“You are the point the Universe is trying to make.”
—Douglas Brooks, Ph.D.
Testimonials
"Yoga is a form of storytelling. This proves to be true with Paisley Close as an instructor. She weaves her story in between movement and breath. When I come to her class, I’m ready to deepen my practice and most of all, have fun."
—Unknown
"I attended her Inversion workshop last weekend. Over the course of 2 hours, I learned so much more about my favorite poses. Her attention to detail from hand placement to the eyelids being vertical in Tadasana blew me away! As a new yoga instructor, I see her as a mentor; it’s an honor to practice with her. Most of all, she allows me to acknowledge the small as well as the big accomplishments through practice."
—Kylo Anderson
"Paisley is an incredible, gifted yoga practitioner and teacher. Her joy for life and yoga is inspiring. Her clarity and enthusiasm makes every practice a unique and rewarding experience. My yoga practice has positively affected both my physical and mental well-being. Thank you Paisley!"
—Gwen Gerrity
"The approach to yoga in Paisley's classes gives me a better understanding of all the aspects of my practice. In movement and use I find the instruction given to be a new outlook on poses that I had done for years and it gives me a much more solid practice. Paisley's attitude is always bright and positive and infectious and lifts the class from just being exercise to a more complete experience of what yoga is. I almost always enjoy my yoga classes, but Paisley's classes are different, just so much better. Her knowledge of how to link poses that complete each other, how to demonstrate them, and how to help students achieve them is better than I have experienced in any other vinyasa class I have taken. I often leave classes with a huge 'yoga buzz' of energy and happiness. Paisley is unique in the quality of her own practice and being able to help transfer that to her students. I love Paisley."
—Ricky Rich
"Working with Paisley has opened my eyes to new dimensions and understandings of Yoga, enhancing my Practice experience. And of course this has resulted in increased abilities. Her knowledge of Anusara Yoga is extensive, and her passion for it is contagious. Her willingness to be open, to share and to nurture, make for a relaxed, compassionate and fun Practice. I’ve appreciated her patience with me - a struggling student - beyond what words can express."
—Unknown
"To anyone who wishes to begin or further their Yoga Practice: I highly recommend working with Paisley."
—Michele Hall
"I have had the experience of being in Paisley's yoga class for over three months and have had the most wonderful experiences of all my yoga practices with her. She is an amazing person when it comes to instructing classes... She has the biggest heart in the world... When she instructs the class she does it with all her heart and soul, shows you in detail and comes around the class to give you a personal touch and move your body where it needs to go in a gentle kind way... Paisley also has a wonderful way of opening up everything in your body that needs an opening at that time, even if you didn't know you needed it. It’s an amazing feeling inside and very clearing in your soul and heart. You come out of the class with more strength in your body and with an opening of your heart and soul that I have not had with any other instructor. She lights up the whole class when she steps into the room."
—Laura Leet
Paisley's classes are an absolute joy. The perfect balance between a workout and a spiritual search for your inner peace. As a teacher, I noticed that Paisley modifies her approach to help reflect the needs of my body and my mind (although I have no earthly idea how she does that!)"
—Hassan
"Paisley, your authenticity keeps me coming back. Your passion for teaching comes through in everyway. Your mellow pace taught with intensity is a unique blend that is life enhancing. You are truly amazing!"
—Carmel