Nan Comstock
As a native San Diegan, Nan grew up with an enthusiastic commitment to an appreciation of nature, fitness and nutrition. She has always loved communing with nature, and being with family and friends. Her family is a nuturing and spiritual one, influencing her decisions throughout life. During her active teenage years, she remembers doing her first yoga poses in front of the TV to “Lilias Yoga and You” fascinated with the breathing, and the twists and turns.
Thus the seeds were planted and the journey began. In addition to a challenging management career, Nan became a certified fitness instructor in 1981 instructing a variety of fitness classes, studying body mechanics and nutrition. It was not until 10 years later that with reoccurring symptoms of Lupus (SLE) that she had to give up a stressful career and turned her attention back to yoga. The healing and therapeutic benefits of yoga came with a recovery from Lupus. These first steps led to a larger journey, and she dedicated her life to studying and sharing the Eightfold Yogic Pathway.
Nan gained her initial certification through Viniyoga Teacher Training in the style of Gary Kraftsow. (200Hr.) She continued her studies with Tim Miller accruing hundreds of hours studying and practicing the primary and second series of Ashtanga Yoga in the style of Sri K. Pattabi Jois. (Completing 2 - 100 hours of primary series training intensive, and 1 - 100 hours of second series training intensive). During that time, it was a great honor to meet and practice with Pattabi Jois. She has studied with Paul Grilley practicing Yin Yoga, studied Iyengar and has accrued many hours in Anusara studies in the style of John Friend.
These teachers, and countless other yogis who practice, teach and live the yogic pathway have influenced her and given her inspiration. Nan has deep gratitude for the many teachers who have contributed their skills and insights along her personal journey.
The sacred teaching of the yogic pathway inspire her to share these tools of enlightenment with her students, incorporating the eight petals of yoga into each life - her own and her students'. Her classes are infused with reflections on these sacred teachings, balancing the physical and spiritual aspects of the practice.
Nan’s teaching style is focused on the individual. Gentle precise adjustments and a healing touch (Reiki) are integral facets of her instruction. Whether in a class or on a personal basis her keen perception of each students needs guides her teaching. Her greatest joy? “That glow in the students eyes after their practice as they realize they have come one step further on their own personal journey of self discovery”.
One students says this of her “Nan has a remarkably intuitive teaching style. Whether it is a rigerous Ashtanga Improv class or a gentle Asana Flow she infuses each class, each movement with reflections on yogic teaching. It makes every class it’s own little adventure”.
Nan continues to study various styles of yoga including Bhakti (Devotional Yoga and chanting) and regularly participates in workshops to not only pursue her own passion, but to pass these teaching on to her students. She strives to go beyond just teaching a good class, but to create an uplifting and inspiring experience.
“May today there be peace within
May you trust your higher power that you are exactly where you were meant to be
May you not forget the infinite possibilites that are born of faith
May you use those gifts that you have recieved and pass on the Love that has been given to you
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God
Let this presence settle into your bones and allow your soul
the freedom to Sing, Dance, Praise and Love
It is there for each and every one of you”
—Mother Theresa