Ari

Arianne (Ari) Stiles was only three years old when she took her first yoga and meditation class at Yogananda's Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Phoenix. Thirty-something years later, Ari returned to yoga to recover from an injury and from personal loss. And then she kept coming back, even after she got better.

"... and the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." —Anaïs Nin

It is the rich tradition and wisdom of yoga that captured her attention. Teaching a strong physical asana practice, Ari regularly includes partner work, pranayama (breath work) and meditation in her classes. She sees yoga as a system for total health: body, mind and spirit. Plus, it is infinitely adaptable: "I love that anyone can do it, regardless of age, ability or body type," she says.

Ari is a graduate of Yoga Yoga's 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training program. She is currently studying and practicing in the Anusara Yoga™ method and is working toward becoming an Anusara Inspired™ teacher. Working with the Universal Principles of Alignment in her own practice has helped Ari build strength and deepen her connection to the traditions and philosophies of yoga. "I love the idea of asana as offering, which infuses my practice with meaning," says Ari. She has additional training in Restorative and Prenatal Yoga.

While she is grateful for the wonderful support and nurturing she has felt from the Austin yoga community, Ari feels especially blessed by the bonds created during teacher training and by friendships within the "kula" of Anusara Yoga practitioners. Visiting teachers that have had an impact on her practice include Judith Lasater, Desiree Rumbaugh, Noah Mazé and Donna Farhi.

Ari moved to Austin from Albuquerque, NM about 10 years ago. She is a freelance graphic designer, and also works for SXSW Interactive. She enjoys Austin favorites like Mangia Pizza and Amy's Ice Cream, as well as the Alamo Draft House and Barton Creek. She is an avid photographer, is a passionate advocate for the power of the internet, loves to travel, and enjoys hanging out with her sons and playing with her two large, goofy dogs.

Click here to see when Ari teaches.

Recommended by Ari:
Light on Yoga, by B.K.S. Iyengar
Yoga From the Inside Out, by Christina Sell
30 Yoga Poses for Teachers and Their Students, by Judith Lasater

Favorite quote:
"What we strive for shows what we value." —Eknath Eswaran