About Gloria

 
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Hello…I am Gloria Harris, owner of Smiling Yoga.

I was introduced to yoga twenty plus years ago, having “failed” a flexibility assessment at the local health club I joined to stay healthy and relieve stress. They had a yoga class that was starting a beginner series and my trainer strongly suggested I sign up, so I did. The first few classes felt awkward, there was breathing, chanting and moving in ways I never thought about. I stuck with it despite my reservations, but I soon realized that I was looking forward to those classes. I liked the feeling that I got after each practice, a subtle feeling of calm and spaciousness in my body and mind. I started feeling less overwhelmed at work and it seemed that I would miraculously find solutions to challenging issues after a yoga class. I was beginning to let go of the stress I was holding in my body. There is a saying, ”the issue is in the tissues”, and it’s true! I was not aware that I walked around with my shoulders up around my ears all the time. It was such a release to my nervous system to become aware of it and to become mindful about letting them go. Low back pain and neck pain went away and I became much more in tune with my body and myself. Yoga became an integral part of my life, helping me navigate life’s journey with more acceptance, compassion and grace. I retired from corporate life in 2014, and completed certifications to teach yoga and share this wonderful practice with others. I have completed the following certifications:

  • 200 RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) certification in Viniyoga 

  • 500 RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) certification in Viniyoga

  • Essential Yoga Therapy Low Back Program Certification

  • Buteyko Breathing Educator Certification 

  • Restore Your Prana Certification

  • Certified Yoga Therapist – C-IAYT (Certified -International Association of Yoga Therapists)

Beyond teaching yoga, I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, my dog, grandparenting, traveling, reading, gardening, walking/hiking, cooking and eating!