Joanne Silver

My life changed the first time I stepped onto a yoga mat. I knew I had found a way of moving and being that could open my body, yet soothe my soul. After being diagnosed with debilitating sciatica at the age of 24, coupled with the inability to even touch my toes for about 15 of those years, I felt trapped in a body that was too old for its years. It was after Laughing Lotus Yoga Center opened in my neighborhood that I really began to deepen my exploration of yoga. I resonated with the fun, flow-like "vinyasa" style of yoga taught there, and went on to complete my yoga teacher training with Laughing Lotus in 2002.

The yoga practice has taught me that being flexible is often more a state of mind than a physical state of being. Never-the-less, I can now touch my toes and am living proof that with perseverance, and a lot of fun along the way, you can make life-long changes to your body and, in turn, your whole being. Over time, my back problems have disappeared, my hamstrings have opened up, and I feel much better in my body.

Reflexology and reiki go hand in hand with the practice of yoga. They have not only helped me to find balance and harmony in my own life, but have also enabled me to help others find it in theirs. I completed my reiki training with Mary Mallon in 1998 and my reflexology certification through the New York Open Center in 2000.

Currently, I am a Senior Teacher at Laughing Lotus Yoga Center, and also work as a mentor in their teacher training program. I teach at yoga studios and corporations around Manhattan, and have an established list of private clientele.

I studied restorative yoga with Judith Hanson Lasater and am a certified "Relax and Renew" teacher. My therapeutic yoga training was completed with Cheri Clampett and Arturo Peal. After studying with Mary Barnes, I am also certified to teach pre-natal yoga. I am nationally certified with the Yoga Alliance and am a member of the New York Yoga Teacher's Association. In addition, I work as a reiki practitioner and am a ARCB certified reflexologist.