Leia Lynch Williams is the founder and owner of Nirvana Yoga and the
mother of two active teenagers. Before coming to Memphis, Leia accumulated over a
decade of experience working for IBM and The Dow Chemical Company in research, technical sales and marketing. Locally she has worked
as an independent contractor for various mid-south firms including GRACE Magazine where she was the Editor-at-Large
for over two years.
With
an athletic background in more traditional areas like swimming, running, tennis and scuba diving, Leia didn’t
discover yoga until later in life.
Over the years
various health professionals had made recommendations to Leia about exploring yoga to help manage stress. Each time these
suggestions were dismissed without even superficial consideration.
Years later, in the depths of depression and despair, fate led Leia to stumble into a group yoga class at the
local gym. Despondent and emotionally drained, she decided to stay for the hour…
That class, taught by a YogaFit certified instructor, was the beginning of better days for
Leia. Each class was challenging and, although she didn’t understand why, Leia always left feeling better - emotionally
and physically - than when she had arrived. Over the next year, she progressed from one to two, then three yoga
classes per week. At the same time, her depression began to subside, improving her general disposition
and outlook on life.
Eventually, her instructor invited
her to a local YogaFit Level 1 teacher training workshop, suggesting that Leia might apreciate the chance to deepen her
personal practice. She entered the two day training with intentions of merely learning how to practice on her own. By
the time it was over Leia knew that she needed to share the benefits of yoga with others. Leia went
on to earn her YogaFit 200-RYT Certification in January 2008. She also registered with Yoga Alliance at that same time.
Since then Leia has focused her attention on her fitness career,
teaching yoga and private swimming lessons at health clubs, schools and other locations throughout the Memphis area.
In the time since acquiring her 200-RYT, Leia has documented teaching well over
1400 hours of yoga classes, earning her the distinction of E-RYT which is an advanced certification recognized by Yoga Alliance
and reserved for only the top tier of instructors.
Inspired
by her personal life changing experiences through yoga, Leia is dedicated to sharing this gift with others. With
compassion and understanding she guides each student on his or her personal journey towards bringing balance, harmony,
and inner peace, to their lives as well.
Leia teaches in an unintimidating manner that encourages every student to listen to the body,
letting go of competition, judgment and expectations. Options are offered in all classes so that students learn to modify
poses to fit their bodies instead of trying to force themselves into uncomfortable, potentially harmful positions. Each class
emphasizes safety, alignment and mindfulness. Students are drawn to Leia's soothing voice, easy going manner and
athletic teaching style.
What
is unique about Nirvana is that we teach you to bring yoga into your life,wherever it fits - making it more accessible,
personal and enjoyable. There is something for everyone.
Nirvana truly offers yoga for every body.
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