Jennifer Ray – June, 2024
(AKA Lakshmi)
Name & Hometown: Originally: West side of Detroit. Currently: Westland
Who or what inspired you to be a Yoga Instructor ? Taking classes at Integral Yoga Institute (IYI) on Livernois, between 6 Mile & Puritan (across from the University of Detroit). I went 2-3 times a week. Chanting with others once a month.
Describe your style of Yoga: Classic, old style, similar to Lillias Folan. Hatha & Pranayama. Gentle, and we’d rest between poses. Our classes used to be 1 ½ hours long.
What’s your favorite pose ? Tree & Balancing Poses. Also, Backward Bending.
What brings you to the mat ? Staying flexible & strong ! Staying Calm & Centered. Staying True to my Path.
If you teach, where ? Not currently. I taught for 18 + years at Integral Yoga Institute in Detroit. We taught for free, and, our 6 month Training was for free ! I also taught at Marygrove College & Tindal Recreation Center.
I am currently available for Private Classes.
How has being a member of YAGD helped you in your yoga career ? Yes ! Taking a variety of weekend workshops with Yoga Luminaries like Lilias Folan, Martin Pearce, Judith Lasater. (back in the 1980’s & ‘90’s.. when Co-Founding Member, Sallee Rosen was still with us)
Do you have a favorite Yoga Story from your teaching experience ? Studying with my guru from YogaVille, VA: Swami Satchidananda. He did the opening prayer for Woodstock ! He’s in the movie. I also enjoyed getting to take time with students, as well as teaching ALL aspects of Yoga.
Is there anything else you would like to add ? I raised 4 children in a Yogic Household: Vegetarian diet, learning Sanskrit Prayers. I used to lead Kirtan (chanting – South Indian Style). I used to volunteer with Literacy of America: teaching adults to read. I also volunteered in Detroit Public Schools weekly (Open School). And sadly, none of my kids have kept up with any Yogic Practices.
I like to sew, read, garden, hike, swim & canoe / kayak. Also, being with my granddaughters: 6 & 1 years old.
I also worked on the line at Ford Truck Plant on Michigan Ave for 12 years. I was an active UAW member !
I have another great ‘Yoga Story’, which is pretty amazing ! When my first child was going to come out breach and the nurse told me I had about an hour to see if he’d turn around, otherwise they’d have to do a ‘C section’, which I adamantly did NOT want. So my husband helped me lie on my side, to try to coax him to move… But when that didn’t work, I did a supported shoulder stand.. and VOILA ! He turned with some gentle help from us !