Chintamani Kansas
(she, her, hers)
Yoga, Pilates, Meditation, Myofascial Release
I have been teaching Yoga for over 20 years in studios, gyms, senior centers, schools, living rooms, and over Zoom. I also teach Mat Pilates, and am a longtime Mentor and Teacher Trainer for Yoga Teacher Trainings at The Yoga Common, NYC.
I first tried yoga on a whim at my local gym, and quickly realized what a powerful effect this simple practice had on my mind and body. Through continued exploration of my yoga practice, I found I can work with past trauma, reconnect to Self, and tap into natural human joy.
Inspired by my own journey, I completed my first Teacher Training in 2001, so I could share the gift of yoga with others. Since then I have studied Meditation, Embodied Anatomy, Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, Thai Massage, Movement for Osteoporosis and Injuries, and more.
In 2020, I launched a series of daily therapeutic yoga classes via Zoom for a community of committed Yoga Lovers, many of whom are active older adults. Yoga for Strong Bones and Core Yoga for Strong Bones classes are designed to stimulate bone density in key areas of vulnerability and eliminate movements that are potentially injurious to people with Osteopenia, Osteoporosis, Arthritis, and back pain. People of all ages attend the classes for joint mobilization, stretching, energizing yoga, strength, balance, and relaxation.
I lead group classes of all levels. I enjoy working with people privately to customize sequences to suit each client’s needs according to personal interests, medical conditions and injuries.
In my sessions, my mission is to get us all to move, breathe, find our joy, and feel connected and smart.
You're in Good Hands
I love learning and continue my education regularly, so I can be of the best service to clients.
I have studied with Physical Therapists and Psychotherapists as well as Yoga and Pilates leaders. Topics of study include movement for Osteoporosis, Spine Injuries, Joint Injuries, Seniors, Expectant Moms, New Moms. I also love teaching challenging flow classes, and leading meditation.
To see a select list of my education, click here.
Yoga Lineage
I combine Hatha, Vinyasa, Pilates and other therapeutic techniques. My studies include classic indigenous wisdom from the yogis of India, and also contemporary sports medicine.
The Vinyasa we practice today evolved from the work of Krishnamacharya and Pattabhi Jois. The Hatha I teach comes from the Iyengar tradition. Much of my understanding of the energy system was taught by Dr. Vasant Lad.
Let us bow in gratitude to the yogis from India who developed and passed down the technology of yoga. Let us bow in gratitude to the modern yoga practitioners who continue to contribute to the evolution of this incredible system for working with the mind to relieve suffering and elevate consciousness.
What's a Chintāmaṇi?
How'd You Get Your Name?
I was not raised with yoga, but I like to joke that my first yoga training was in utero! For a brief time, my parents lived on an Ashram and practiced bhakti (devotional) yoga. Just before I was born, they decided to return to their classical Midwestern U.S.A. lifestyle. But they named me "Chintāmaṇi" in memory of their special time in the spiritual community.
"Chintāmaṇi" (pronounced chin-TOM-uh-knee) is a Sanskrit word, which has multiple meanings. My parents say it means that "the soul is like a diamond: clear and indestructible." In Buddhism, Chintāmaṇi is "a jewel which removes obstacles to enlightenment."
Chintāmaṇi is a long name, so many people prefer to call me "C" for short.
When I'm Not Doing Yoga
My partner, Andrew, and I live in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
We hike, bike, swim, take photographs, visit museums, watch movies, read, listen to music. And we cook!
His family lives in Jamaica, Staten Island, New Jersey and Florida. My family lives in Kansas.
Vegan Jamaican Split Pea Curry
"Buddy" visits our window daily for free nuts! We love them!