Om Sahana Vavatu Sahanou Bhunaktu
Sahaviryam Karavava Hi
Tejasvina Vadhitamastu Mavidh Vishava Hi
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Let us together be protected and let us together
be nourished by God's blessings. Let us together join our
mental forces in strength for the benefit of humanity. Let our efforts at learning be luminous and
filled with joy, and endowed with the force of purpose. Let us never be poisoned with the seeds of
hatred for anyone. Let there be peace and serenity in all
the three universes.
BIOGRAPHY
Marisa began her spiritual search at the age of 16. She was initiated
in Trascendental Meditation in Santiago, Chile, her native city.
Curiosity for eastern philosophy led to her discovery of yoga, first
through books and later through a more physical and practical method.
She first realized the real effects of yoga during her pregnancy and
labor, in which pranayama was the medium that allowed for a smooth and
natural birth. Life and motherhood became her devotion, which
ultimately brought her to Miami, FL. where after a few years of the
corporate world she decided to follow her own calling and pursued
massage therapy while continuing her studies of yoga.
Marisa
graduated from Educating Hands School of Massage in 1994 and
experienced her first Ashtanga Yoga class in 1998, six months after a
severe bycicle accident. Due to the fact that western medicine was not
offering a positive outlook on her recovery she began searching for an
alternative method of emotional and physical therapy. Alas she
discovered Ashtanga! "Not only was it love at first sight, it also
healed my ailments in a short period of time," she says. In 1999
Marisa completed her first Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga teacher training in
Miami Beach, and in 2000 opened a yoga center in Coconut Grove, FL
called, "Yoga Grove," with her partner at the time, Ryan Spielman. Marisa
realized that the circle was beginning to make sense, yoga and massage
became the perfect means for her to help people heal as well as a way
to give back to her community. Through her work she expanded her
knowledge and understanding of Yoga. Today, Marisa is considered a
leading ashtanga teacher among the vastly growing community of Yogis in
Miami, FL. In her training she has explored the Iyengar tradition with
Manuso Manos and Aadil Palkhivala, completed a teacher training with
Tias Little, studied Ashtanga Yoga with founder Sri K Pattabhi Jois and
his grandson Sharath, as well as Lino Miele, Dena Kingsberg, David
Swenson, Dharma Mittra and Shiva Rae among others.
Her teaching
style involves a broad understanding of what and how the body
communicates due to her knowledge of the human anatomy. Her hands-on
approach allows her a direct contact with students, creating space for
healing and well being.
Marisa is currently studying with her
teacher Sharath in Mysore, India. She will be returning to her Coconut
Grove community at the end of August, 2008.
