Foundations of Mindfulness: 4-week meditation series | Saturdays 12pm - 1:15pm | March 14th - April 4th | Reserve your spot

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Meet Ciana

Ciana Marie has been in motion since a young age. After 15 years as a dancer, yoga found her and she has been practicing for over ten years. She completed her 200-hour teacher certification at the Kripalu Center for Yoga with the intention of deepening her personal yoga practice, but quickly fell in love with teaching. And she is currently pursuing her 500-hour certification at the Kripalu Center.

Ciana’s teaching style is intentional, slow paced, with a focus on integrating breath with asana to build strength, improve overall health, and deepen self-awareness. As a yoga teacher, breathwork facilitator, and energy work practitioner, all of Ciana’s offerings are centered around compassionate self-inquiry; inspired by the teachings of Swami Kripalu who stated, “Self-observation without judgement is the highest form of spiritual practice.”

When she is not teaching, you can find her outdoors exploring the Berkshire hills in all seasons, or at home with a book and her cat Pixie.

How did you discover your passion for movement?

I think movement found me! My parents like to remind me I was never still as a child. And I started dance classes at a very young age which right away gave me both an outlet for my high energy and a space to express myself, so dance quickly became a part of me. Whereas I came to yoga as a way to fill the gap after I stopped dancing regularly. Which I think sparked this realization that movement, whether it was dance or yoga or running, was something that made me feel at home in my body. And something to prioritize for my well-being, as well as for the pure enjoyment of it.

How has your personal practice supported your self-discovery and healing?

My yoga practice gave me permission to slow down. Within the slow space of my practice I’ve been able to see myself with more clarity, and integrate what shows up on the mat into my off-the-mat practice of being human in this world. Experiencing my yoga practice as a mirror has been an unexpected and invaluable journey that keeps me curious about what might be awaiting me next on this path.

What can people expect from your teaching style and classes?

I think what is most important to know about my teaching style is that it is centered around Swami Kripalu’s well known quote, “Self-observation without judgement is the highest form of spiritual practice.” I really aspire to make each of my classes an inquiry of the self, by way of breath and movement with self-compassion at the center of that exploration. Regardless of the style of class I teach, compassionate self-inquiry is at the heart of what I offer. I think I should also share that we are always going to do pranayama in my classes! I start every class the same way, with a welcome, meditation and pranayama practice. And I promise we will move a lot too and have fun!

What do you find most inspiring about teaching?

What I love most about teaching, and what continues to inspire me, is when people share with me the insights they receive from practice. I love hearing the “ah-ha” moments when the light bulb goes off, maybe related to body alignment and how someone has never felt the impression of asana in that way before or they start to notice themes in thought patterns. I am delighted when people share those moments with me, because my intention for every class is to offer space for people to get to know themselves a little better. So those moments really light me up.

What do you love about Berkshire Yoga Dance & Fitness?

I love and am excited by the amazing community of attendees and teachers at BYDF! I am looking forward to contributing to this all star team, learning together, and to get to know YOU!

What do you enjoy outside of the studio?

I grew up in the Berkshires, lived in NYC for 8 years, and moved back in 2021. And my younger self never would have thought I would be so happy to live here! When I am not teaching I am often out hiking, and exploring new Berkshire trails. I also love food. Before my life as a teacher, I spent many years hanging around farmers markets, farmers and on farms farming. So I delight in making a meal with local ingredients or going out to my favorite restaurants and trying new ones. I also love my down time and am very content at home with a book and my cat, Pixie.