Welcome to Living Awake



The way you practice influences the way you engage with and experience your life.

Living Awake offers practices that prioritize engaging with and experiencing INTEGRITY of 

Who is this community for?

Practitioners who desire structured study, discussion, and practice of philosophy-centered Yoga.

  • Despite various classes, workshops, and trainings you still lack clarity of what Yoga is or where it can take you.
  • You are curious what "Yoga all the time" means and how to do it.
  • You are fascinated about discussing your experiences, questions, and Yoga concepts.

About Us:

Siara is a Viniyoga teacher and personal practice mentor.

In her Living Awake business, she engages with practitioners 1:1 and as a discussion-based community focused on structured study and experiencing of Yoga as a psychological process for digesting beliefs that create suffering so Peace and Spirit can flow.

Siara was drawn to create a discussion-based community and 1:1 mentorship to enable practitioners to study, discuss, and experience Yoga in a supported container. The principles of Yoga are intended to be learned with the guidance of a teacher and dedicated space for conversations enriches the learning experience like nothing else.

Teaching Style

Siara prioritizes the development of proper breathing techniques to deepen the effects of Yoga practices in your body and mind. Many Yoga classes do not teach foundational breathing techniques. However, proper breathing is essential for accessing the main functions of postures and efficiently preparing for meditation.

What to expect:

*check-ins* as community connection is valued.

*minimal demonstration* as discovering inner guidance is valued.

*slow cuing* as slow breath and movement are valued.

*dynamic movement* as spine, breath, and attention are valued.

*no music* as accessing inner rhythm is valued.

*chanting* as a way of transitioning the mind and honoring those who have passed down these teachings.

This space may not be appealing for those who wish to drop in, get a workout, and slip out. We take the time to connect and deeply explore Yoga practices as a means for sustainable Peace and Spirituality. That is, we are here to move toward balance, explore self-discovery and work through the tough stuff that life presents.

Viniyoga

Siara studies, practices, and teaches Viniyoga. In this tradition, proper, active breathing techniques are a foundation aspect of the physical practices and preparing to meditate.

Viniyoga primarily intersects Raja and Haṭha Yoga, and was carefully engineered by T.K.V. Deśikachar, son and student of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. Viniyoga means the appropriate application of Yoga for an individual.

Most instruction is done in 1:1 mentorship relationships where the teacher designs a personal practice for a practitioner to do daily. Personal mentorship is highly valued and all Viniyoga practitioners are encouraged to have a mentor for life. Viniyoga teachers also have the constant 1:1 support of a mentor.

Group classes are offered to enable community, discovery of new techniques, broadening of meditation experiences, and shared learning through group discussion. Group classes are never intended, or designed, to be the whole of an individual's Yoga practice. 

Education

Siara is a certified Yoga teacher (RYT-500) and in training (2021-2025) to become a Yoga Therapist in the Viniyoga tradition through the Yoga Well Institute. Her studies and teaching are under the active guidance of:

  • Chase Bossart, direct student of Mr. T.K.V. Deśikachar 
  • Amanda Green, student of Chase and other students of Mr. T.K.V. Deśikachar

Previous studies include:

  • Yoga Yoga: various Haṭha Yoga trainings 
  • Drexel University: B.S. of Psychology, Behavioral Health Counseling, minor in Business Administration