Hello and Welcome! My name is Audrey Harpe and I'd love to share this yoga journey with you.

If you'd like to contact me about the studio and classes or with questions, please click the CONTACT tab above (or scroll to the bottom of this page).

If you are interested in my path and training as a yogi - here is my story:

I began practicing yoga in the mid-80s and teaching in the mid-90s. In 2001 I opened my own studio space in Hemlock, NY and continue to teach there to this day. In 2020 I began recording classes on āsana (postures), prānāyāma (yogic breathing practices), restorative practices and meditation and maintain a video library. Below are some of the details about how I got started in yoga and my training as a practitioner and teacher.

As a child in the 70's I was drawn toward meditation and movement and finally took my first yoga class in college at age 18. The class was taught by a Śivanānda teacher and later on I took classes with a Kundalinī teacher. For many years I simply practiced on my own until I moved to Rochester NY and began studying Iyengar yoga with François Raoult and Deborah Raoult in 1991. I was drawn to the clarity of the practice due to the emphasis on alignment and the accessibility and creativity of the use of props. I entered into an apprenticeship with François and Deborah that lasted nine years in which I learned how to teach and assist people in learning yoga with a keen eye, compassionate heart and clear understanding of alignment and movement. I received training in āsana, prānāyāma, restorative practices, prenatal and postpartum yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. In addition, Deborah brought various somatic modalities to the studio that broadened my understanding of the bodymind, and the possibilities of movement and breath. François brought many teachers from near and far and a number of them became beloved teachers of mine including: Judith Lasater, Arthur Kilmurray, Sonam Targee, Robert Svoboda.

I also ventured out to take teacher trainings (and in some cases "untrainings"!). Of those that deeply influenced me are Donald Moyer, Angela Farmer and Victor van Kooten. I expanded my meditation practice on retreat with Thich Nhat Hahn and sitting with our local sangha for many years in that tradition. I also spent a number of years taking meditation retreats at the Siddha Yoga ashram in South Fallsburg NY. My current meditation practice involves working with Tantric bīja mantra, mudrā, nādayoga and direct inquiry of nondual awareness.

In the early 90's I was introduced to the practice of Non-Violent Communication (NVC) developed by Marshall Rosenberg. Attending many workshops and practice groups I came to think of NVC as the "yoga of speech". It has provided me with a profound tool to connect with myself and with others proving very valuable in my life and in teaching.

In 2001, in order to continue teaching close to home while I raised my children, I opened my own studio space, Yoga Bhoga, in Hemlock, NY.

I received Level 1 Relax and Renew Restorative Yoga Trainer certification from Judith Lasater in 2007. I also completed the Experiential Anatomy Movement Literacy for Yoga Teachers courses and Back Care with Judith, Lizzie Lasater and Mary Richards in 2018.

Most recently, I spent several years (and continuing) studying Sanskrit and completed the Yogic Studies Advanced Certificate Program in Yoga History and Philosophy with Seth Powell in 2022.

As a lover of movement - I also love to dance, hula hoop, meander through the woods and practice parkour. I am a life-long learner maintaining my wonder and curiosity and continuously evolving my understanding, practice and teaching. I am fascinated with the many ways we learn and apply this understanding to my yoga teaching.

One of the most valuable - if not THE most valuable lesson I have learned through my yoga practice is being able to be comfortable in not knowing, being able to relax in awkwardness and confusion, being ok with frustration and other difficult emotions and how to find spaciousness within all of that. I hope to bring this to those that come to learn yoga with me as well as how to be more at home in the bodymind and to find equanimity and contentment.

OM shanti, shanti, shanti

OM peace, peace, peace