went to her first yoga class in 2002 in the search of stress relief and found just what she was looking for. Ursel began teaching in 2004 after being registered with the Yoga Alliance (RYT200) through independent studies which include certifications in Sports Yoga, Yoga Fit, Gentle & Chair Yoga (from the Satchidananda Ashram in VA), Kids Yoga & Prenatal Yoga TT (from Holy Cow Yoga Center), Relax and Renew Trainer (Judith Lasater) and more....
Ursel's yoga studies have led her down a path that focuses on specific needs in our community. While she teaches what have become recognized as regular yoga classes, she has devoted her studies to teaching students with specific emotional and physical needs, typically based on a diagnosis. This includes students with, or recovering from, cancer. Studies have shown that yoga students have had improvements in their mood, the physical and psychological symptoms associated with their cancer, and their overall quality of life. Like cancer patients, cardiac patients can also benefit from a yoga practice that helps to relieve stress, improve heart function and lower blood pressure.
While ailments in the physical body can benefit from yoga, so can mental conditions. The stress response that accommodates anxiety and depression can be eased by the soothing movement and mindfulness of a yoga practice. Students, when guided by a teacher, can regain a sense of peace to help them feel more centered and calm.
Sarala's style is flowing and gentle. She believes in the calmer aspects of the asana practice and enjoys working with people that have limitations. Ursel truly believes that yoga is for EVERY BODY and the breath is the most important part of your yoga practice.
In 2006 she became a Usui Reiki Master Teacher (Reiki Blessings Academy) and in 2008 a Celtic Reiki Master Teacher (Celtic Crossing) Earth Angel Realm Reader (Doreen Virtue) 2015
Over the years she has taken workshops by: Manorama - Sanskrit Intensive Paul Grilley - Yin Yoga & Anatomy Intensive Annual Integral Yoga Teachers Conference 2007 Roger Cole - Anatomy Intensive Doug Swenson TT Anusara Yoga Weekend with Desiree Rumbaugh Advanced Training with Stephanie Keach The Mystical Science of Kriya Yoga (Temple of Kriya Yoga) 2009 Swatantrya Yoga with Doug Keller Anatomy workshop with Judith Lasater 2010 Erich Schiffmann "Freedomstyle Yoga Workshop" Yogaville 2010 Relax and Renew Trainer® (1 of only 2 in South Carolina)/ Judith Lasater Teacher Training Raleigh,NC in 2011 Yoga of the Heart Teacher Training with Nischala Joy Devi at Yogaville, VA July 201 Advanced Yoga Teacher Training (300 hours) at Holy Cow Yoga Center 2015 Love Your Brain-Yoga for Brain Injuries 2019 Gentle Somatic Teacher Training 2020
Ursel is registered with the Yoga Alliance, the Integral Yoga Teachers Association and the International Association of Yoga Therapists