And be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom for the many faces of the Divine!
"Laura is an incredibly skilled, dedicated, and seriously playful yoga teacher. In my experience, it is rare to encounter a yoga teacher who has the kind of integrated depth of knowledge about asana, philosophy, and anatomy, and who works so hard to impart that knowledge to her students. Her classes are challenging, affirming, and filled with instruction that will make your body feel better while you are practicing, and off the mat as well. She is a teacher of the highest order! If you can, I highly recommend private sessions to translate what works for your particular body, to deal with any therapeutic concerns, and/or to simply deepen and integrate your knowledge of yoga -- they are invaluable."
~ Heather R.
"Each class with Laura Christensen is a chance to go deeper, to know yourself more fully and to be an integral part of the larger community. The moment you look into her sparkling eyes, you see the depth and feel the authenticity of this radiant being! Laura truly shines like the sun and connects to her students in the most nurturing way. The joy I feel from being in her class makes me appreciate her mastery of yoga and her ability to inspire and share that love. The Careyes Anusara Yoga Retreat is high on my wish list!"
~ Esther P.
"Laura’s resplendent power lies in her ability to invoke and bring to surface one’s own personal sense of higher awareness, coupled with a profound sense of how we are all truly and intimately interconnected with our communities and our universe. She brings to the practice of yoga an exceptional knowledge of how to properly align, strengthen, and open up the physical body, ultimately leading to a powerful expansion of gratitude, compassion, and heart forward generosity. I have had the fortunate opportunity to work with her in classes, in private sessions, and at her one-day Napa retreat. In classes, she works beautifully with the energy fields of the practitioners while simultaneously mentoring individuals to assure proper form and technique; in private sessions, she integrates specific alignment teachings and Anusara perspectives with one’s own unique context of personal transformation; in her retreats, Laura brings her students to visually spectacular and therapeutic natural landscapes and therein guides her students toward a new sense of physical and spiritual rejuvenation. In essence, as a professional yoga teacher, Laura is fantastic at using both body and spirit to reveal hidden elixirs, elixirs which, when discovered and consumed, increase in bounty." ~ Stefano R.
"Laura is a teacher with unusual integrity and heart. It is rare in
my experience to come upon an instructor with such unwavering mindfulness of the emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions. In every class with Laura, I feel inspired to stretch beyond previous limits. She creates an atmosphere of warmth, generosity, and positivity. Laura is also tough! She models what it is like to move through obstacles with strength and grace, and she promotes energy and resilience in her students. Laura has a wonderful sense of humor and a nurturing and loving personality. With all these elements she brings together, to engage in yoga with Laura means to enter into a process of profound transformation." ~ Amy B.
"How does one describe the essence of Laura: beautiful, bright, shining from the heart, full of grace, joyful, loving, encouraging, inspiring, supportive, dedicated, and a truly consummate teacher and spiritual guide!
I experienced immense joy and fulfillment as a participant in Laura's 2008 Anusara Immersion and have met so many lovely friends through the Immersion and through Laura's classes. I feel honored to be a part of the beautiful kula that surrounds Laura, and it is a privilege to be taught, uplifted, and empowered by a teacher who is so gifted and caring. We are truly blessed to have you in our midst, Laura. A thousand pranams to you!"~ Diana L.
"We are so lucky to have Laura right here in Sausalito! She is one of the best Anusara teachers out there. I have been studying with her for almost three years and my practice has come a long way in that time. Laura is one of the most dedicated, passionate and inspirational yoga teachers out there. Perhaps my favorite thing about Laura is that she truly lives the yoga in her own life. She allows the teachings to inspire how she lives. She sees the good and the light in all people and situations, and has an amazing ability to draw the best out of all of her students. Laura's enthusiasm and high energy level are contagious! No matter how tired or out of sorts I feel going into her class, I always feel more fully myself coming out. Laura's classes are incredibly challenging, though not in a way that feels hard. I am so engaged throughout the class that I don't have a moment to realize how hard I am working until it is all over. Simply standing in Tadasana works me harder than a whole flow might in other classes. Best of all, Laura creates a real sense of community in her classes. I always feel like I am just playing with my friends, and being supported by this wonderful teacher."
"Laura is one of the bright, shining gems of the SF Bay Area Anusara Yoga community. Not only does she have a wealth of knowledge about yoga and the human body, but she has an amazing ability to inspire the best in her students. When you go to a class or retreat with Laura, you don't just get a workout of the body - you also get filled with joy, openness, and inspiration to be the best person you can be and to live your life to the fullest! I have been blessed with many class hours with Laura, including a private lesson and a luxurious week-long retreat in the most beautiful place in Mexico, all of which I *highly* recommend!!"
"Laura is a truly amazing, a true guru in all aspects. She has a bright shining smile that lights up the room
and makes you feel loved and welcome in her class. Her themes are honest, heartfelt and beautifully woven throughout the class. As a physical therapist, I can attest that she has healing hands and a thorough knowledge of therapeutics. She is sure to keep you safe if you are recovering from injury, and will keep a watchful eye on you while you deepen your practice with her. I had the pleasure of being a faithful student while she taught in the bay area, and will travel to Sausalito to get little bits of Laura Love! She has an amazing ability to inspire and motivate you, which is very unique. I can’t wait until I am able to go on a retreat with her. "~ Amy Fowlkes
photo by www.nancydionne.com
"The privilege has been ALL mine studying, practicing and playing with Laura! As a teacher, Laura's ability to illuminate principles of alignment for harmonious integration on the mat is poignant and playful. Her classes inspire and motivate the exploration of limitless potential within mindful boundaries. Laura’s radiance is contagious and a full heart is one common by-product of any time spent with her. From her warmth and approachability as a teacher, to her depth of knowledge in yogic philosophy and asana, Laura opens a door to a whole new practice for each student! Please take any opportunity available to meet her! I would take another Immersion with her in a heartbeat!
With much gratitude."~ Maggie W.
"Infinite Gratitude to Laura Abbey, a truly gifted teacher, whose generous spirit and light radiates to each student through her lustrous eyes, warm smile, and deep understanding of yoga. Through her joyful and genuine teaching, she empowers us to find the beauty and strength within ourselves, so that we may inspire and reflect that in others. my practice has gotten stronger since studying with Laura. She is highly skilled, not only in the art of yoga but in therapeutics as well~a real gem!"
"YOU ARE THE BEST YOGA TEACHER THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN ! You thank me/us....but what you don't realize is that you have changed the way I look at life and showed me what it is to enjoy every breathing moment to its fullest."
"Laura's skillful understanding and interpretation of yoga asana, philosophy, and pranayama are beautifully interwoven in her teaching. She joyfully shares her knowledge, offering the benefit of her deepening breadth of commitment and dedication to the Anusara principles and philosophy."
"Every class with Laura is more inspiring. With her incredible physical knowledge, keen intuition, and fierce dedication - she somehow is able to bring out the very best in every student. So much gratitude that she has chosen teaching yoga as her gift to us all."
~ Lani G.
“Laura's instruction is the foundation of my Asana Practice. She has given me knowledge of Asana that I take with me every where I go, and all I need to do to access it is step onto my yoga mat. I cherish practicing with her because, to me, she is the embodiment of what it means to live Yoga.” 
"Laura is the consummate student AND teacher and her dedication to her personal practice, education, and journey benefits us all who learn from her and basque in her bright light. Don't be fooled by the soothing calmness that opens each of her classes; she'll get you working soon enough and guide you to the edges you didn't know you even had, all in a very safe, fun and expert manner. All levels of yoga practicioners, from the first timer to the enlightened, will benefit from her wisdom, her exacting knowledge of body mechanics and her heart centered energy. You'll leave her class lighter and happier, guaranteed."
~ Brian G.
"Bringing it? Oh, Laura has brought it!! The best part about Laura is that she has the beautiful balance between the muscular and organic- she gets you to play your edge and you enjoy it. Wherever Laura goes, a community follows because that is what she inspires. She takes the time to learn about each of her students and finds celebration and enjoyment from each of their uniqueness- you feel like the best version of yourself in her class. She just rocks!"
~ Dana S.
"Laura is the kindest, most genuine yoga teacher I have ever had. She cares deeply about her clients and makes the time spent in her class a treasure to behold. She is very spiritual and her classes are never just about the body but encompass helping her students connect with the spirit within, so that the gain is on many a fold. The day after taking one of her class I am much calmer and at peace with myself, besides feeling like I got a great work out. By the way, she also remembers everyone's name no matter how many or few times she has seen you, and makes you feel very special."
~ Lauretta Z.
"What I got most out of Laura's teachings in a word, is connection; the profound connection between body and soul/heart within. From Laura I have learned that Yoga practice is not just about what you do with your body but about who you are in life and what that body allows you to contribute back to others. The connectedness between us and within us. Thank you, Laura!"
Photo by www.nancydionne.com
"I stumbled upon Laura's class out of necessity back in March this year after I finished training with Team in Training for a cross-country ski marathon event. I have time on hand and need to keep up with my work outs. I have been practicing Yoga for a number of years now and am usually the quiet student in the class. I have tried plenty of yoga classes in San Francisco and Laura's class is by far one of the best. Laura has the natural charm that brings out the best of her student's practice. Her love for yoga and her enthusiasm on teaching reflects in every class she teaches. I walked out of class every time with much better understanding of my practice. Thank you for a wonderful day at the Meadowood Yoga retreat! We LOVED it!!"
"The immersion rocked me. It was so well organized and the Anusara method as taught through Laura was so clear and illuminating. The immersion brought such integration to my practice and life. The philosophy and asana are so meaningfully woven in this method that I discovered my experience in the world and on the mat to be richly informing each other. Thank you."
"Thank you for this amazing experience, Laura. It has given me so much in so many more ways than I could have expected. I am profoundly changed, revealed, shiny and bright."
~ Ariane Trélaün, 2007 Immersion Graduate
"Laura is an incredibly skilled and inspiring Anusara Yoga instructor. She not only has a amazing wealth of knowledge regarding the body and alignment principles, but also possesses an in depth understanding of yoga philosophy and spirituality. She exudes warmth and enthusiasm and is truly inspirational! I highly recommend taking an immersion with Laura."
~ Wendy D.
"I am
deeply in gratitude for being able to practice Anusara with Laura. She is a
beautiful, bright and shining and spirited woman with a lot to share with the
world. Everything she does is always with a full heart and a positive
intention. Even on her "cloudy days" her inner radiance always shines
through. I am happy to have found such a wonder-full teacher and to be in
Laura's presence is always inspirational and uplifting. Thank you Laura for
sharing your light with your world and always remember how deeply you are
appreciated and loved by so many. Wishing you much Joy, Love and Happiness in
your life always. You are the essence of Shri!"
~ Karen
G
"Laura teaches from her heart. She openly and willingly shares her deep knowledge of Anusara yoga with each and every student. Laura allows everyone to shine."
~ Birgitta Johansson, 2007 Immersion Graduate
"Laura embodies true integrity and soul, she is a true seeker and teacher who says what she means and means what she says: she walks the talk. To spend a week with such a gifted, dedicated teacher and person and with other like minded wonderful people that Laura attracts, in the idyllic and elegant setting of Careyes was just pure joy and worth every cent, and every moment. It was a chance to deepen the connection to oneself and at the same time to open and deepen a connection to others in the Anusara community. Everyone there experienced an opening to Grace, like lovely flowers who suddenly come into bloom, and in that place of thankfulness to be simply alive. The bond and acknowledgment of each persons path and greatness was shining all the way home from a yoga practice fueled by intention, fun and endless supplies of superb guacamole!"
~ Nancy D.
"Laura did an amazing job planning and executing this retreat. Some of you already know how dedicated she is to yoga, but having spent 2 weeks with her in Careyes and seeing how she prepared daily and was continually wanting to provide each of us with a meaningful and enjoyable experience both in the studio and at our villas was inspiring, - I understood that her deepest dedication is to her students. I know I’m one among many that hold Laura in their heart and in high regard. She has a gift for giving much attention to the science and technique of Anusara Yoga, opening her heart to all and honoring community and all the meanwhile, wishing she could do more. In my estimation, Laura embodies the 3 A’s like nobody’s business."
~ Joyce K.
“In the presence of Laura, I can't help feel filled with love, inspiration, happiness, knowledge, and passion for life. To have this experience in such a magical place as Careyes has been a true gift. I love you Laura. I love you Careyes."
"Truly a buoyant spiritual experience. Working with Laura and her detailed instructions, supportive manner and playful nature physically transformed me. By the end of the retreat I carried myself in a new, easeful, painfree way. From the moment we arrived, Careyes embraced us with its warmth and style. Each day the yoga carried us to a new place in our minds and bodies. Our group flowed really well together and leaving was probably the biggest challenge of the week. I can't wait to come back again! Thanks Laura for such a special week."
"Whenever I have spent time with you, it has been a delight! Thank you for all of the talks, encouragement, nurturing, and all of your loving kindness. That's what brought me to Anusara and to Careyes. How wonderful it is that we get to come here and just be together! When my mind and body were so tired and in need of nourishment, Careyes came. Opening myself up to all the beauty of this place felt like overwhelming comfort -- deep and all sustaining. I was put in a place where I could heal and rejuvenate. This place makes you crave life deeper. The yoga recomitted me to hopefulness and enthusiasm. Thank you dear friend for sharing your loving heart with us, for serving us so graciously, and for being your amazing self!"
"What a phenomenal experience! You have a brilliant energy and spirit that made an awesome place like Careyes even more magical. Every detail…yoga, logistics, people, food, activities…it was all thought of and it all exceeded expectations. THANK YOU for an experience that will hold in my life and in my marriage forever. All my best.."
"I am so grateful to Laura for finding this magical place. Practicing yoga in such a healing space has been a wonderful experience. She is such a gifted individual who shines through the teachings of Anusara yoga. We have been blessed by her support, guidance and knowledge this week. Thank you Laura for teaching from your heart and showing us the way to shine brighter!"
"Laura’s
retreats are not just about practicing Anusara Yoga, they are an opportunity to
be bathed in the energy, passion and love that she brings to her practice as a
teacher."
"I got to learn what "Inner Body Bright" means, both physically and emotionally, from Laura, who is a master of infecting everyone around her with an endless supply of positive energy! The week has been filled with a wealth of technical knowledge, philosophy and community all set in a truly magical location that is Careyes. I want to thank Laura for all the energy she poured into making this a truly magical experience. I hope to be back next year."
~ Christine C.
"Laura
is a wonderful teacher. What I
like foremost about her classes is that she combines that she uses positive
reinforcement while maintaining complete rigor and challenge of the practice. She’s true to spiritual aspects of
yoga, while providing overly thorough and intense physical exercise
routine. She seems very
knowledgeable about the human body and about the practice; her instructions are
clear and helpful. In addition,
she is a very advanced yogi herself and watching her demonstrate a pose is inspiring
as well as instructive. Laura is
also a very warm and friendly person and creates a great atmosphere in her
class. I felt that the retreat at
Careyes was particularly helpful tome.
The program was very well designed on spiritual, intellectual and
physical levels. The retreat
environment allowed the classes to proceed at a pace that was both physically
challenging and allowing for thorough exploration. The classes very successfully built up on each other and I
was able to maintain mindful of recent lessons while exploring further. I feel like I made a very large
progress in my practice and I would recommend Laura to anybody who is committed
to challenge and exploration.
Thank you Laura!"
"I am
an Anusara-Inspired Yoga Instructor and although I’ve known of Laura for many
years, it was just recently that I had the opportunity to take a workshop with
her. From that moment, I knew I was in the presence of something
extraordinarily special. I was so positively impacted by her teachings
that I signed up for her retreat in Careyes, Mexico, taking place four weeks
later. Laura completely embodies what Anusara Yoga is: Grace, Joy,
Art and Devotion. Her teachings are precise and clear, positive and life
affirming. Her themes are spiritual yet relatable to the human
experience. After each class, I am entirely nourished; body, mind, heart,
and I continue to contemplate what I’ve learned, physically and spiritually
long after I’ve left. No matter the size of the class, Laura connects and
engages fully with each student. Careyes was an amazing experience,
building community and friendships in an awe-inspiring environment of exquisite
beauty and serenity. But, I would happily study yoga with Laura anywhere,
as she has enriched and enlivened my yoga practice, teachings and my
life. She is a gift and it is truly a blessing to be able to receive her
radiant light, and, therefore, to acknowledge my own light. So much
Gratitude and Love Always!!!"
"What a fabulously luxurious time in Careyes with Laura and the beautiful group! It was a truly glorious experience that literally 'awed' me in so many ways. From the absolutely stunning vistas, the gorgeous villas, the rockin' yoga, the delicious meals, the wonderful staff, the kula—I could go on and on. It was so apparent that Laura wanted to make everyone's time there special. Her energy, enthusiasm, bright smile, dedication to teaching, generosity and sharing spirit were present at every moment. Worth every penny!"
"I wanted to come to Laura's retreat in Careyes because I had heard how beautiful the place was and I had done the Anusara Immersion with her. Now that I have been to Careyes, I can say the place is magic but my heart and body have been re-energized and opened by Laura's gentle but strong teaching. Loved it!!"
~ Veronica B.
“Life always seems to plop Anusara in my life at the most auspicious and appropriate of times. I could not imagine spending my spring break with a more amazing group of women - let alone, in a more amazing place. The studio, the food, the light, the staff, the teacher... I am convinced that there simply cannot be a teacher more approachable, more passionate, more inspiring, more real, more shri(!!!) than Laura. I am grateful to have her in my life, in general - but to spend a week with her in a place so magnificent...words could never do justice! Literally, the most healing and restorative week I can remember.”
Photo by www.nancydionne.com
“Laura attracts an amazing, generous, fun community wherever she is teaching, there are smiles, excitement and love in the room, she has a gift to bring the best out in people. The retreat was an experience to let our lights shine, uncloak the heart fully and get in there with ourselves and when that happens with 13 women there is one awesome party happening. The combination of Careyes’ natural magical and healing energy and Laura´s unwavering devotion and support to her students you definitely feel loved and nurtured and having that for 7 days is bliss.”
"Oh my gosh Laura your retreat transformed me! It was so amazing to be with you and the other women for those 5 glorious days. I now practice every morning and meditate before even looking in the direction of my computer. Thank you, thank you for all your help, love, talent and grace of being so authentic."
~ Jennifer G.
Review by the YoYoYogis: (Day 47)
“The
YoYos felt some embracin’ vibes radiating from the Bay side haven of Yoga of Sausalito sweetly livin’ on a charming street filled with shiny
happy locals lookin’ like they were gettin’ ready to set sail. With open
arms and open heart, this “off the charts” love-fest of a yogi
community led by owner Stephan Buehl and studio angel Alisa greeted the
“YoYo’s”, foreshadowing the jubilant practice they were about to share with the
swarming room of yogis who are lucky enough to call this dynamic neighborhood
and stunning studio, home.
Laura Christensen, the celebrated Anusara
teacher, devoted student of John Friend and member
of the Anusara Certification Committee, opened her “group hug” of a class on
this beautiful morning, by askin’ this regular crowd what song their heart
would sing… if it had a song. The YoYo’s, lucky enough to own the “record”,
immediately identified… The Beatles classic, “All you need is Love”. These
spiritual words, say it simply…and so did this deeply caring teacher as she
unfolded a class that brought passion to every breath and every asana. 
Laura, continually reminding this happy bunch to look for “enthusiasm” in their practice, steadily lead with a beautiful smile and unwavering encouragement proving that patience, love and flawless instruction can do wonders, as every “givin’ it their all” yogi, found themselves willingly tested in demanding asanas. Brilliantly, this gifted guide initiated poses in their simplest form and persistently added baby steps that brought mental and physical breakthroughs to students who mistakenly thought, “I can’t do that”. But when, as a team, they “pushed the preverbal envelope” and went a little deeper than ever before, this supportive teacher and room full of spirited yogis, celebrated… on and off the mat.
The love fest in this community doesn’t end when class is over. The owner, teachers and students that make up this tight knit bunch like to take the “feel good” out the door and down the street to the local Indian café they commonly frequent…while they chat, laugh and build on the “feel it in your bones” joy, that binds them together."
~ The Y0Yo Yogis! (Day 47)
Would you like to be added to this page? Please send me a review and if I don't already have a photo of you from one of our times together, we can take one soon -- or send me a relevant photo. Please email to flowwithheart@yahoo.com. Thank you!