Lauren Snyder
(they/she)
If you’re here reading this then I assume you’re likely interested in getting to know who I am and what I am about. But, one of the biggest challenges I have found in expression is how to talk about myself in a way that feels aligned and authentic.
The most simple and succinct way I can state it is, “I am fluid”.
I am in a constant state of learning, unlearning, growing, and expanding.
Raised in the unceded lands of the Chumash people; I was a kid who always had their hands in the dirt and was always deeply contemplating the magic and beauty within the natural world. I have this undeniable and primal connection to the green and growing things of the earth and the seasonal rhythms of the world around me.
The study and practice of Yoga has been a part of my life since childhood; first introduced through my own mother’s practice and by my best friend’s mother, who was my very first Yoga teacher.
It was not a “love at first sight” kind of journey; but rather a deeply winding and exploratory journey in which books and teachers and experiences seemed to show up in a very natural rhythm; only appearing when I was fully ready to integrate them into my life.
As a person who dances in many of the “in-between” spaces of privilege while also holding some marginalized identities; I was drawn early on to the study of Yoga as a holistic practice of unity, deep connection, and awareness of not only our personal journey; but the greater journey of all beings. I was naturally drawn to teachers who integrated accessibility, equity, and social justice into their teachings.
Navigating a physical Asana (posture) practice in a body with chronic illness is what first led me to train with the Accessible Yoga Association, and as a Queer Non-Binary individual I was drawn to study more deeply with teachers like M Camellia and Jacoby Ballard.
Every day, I seek to go deeper in my own learning and growth not only to continue along my own path of healing; but because I believe that the more we do our own work; the better we can show up in a world that desperately needs healing. I feel that we are called to do our own work to be better companions to one another on this journey of life; and we must seek the unity within in order to bring unity outward and dismantle the unnatural systems of oppression and separation. It can be hard messy work at times; but it is my life’s calling and I stand devoted to it in practice and in being.
We are all learners on this great path of life; and my intention as a Yoga teacher is to walk beside you in your own practice. I am here to offer support, encouragement, and exploration together; but your practice is ultimately your own and it is YOU who are your own greatest teacher.
“A healer's power stems not from any special ability, but from maintaining the courage and awareness to embody and express the universal healing power that every human being naturally possesses.”
― Eric Micha'el Leventhal
Student Testimonial:
Lauren is a gift. I met Lauren just about a year ago, in a 2 hour workshop at the Pharm in Ventura. I attended classes with her in the park up in Ojai, and participated in numerous classes in Ventura. Lauren has inspired me to take a Yoga Teachers Training course, which is very exciting. I am a 74 year old woman, who is venturing out on yet another journey. Lauren is the catalyst for this. Her ability to teach and encourage is remarkable. I'm learning that the best teachers are the ones that the student can do the poses with their eyes closed. This is Lauren. She is extremely talented in describing how to do a pose. She is extensively knowledgeable in yoga history, and lives the yogi life. Her being is nothing short of kind, gentle and encouraging. I highly recommend anyone who is intimidated to go to a yoga class, to attend one of Lauren’s classes. She will guide you, support you and hold you in love. -Elissa W.
Certifications
200 YTT - 2018
Accessible Yoga: 30 Hour Training - Accessible Yoga Association - 2020
Accessible Yoga Conference: 22 Hours Continuing Education - Accessible Yoga Association - 2020
300 YTT - Ignite Yoga and Wellness Institute - 2021
Accessible Yoga Conference: 22 Hours Continuing Education - Accessible Yoga Association - 2021
Trauma Informed Training - Breathe Ojai - 2022
A Brief History of Asana - Yogic Studies - 2022
Functional Anatomy - Prema Yoga Institute - 2022
Pranayama Teacher Training - Arundhati Baitmangalkar/Aham Yoga - 2022
IDENTITY & COMMITMENT STATEMENT
As a person deeply committed to honoring the ancient and diverse lineage of Yoga, leveraging my places of privilege, and nurturing my spaces of marginalization; I think it is important to name the identities I hold in this world and my commitments to the world in which I live:
I am a white, queer, non-binary, femme presenting person with moderate chronic illness and neurodiversity. I am a college educated, married, mother of two, who has financial privilege and relative safety within my day to day life. I learn and study primarily with South Asian, LQBTQIA+, and BIPOC teachers and actively choose to work in spaces that platform and support teachers of marginalized identities as well as value ongoing education around equity and accessibility in Yoga classes. I allocate a minimum of 5-10% of my income from this work into direct Mutual Aid for South Asian, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC folks within my community and my wider Yoga community throughout the world.
I attend ongoing trainings within Social Justice, Accessibility, and Trauma Informed frameworks in addition to my study of Yoga philosophy and practices.