How Freedom Yoga Got It's Name

"One statement that I often make at the end of my yoga classes is, 'Thank you for allowing me to teach and for teaching me so much in return.'  Never have I learned so much as I have in my experience with teaching Freedom Yoga.  Freedom Yoga is a class held once a month at PYR that is designed to share the gift of yoga with individuals with intellectual disabilities, with specific adaptations for Down Syndrome.  It all started with Sara (Sasa) Noftsinger’s niece, Britt, having the idea of holding a yoga birthday party celebration for her Aunt Sasa.  Upon being asked to teach at the birthday, I was immediately humbled and honored.  My wheels started turning as I begin to realize I had no experience in teaching individuals with Down Syndrome.  I take serving my students to the very best of my ability very seriously and I wanted to do the same for Sasa.  I did as much research as I could before the birthday party and thought I had everything all perfectly planned out….
 
I truly believe that there are certain things that you simply cannot learn from reading about it in a book.  Certain things simply must be experienced.  My first time with Sasa was one of those times.  Throughout the entire birthday class I was so worried about whether Sasa was enjoying herself or not.  I couldn’t tell based on her very 'still water' presence and demeanor.  I continued to cue her through one asana to the next; trying to cater each pose to the structure of her body.  After class was over, I approached her and she gave me the biggest hug.  I was overcome with a feeling of genuine love.  Then I asked her how she felt; what she thought of the class.  She looked at me, she looked away and thought, and then she looked at me again.  'Freedom,' she so eloquently stated.  The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I held back tears of inspiration.  This beautiful individual had already taught me so much in seeing the simple yet profound way she lived her life.  When I was asked to begin a series for individuals with intellectual disabilities, with specific adaptations for Down Syndrome and was asked to think of a name, it was a no brainer: 'Freedom Yoga.'  
 
Working with Sasa and her friends has been and continues to be one of the most beautiful learning experiences I have ever had the honor of having.  I am so grateful for Sasa’s sweet family and friends, and to PYR for allowing this learning and teaching experience to continue.  I am grateful for one of my most influential teachers…Sasa"