Alumni Profiles

Daniel Pinedo
Traditional Eastern Arts/Yoga, 2010

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Daniel graduated from Naropa in the spring of 2010. He is currently attending graduate school, studying clinical psychology at The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, California. He is a yoga therapist, teacher, and herbalist (http://echosamadhi.com) In his own words: "the yoga teacher training program, and the traditional east arts major, are the center of the mandala of contemplative education at Naropa University. Here you learn the history, philosophy, practice, and discipline of yoga presented in an integrated manner by teachers who deploy and transmit their knowledge using only the best methods of storytelling, dialog, and embodied practice."

Otto Dittmer, Traditional Eastern Arts/ Tai Chi and Yoga, 2007

My time spent at Naropa and within the Yoga program was and still is the most important period in my life. It set a foundation for living that oriented me in a direction that is leading me not only to success in my career as a Yoga Teacher, Wellness Guide and Personal Trainer, but it also embedded in me the qualities of compassion, reflection, kindness, honesty, discipline, humor, vigilance, and more, that continue to grow and help me create the type of life that is aligned with the highest ideals of human existence. My experience at Naropa fuels my choices and desires, and balances my psyche when life becomes turbulent. The Yoga program in particular was so incredibly thorough and prioritized so intelligently that I was able to enter and thrive in the competitive teaching field of the Bay Area within months of graduation. Thorough Asana instruction accompanied by excellent Meditation, Theory, and Philosophy, along with ample opportunity for practice teaching experienced over the course of multiple years make Naropa's Yoga program unique and effective. Nataraja's leadership and presence is one that will never fail to guide those lucky students who stumble into his field towards their personal best. His depth of training and experience and his embodiment adds an indefinable authenticity and lineage to the program that lies at the heart of my personal success and confidence as a teacher. I would recommend the Naropa Yoga program with the highest possible certainty to anyone looking to become an instructor or simply to dive deeper to the essential wisdom of the tradition and art of Yoga.

Jessica “Ashira” Greenbaum, Traditional Eastern Arts/Yoga, 2009

The Naropa Yoga program is amazing! I couldn’t have asked for better teachers or classes. The 1,000 hour yoga teacher training is unique; it is deeply grounded in the ancient wisdom of yoga and also tailors to the modern day practitioners of yoga. The program gives students the opportunity to transform their own lives as well as providing the skills to facilitate the transformation of other people’s lives.

Since finishing the yoga teacher training, I have taught yoga in Boulder, CO and most recently have been teaching yoga in Nepal. While living in a rural village I taught free yoga classes to people who do back breaking labor everyday and women and children who are often abused. The age range was from 2- 60 years old. This provided a beautiful challenge to create a class that met their unique needs, and because of the Naropa Yoga program, I was able to meet them. I also have been teaching yoga to children saved from trafficking and child labor and the kids absolutely loved it!

I am eternally grateful, and feel privileged to have been a part of the Naropa Yoga program, which has given me the gift and skills to offer beautiful yoga classes to people all over the world.

Emily Seymour, Traditional Eastern Arts/Yoga, 2006

When people ask about my experience at Naropa, I say how amazing it was—that it was exactly what I needed at that time in my life. To select people I say how the Naropa "bubble" is the closest thing to a "Hogwort's" experience that I've found thus far. I am ever grateful to have tapped into the synchronistic quality of education that Naropa provides. The Yoga Teacher Training Concentration was very much in alignment with my path. My first class with Nataraja was memorable for me. It had been raining and he mentioned how in India it is considered to be a good omen to begin a journey at the end of a storm. His class impressed me so much that I changed majors that same week. Nataraja inspires his students with his dedication and love for Yoga. He truly "walks his talk," and his unique synthesis of Tantra-based Hatha Yoga is both thorough and open for personalization. His skillful transmission of ancient teachings into modern-day application offers invaluable tools for the path of attaining one's highest potential. I also have a heartfelt appreciation for the community that formed through this program.

Since graduating, I have taught extensively in Boulder and around the country. I have worked as an administrator and a consultant, and designed the yoga program at Movement Climbing + Fitness. I am currently launching a business of teaching workshops, retreats and intensives, and aspire to lead my own teacher trainings one day. For more information, please visit mindbodymandala.com.

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