Blending gentle restorative techniques with stimulating vinyasas, Alex places particular emphasis on mindfulness in her work. The role of witness is central to the yogic way of life; simply noticing shifts in bodily sensations, without analysis or judgment, can prove enormously beneficial to personal growth and peace of mind. It is in this vein that Alex endeavors to create an atmosphere of absolute permission, patience and acceptance in her classes, enabling each present to take things at their own pace. To support this aim, she draws on a wide range of breathing techniques and deep-guided relaxation exercises in an effort to inspire a more rooted experience of being in the body. More than aware of the toll of city life, she knows well its inherent stresses and anxieties, taking great care with the mental field of each of her students. "Breath work is critical to mental health," she says. "The breath transforms everything. It brings space to both body and mind." Another aspect to her focus is the use of props in facilitating an individual, felt sense of proper posture and alignment; sessions are hands-on and involve both touch and adjustment work. She makes an added effort to educate her students anatomically in order to foster a more intimate understanding of the body and our own unique physiology. Enriching her overall approach is a background in voice and bodywork, Shamanic teachings and dream analysis, Gestalt, and transpersonal therapy. Working both one-on-one and in group format, her style is marked by a flair for weaving the philosophy and history of yoga through her lessons, drawing in particular on the Aphorisms of Patanjali, the widest known of all yoga scripture. Alex has been a student of this path for over 20 years. Her training included an emphasis on Ayurvedic principles, as well as the yogic way of life and an in-depth history. She has had the privilege of working with variety of teachers such as Hali Schwartz, Michael Siddall, Christine Cinq Mars, Annette Tersigni and Janet Lemon, learning a wide range of styles including Kripalu, Sivananda, Iyengar and Hatha. Her classes tend to reflect this diversity.