and 
ELEANOR COHEN
Eleanor has been teaching Yoga for 12 years. She received her Masters Degree from The Ohio State University in Somatic Education, which is the study of movement from a holistic perspective. Eleanor is certified in Integral Hatha Yoga and Pranayama instruction. She taught yoga and other fitness classes around the central Ohio area, including OSU and McConnell Heart Health Center, before relocating to Cleveland. With her background in somatics, anatomy, and the Alexander Technique, her classes focus on kinesthetic awareness, proper physical alignment, body mapping, spinal range of motion, and massage of the internal organs. However, the technical components are balanced by the spiritual aspects of Yoga, just as the physical work of the asanas are balanced by deep breathing, relaxation and meditation. Eleanor is the proud mother of Rose and Sam.
Years practicing yoga: 16
Years teaching yoga: 15
Personal Yoga Journey
When did you start practicing yoga?
I was in college. 1994.
How long were you a student & why did you decided to become a teacher?
I started teaching about a year after I started practicing. I didn't mean to be a teacher. I was just in love with yoga and I talked about how it was changing my life and people asked me to show them what I was doing. I went back to school for a Masters Degree in Somatic Studies and I got my Yoga teacher certification at Satchidananda Ashram.
What are your personal inspirations/sources behind your teachings? (Besides family/life)
I keep discovering more and more interesting things about the body that I love sharing with my students. And I love the classic Yoga philosophy of the Yamas and Niyamas--the "10 Commandments" of living a Yogic life.
How do you take your yoga practice off the mat?
Swami Satchidnanda always said "Be Good. Do Good" and I try to remember that every day. I really try to live a balanced healthy life.
What are some of your favorite yoga poses and why?
Headstand. It's good for just about anything that ails you! And, unless you have a medical problem, it is a pose pretty much anyone can learn to do.
Books & Music
What are you reading now?
House of Mirth by Edith Wharton. She is a favorite of mine and I reread her books over and over.
What songs are on your current playlist?
I have been playing the new CD by Jai Uttal and Ben Leinbach called Bhakti Bazaar. Every song is good for Yoga.
What are some songs/artists that you consistently play in your classes?
I play a mix of ambient and world music. I love Mercan Dede and Nawang Khechog.
Why (or why not) do you play music in your classes?
My first Yoga teacher, a Kundalini instructor, did not play music in class and when I got my teacher training, I was taught not to play music. So it took me a while to get comfortable with teaching to music. As long as it enhances the practice, I will play music in class. But sometimes I like to take a break from music and let people experience silence, which is a beautiful thing.
Advice to Students
What advice would you give your students just beginning yoga?
Do what you can, respect your body, and enjoy your practice. Yoga doesn't have to be so serious!
What advice would you give the more seasoned person practicing yoga?
Keep exploring new teachers. There are so many wonderful teachers and each one has something special to offer. Even if you absolutely love one teacher, it's good for your mind and body to practice with someone else every once in a while.
What are you yoga must haves?
The more I practice, the more I value the quiet of meditation.
Little Known Facts About Me: I have a wonderful rock and roll husband and the two most beautiful and talented kids on the planet. I am a Beatles fanatic. I think intestines are really cool and I am perfectly comfortable talking about bodily noises and bowel movements (they should float, you know, so eat lots of fiber).
Words That Describe My Class: Nurturing and fun. I generally have themes for my classes, focusing on different areas of the body, or Yoga philosophy. I also like to celebrate different times of the year with chocolate meditations or glow-sticks.
I Knew I Loved Yoga When: I knew I loved Yoga the first day I tried it. I felt like I opened up--like I connected to a higher power. The first day! I couldn't wait until the next day to do it again.
Where Yoga Helps Me The Most: Driving, teaching, relationships, kids, talking to customer service representatives, cooking, life.
Why I Love This Studio: I've been with this studio from the beginning, even before it opened up, as a student in Sandy's classes at The Hampton's, and the when the studio was being built on Park East Drive and paint was just going up on the walls. I guess it feels like home and I'm proud to say that I teach at Evolution.
Favorite Comment/Quote that inspires you: "When it rains and shines, it's just a state of mind." The Beatles
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