Yoga on the Square - Yoga Teachers & Subs

Renee Aukeman

Hometown: Holland, Michigan.

Sun Sign: Gemini.

Nickname: Wren.

Favorite Word: Right now? Esoteric. I’m a writer—
my favorite word changes by the week!

I wish for....more time to practice yoga and write.

I am thankful for.....the amazing people in my life.

What gives you peace? Water: Lake Michigan especially, but also inland lakes and rivers.

Why Yoga? To me, yoga instills a physical manifestation of the peace Christ said he’d give to us. John 14:27

3 words to describe you: lost in thought

What / who inspires you? A good hike or art of any medium. Also Annie Dillard, Madeleine L’Engle, and Kathleen Norris.

What you can’t live without? Books.

Favorite yoga pose and why ? Pigeon—so much happens here: acceptance, openness, forgiveness, stillness, and respecting limitations through protecting the knee.

Favorite foods? Cereal. Specifically: Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds, sliced bananas, and rice milk.

Words to live by (or your favorite quote): “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Best advice you’ve ever received (from who?): “Nobody can counsel and help you, nobody. There is only one single way. Go into yourself. Search for the reason that bids you write; find out whether it is spreading out its roots in the deepest places of your heart, acknowledge to yourself whether you would have to die if it were denied you to write. This above all—ask yourself in the stillest hour of your night: must I write? Delve into yourself for a deep answer. And if this should be affirmative, if you may meet this earnest question with a strong and simple “I must,” then build your life according to this necessity.” ~Rainer Maria Rilke. The same principle applies to yoga or any other art.

Words to describe your teaching style? Meditative, energizing, tranquil, grace-filled.

What do you love to do for FUN? Disappear into a great novel.

When/where/with who was your first yoga class? January 2007 with Jaala and my mom at Lakeshore Yoga in Michigan.

Local escape: Frick Park—there’s a path next to a creek that reminds me of Tolkien’s Middle Earth.
Other Teachers & Subs:
Joanne Spence, Renee Aukeman, Aleta Howard, Amy Burleson, Katrina Woodworth, Leslie Wright, Jennifer Chaparro, Mariangela Mancuso, Jennifer Sylves, Anne Brownlee, Cathie Sunderman, Maga Sanchez-Dahl, Heidi Zellie, Michaelene Stanko, Gregg Karasg, Jayna, Leanne, Cara Bessko, Dawn Penney

Renee Aukeman fell head over heels for yoga in her first class, when it taught her to love and accept her hamstrings just as tightly as they were. Practicing yoga soon became an invaluable tool in balancing her over-active, anxiety-prone mind. Now fascinated by how yoga melds body, mind, and spirit with peace, Renee has made it the focus of her graduate studies, where she is writing a book about the intersection of yoga and the Christian faith.

In May 2008, Renee completed her 200-hour RYT training alongside her mother, who has rheumatoid arthritis . By watching her mother manage the pain of RA with yoga, Renee became sensitive to the potential yoga has both to help and hinder physical ailments. Her practice is influenced by Anusara yoga's attention to physical and spiritual alignment, along with the mantra of opening to grace.

Currently, Renee is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing at the University of Pittsburgh , where she also teaches writing. She holds a Master of Ministries and a B.A. in English Education, both from institutions in Indiana. She also loves exploring how writing and yoga revive the creative spirit. When she's not studying, Renee enjoys water sports, hiking, chilling with her cat, or getting lost in a good novel.