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Health & Fitness

Stretching for Life: Yoga with Yumiko

A quick Google search for Yoga will yield about 233,000,000 results mostly extolling the health benefits of this ancient practice, such as stress reduction, improved flexibility and pain management. Equally as important, however, is the level of instruction and care provided to those learning or performing the art. Pittsburgh Psychotherapy Associates is proud to introduce you to Yumiko Yasumoto, our experienced and friendly Yoga Instructor. Each Sunday this fall, Yumiko can be found leading participants through the downward-facing dog, eagle or half-moon poses for our wellness program.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Honest / Flexible / Sensitive

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What was the last book you read?

“The Art of Loving” by Erich Fromm

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If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?

I have never longed to meet anybody from my childhood textbooks, celebrities, etc. I often think that there are amazing people around me, if only I had the chance to learn about them.

What was the funniest thing you have ever experienced?

When I was driving a few weeks ago I found myself repeating the words, “That’s impossible.” I had been frustrated by a recent argument was unable to stop.  When I stopped my car at an intersection, I unconsciously shouted, “That’s impossible!” Then, suddenly, a baby bird landed on my driver’s door mirror. I had never seen a wild bird that closely before.  I gazed at it with my eyes wide open, and the bird looked back at me. The bird seemed really surprised just like me and then it flew away. The light changed and I drove on. But now I found myself smiling and saying  “… maybe that’s possible.”

What is your favorite art form and why?

Ceramic art – I like many kinds of visual arts, but especially ceramic art since I can enjoy the texture.  A long time ago, I used to practice pottery. You can guess how it is going to turn out, but you never actually know until you finish the whole process. Additionally, it is an intensely natural process that involves working directly with earth, water, and fire.

If you enjoyed learning about Yumiko, why not join her for one FREE Yoga class on Sunday, September 22 at 10 am (during our Wellness Open House) as we kick off the fall 2013 Serenity Sundays program! Yoga is the perfect way to start your week. Visit our Website for details and to register:  www.pghpsychotherapy.com

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