Andrea Powers' journey into the world of yoga and healing began at a remarkably young age. It all started when she discovered the power of meditation at just five years old. This early introduction to the practice allowed her to develop a deep connection with her inner self and paved the way for her future endeavors as a healer. At the tender age of six, she received what she believes to be a calling from God to pursue a path of healing, setting her on a unique trajectory.

But it was at the age of seven that Andrea's spiritual journey took another significant turn. She had the unforgettable experience of meeting one of her indigenous spirit guides, who became an integral part of her life. This encounter opened her up to a world of ancient wisdom and teachings that would shape her understanding of the energetic forces that move through the body. It was through this connection that she began to understand the profound impact that these energies can have on our mental and physical well-being.

Throughout her adolescent years, Andrea continued to dive deeper into her spiritual practice. At 18, she had a life-changing experience known as a Spontaneous Kundalini Awakening. This awakening ignited a powerful surge of energy that traveled up her spine, resulting in a heightened state of consciousness and an expanded awareness of the divine. It was during this time that she encountered Yogi Bhajan, a renowned spiritual teacher and the master of Kundalini Yoga. This meeting further solidified her passion for the practice and provided her with guidance and mentorship on her path to becoming a yoga teacher.

That’s when Andrea stepped into her first yoga studio in Los Angeles, California. She recalls the uncomfortableness of the studio, no one spoke to her, and they took away her juice and sweatpants and replaced it with water and a pair of shorts. Andrea's experience highlights a common obstacle that many new yogis face - feeling out of place or uncomfortable in a new environment. This can be due to unfamiliarity with the studio culture, the presence of experienced practitioners, or even the physical environment itself. It is important for both yoga teachers and fellow students to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone who walks through the doors of a yoga studio. By being mindful of each other's experiences and offering support and encouragement, we can help alleviate the discomfort that Andrea experienced and create a positive and nurturing space for every practitioner.

Then they rushed her into a small room filled with men and women of all ages and sizes. The only instruction given was to follow the teacher. Yoga classes can be incredibly diverse, with practitioners of different ages, body types, and levels of experience. This diversity is one of the many beautiful aspects of yoga, as it shows that anyone can practice yoga regardless of their physical abilities or background. However, it can also be intimidating, especially for beginners who may feel self-conscious or unsure of their own abilities. As yoga teachers, it is important to create an inclusive and accessible environment that celebrates and embraces this diversity. Providing clear and concise instructions, offering modifications and variations for different levels of experience, and encouraging a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere can help new students feel more comfortable and empowered to explore their practice.

After doing only two poses Andrea’s body and mind began to shake uncontrollably like she did during meditation so many years ago. Feeling embarrassed and defeated, Andrea fled the classroom. This is a perfect example of how people can have different experiences with yoga. For some, it may be a transformative and empowering practice, while for others, it may elicit feelings of vulnerability or discomfort. It is crucial to remember that yoga is a deeply personal journey, and each person's experience will be unique. As yoga teachers, we must create a safe and non-judgmental space for students to explore their practice, honoring their individual strengths and limitations. By emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and offering modifications and variations, we can empower students to listen to their own bodies and practice yoga in a way that feels authentic and supportive for their own unique needs.

Powers always had an entrepreneurial mind, so combining her experience of yoga and her need to control her future, she opened up her first studio in Northern New Jersey in 2005. This decision was fueled by a deep desire to create a space that was different from the yoga studio she had initially encountered. She wanted her studios to be a place of inclusion, instruction, teaching, and connection. Powers firmly believed that yoga was not just about the physical practice, but also about the integration of mind, body, and spirit. With this vision in mind, she set out to create a unique and transformative yoga experience for her students.

Powers was determined to incorporate her great passions of meditation, movement, and recovery into her classes. She understood that yoga was a powerful tool for not only physical fitness but also for mental and emotional well-being. Through her own practice, she had discovered the profound benefits of meditation and how it could bring a sense of calm and clarity to the mind. She also recognized the importance of movement in healing and creating a strong connection with the body. Lastly, Powers had personal experience with recovery and understood the transformative power of yoga for individuals overcoming addiction and trauma.

With these passions in mind, Powers designed her classes to be a holistic experience, incorporating elements of meditation, movement, and recovery. Her goal was to create a space where students could not only strengthen their bodies but also develop a deeper understanding of themselves and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Through her thoughtful sequencing, clear and concise instruction, and compassionate guidance, Powers created a safe and nurturing environment for students of all levels to explore and deepen their yoga practice.

With over 500 trainees under her belt, she has proven herself as a respected and influential figure in the industry. Powers has always been passionate about finding ways to meet the needs of her students, and this drive led her to invent the YOGABOARD. Living on the East coast, she recognized the limitations of practicing outdoor activities like surfing due to the shorter surfing season. However, she witnessed the numerous physical and mental benefits that surfing provided on the body and mind during her time in California. Determined to fill this void, Powers came up with the idea of creating an indoor board that simulates the feeling of being on water - the YOGABOARD. This invention allowed her participants to practice and train for yoga on a board all year round, regardless of the weather or location.

The YOGABOARD is a fantastic example of Powers' creativity and innovative thinking. By combining her passion for yoga and her experience with water sports, she was able to create a unique and effective training tool. The YOGABOARD provides an unparalleled experience that incorporates the physical challenges of balance and core strength associated with stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and applies them to yoga practice. It gives yogis the opportunity to engage their bodies in new and exciting ways, allowing them to deepen their practice and enhance their overall well-being. The YOGABOARD also provides a safe and controlled environment for those who may be hesitant to try SUP or who simply want to enjoy the benefits of being on water without the added challenges of outdoor elements.

Through her invention and teaching,

Andrea Powers has profoundly impacted the yoga community by creating an accessible and unique way to experience the benefits of stand-up paddleboarding. By introducing the YOGABOARD, she has brought the joy and physical benefits of this water activity to people who may not have had the opportunity to try it otherwise. Powers has proven that there are endless possibilities when it comes to combining different passions and experiences, and that innovation can lead to groundbreaking solutions. The YOGABOARD not only provides a valuable training tool but also sparks creativity and encourages individuals to think outside the box in their own practice and teaching. Andrea Powers' journey serves as an inspiration for all aspiring yoga teachers and inventors, reminding us to always seek ways to fill gaps and make a positive impact in our communities.

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