Artis Smith

YOGA TEACHER

Artis was first introduced to the physical aspect of  yoga by his older sister. She would come home from her gymnastics class and put him into some of the stretching poses they used to warm up. Most of the stretching poses came from yoga asana. Things like leg behind head, full lotus  and headstand.

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In his early twenties He came across it again while working in an Indian restaurant. The owner of the restaurant was a doctor and he used it in his practice. At the time he was mostly interested in the meditative aspect.

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For the next seven years Artis studied Soto Zen Buddhism, a seated meditation.  After time he began to long for a physical moving meditation. He remembered yoga and decided to look up a local studio and try a class. After the first Sun salutation it all came together and he realized this was his path. Shortly after that he was introduced to Mysore style Ashtanga Yoga by his first teacher Aj, Avery Jones.

 

Artis has been certified to teach Ashtanga Yoga by his Guru Manju Pattabhi Jois. He has also attended teacher trainings and workshops with Aj Avery Jones owner of Atma Bodha Yoga in Virginia Beach. Michelle Dorer owner of Ashtanga Yoga OBX, and David Garrigues. Artis currently Maintains a six day a week practice. He is Director of the Mysore program at My Yoga Spirit.

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Artis believes that be true way to happiness is through service to others.