I’m honored that you’re here. I practice and teach yoga as a lifestyle, beyond the asana (postures), for embodying connection to your most authentic self. I believe that when we feel connected to ourselves, we feel more connected to those around us. I spent a long time trying to escape, to disconnect, to cope with trauma in ways that only continued to re-traumatize me. Through alcohol, drugs, people, disordered eating, and self-harm, I was doing anything but actually trying to understand what I needed to heal and feel at peace with myself. Eventually I decided that enough was enough (a shortened story, but truly all that it is), and now I am in recovery since February 2017. This journey is not linear, and my story includes so many lessons learned. Forgiveness continues to be a consistent part of my practice. Yoga helped me realize my autonomy—the power I have over myself, my reactions, my thoughts. Yoga has improved my emotional regulation, my physical health, my mental health, my consistency on staying true to my ethics and nurturing my passions. Embodying the eight limbs of yoga enriches my entire life. Of course, not every day is the same—this practice has taught me grace with myself. I want to share this with you, but recognize that each one of us will experience this in our own way.

My intention for teaching yoga is to allow others to feel the transformative, perspective-shifting, healing effects that it can have to authentically hold space for yourself, and in turn hold space for your community. I would love to guide you on the journey back into your heart. I firmly believe that every single person is deserving of forgiveness and experiencing unconditional love, regardless of their past. Yoga can be the catalyst for that.

I received my 200 hour certified yoga teacher training through Evolve Yoga and Wellness in 2019 lead by Ann Hunt, Miriam Kindley, and Lauri Bruce. I have an additional certification in trauma-informed yoga instruction through Maha Yoga Studio led by Ash Tryba that I received in 2020, continued education on teaching yoga for depression and anxiety taught by Amy Weintraub through Soul of Yoga that I received in 2021, and my own continued study through research, practice, and reading the works of other practitioners (including but not limited to Susanna Barkataki, Zabie Yamasaki, Jessamyn Stanley, BKS Iyengar, and James Fox).

Since 2019, I have taught yoga, meditation, and mindfulness-based support groups to people of all ages, abilities, and levels of experience. I have taught in various inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, nonprofits, schools, and community spaces. My teaching experience includes Recovery Centers of America, Avenues Recovery Center, Baltimore City Correctional Center, The Jude House, Calvert Recovery Support, Yoga Union Baltimore, Free Baltimore Yoga, Evolve Yoga and Wellness, Root SUP and Fitness, SPICE Studio, Flying Frog Fitness, private clients, and more.

I live in Baltimore, Maryland with my partner and two kitties. Outside of teaching yoga, I am a fear-free certified veterinary assistant at Evergreen Veterinary Care. I love to write poetry, read, play saxophone, work with various art mediums, and spend as much time as possible outdoors. I believe in harm reduction and prison abolition. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a session, email me at yoga@naomihurley.com.