 Maria, and her husband Ananta, are leaders of the Ananda Sacramento Colony. She directly oversees the Hatha Yoga Program, and in addition to teaching general yoga classes, also conducts Yoga Teacher Training programs. She has taught Raja Yoga (which includes many levels of meditation) full-time for over 25 years. She has been an active member and teacher at the Ananda Sangha since 1976. Her love of the science and art of yoga inspires her to share creatively with students of varied ability, familiarity and orientation.
Maria says, "Our Ananda Sacramento Yoga Staff looks forward to sharing the joy of practicing Ananda Yoga with you.
Yoga is a beautiful and powerful discipline that gently nurtures the upward flow of energy expanding our awareness. After over 30 years of practice I am still awed by its impact upon my body, energy, heart, and consciousness as well as its effectiveness as a healing tool."
Our staff are all long-time Ananda members with many years experience in
the practice and teaching of meditation, hatha yoga, and yoga philosophy.
Yoga teachers from left to right
Cathy, Brenda, Sean, Lan & Sandi
Some of our Teacher's Favorites
Maria's Favorite Pose
Rajokopotasana (The Pigeon Pose)
 Rajakapotanasana is a pose I really enjoy because it accomplishes so much while deeply relaxing (once you get the hang of it!). Consider the affirmation: “I rise above all thought of past and future, into the Eternal Now.” For me this is daily challenge worth finding ways to meet. Our ability to be present in the moment is key to success on every level what to speak of gleaning the greatest joy from all that comes our way.
I had a beautiful experience in India a couple of years ago. It had been a very long day of “trying to sell books on street corners in India” and the hassles in trying to make this happen were colossal even though this is something that is routinely done. I was sitting on the curb waiting for an Indian friend to get clearance for us to set up for the evening crowds. The pollution and noise were horrific. A great festivity was going on at the adjacent park celebrating Lord Ram’s victory over the evil demon Ravana. Giant multi story effigies were burning and ashes and acrid smoke were everywhere. I looked across the street in front of me and there was this cow amidst the traffic, all decorated, just standing there. I felt sorry for the cow and was disturbed by the scene and the commotion. He looked so out of his element. I felt tears streaming down my face at the sight. And then my mind cleared. I realized the cow was fine. It was my problem. I was out of my element! I was not “being in the present moment” which is to say “in the joy” of God in my heart, regardless of circumstance.
In this pose we experience the rising energy in the spine in a dramatic way. Our lower bodies are rooted if you will to the earth but our consciousness rises to claim willfully and joyfully its rightful heritage. It is a very empowering pose but as in all of yoga our success in it must come from a place of deep relaxation and surrender. Make sure you have an instructor guide you into this pose if it is new for you. Enjoy!
Lan's Favorite Pose
Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose)
 Lan has many favorites, but when forced to choose one, she says it's Virabhadrasana. "In this pose my feet are anchored to the earth and I feel centered in my consciousness." The joy of this asana is evident on her face.
"I joyfully manifest the power of God." (affirmation for Virabhadrasana - Warrior Pose)
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