WellSpring Yoga St. Louis Blog
LUCY HOLMES began her yoga practice in 1989 with the Bikram series. As an athlete she was initially attracted to the powerful and challenging aspects of Hatha Yoga; later she discovered the wisdom and surrender of the philosophic and spiritual sides.

Lucy has studied extensively with many renowned teachers of the Iyengar, Anusara, and Astanga schools. Her strongest influences include Richard Rosen, Rodney Yee, John Friend, Judith Lasater, Elise Browning Miller, and Beryl Bender Birch. In 1994 she completed the Kripalu month-long 200-hour teacher training, and in 2002 she moved to Oakland, California where she took the 18-month, 780-hour Advanced Studies Program at Piedmont Yoga Studio She graduated in 2003 and returned to teaching in St. Louis in 2004. She continues to deepen her study with Matthew Krepps (Dynamic Yoga) www.circleyogashala and Mary Paffard www.maryyoga.com

Lucy has been an owner of two yoga studios in St. Louis. In 1994 she co-founded The Big Bend Center for Yoga with three fellow St. Louis yoga teachers, and from 1997 to 2001 she ran her own studio, Experience Yoga!, where she and other teachers offered yoga, massage, meditation, and Tai Chi to the community. Lucy now teaches at several locations, offering public and private classes, workshops, and a Yoga Teacher Mentoring program. She is also on the board of Spirit of Yoga serving from its inception in 2005 to present.

Lucy's teaching style is informed by her passion for music, Dunham dance, philosophy, and nature, as well as the 15 years she spent as a licensed, nationally-certified massage therapist. Her technical background includes extensive study of anatomy and physiology, and her spiritual influences include Buddhism and Native American ceremonies. Compassionate and patient with beginners, Lucy can also challenge and empower experienced practitioners, using humor, insight, and acceptance.

*Lucy is an Experienced, Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500-hour level with the National Yoga Alliance
ABOUT LUCY T. HOLMES, E-RYT 500*
TESTIMONIALS

What Students Say About Classes and Private Sessions with Lucy:

"The wonderful thing about Lucy is that I trust her to help me go through the class with strength and grace... just as I would want to go through life.  She ties together real life and our true selves so we can move with grace the best way we can." ~ Kim, Open Levels & Dynamic Vinyasa Student

"I have been a student of Lucy's since 2006. She has brought so much awareness to my practice and her style of teaching gives me confidence to learn with an open mind and heart.. .her classes have both flow and creativity.. .her private sessions helped me to understand the process of vinyasa and helped me establish changes that enhanced my entire practice." ~ Suzie, Power Vinyasa and Private Student

"Lucy is a fantastic teacher, and I really appreciate the time and effort she puts into her classes. I have made a lot of progress since I first started, and most of that has been due to her excellent care. Thank you, Lucy!" ~ John V., Self-Admitted Yoga Junkie and Teacher Mentoring Program participant

Evaluations from Yoga Basics Students through SLCC-Meramec:

"Lucy is a very capable and knowledgeable instructor who is well attuned to student ability and levels. It is a pleasure to be in her classes."

"I've been taking Lucy's classes since she started teaching through Meramec because I like her teaching style and the level at which she teaches. I will continue to do so as long as this class is offered."

Evaluation from Fundamentals of Inversions Workshop:

"The entire workshop was a great eye-opener in finding areas that need more attention; keep up the good work!"

WellSpring Yoga St. Louis Blog

Love Affair with Ullola

 by Lucy Holmes on 06/25/10

I have now had the pleasure of taking classes from three of the four other teachers at Ullola Yoga, which is fast becoming my "studio of choice". Angela Culbertson, intrepid owner of Ullola, is an accomplished "deep practitioner" and she continues to hone her skills as she is now studying Astanga Yoga with Tim Miller in San Diego. I can't wait to take class from her when she returns in early July!

Angela, Carolyn, and Sheri of Ullola Yoga all demonstrate wonderful skill as teachers, and it feeds my soul to have them near and available so I can get my yoga class fix. It is critical for my well-being to periodically learn from other teachers, and although this weekend I will be blessed to spend time with internationally-acclaimed Sarah Powers (sponsored by Chris Yonker of YogaSource) I am so grateful to have local folks to support me in my practice in a wonderful yogic environment.

Speaking of environment, I truly appreciate being able to take class in yoga studios. I am a firm believer in studios dedicated primarily to yoga; there is no comparison to the degree of yoga community that is fostered by studios. Although I teach in a variety of venues, I have to admit I prefer the studio environment that engenders a sense of peace, calm, and mindfulness which pervades the entire space.

Yoga needs to be widely available to the entire population, which is why I teach at a community center, an herb store,  and at rehab facilities for men and women. But a studio such as Ullola helps me stay connected and grounded so I am better able to share mindful energy with students in different kinds of settings.

Thanks to all the studio owners (Angela, Chris, Robin Buck, and all the rest) who give so much of their time and energy to gift all of us with a place to practice and share our love of yoga!

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Mindfulness in St. Louis Yoga Practitioners

 by Lucy Holmes on 06/25/10

The degree of mindfulness in local (St. Louis) yoga practitioners is increasing, as demonstrated by the participants in both the Reset to Renewal workshop and the Rhythm & Flow class which took place during the Memorial Day weekend. As a yoga teacher I am gratified and deeply satisfied to watch students in their practice, and see the growth and deeper understanding they display in classes and workshops.

Although there are blended forms of yoga and other practices that sometimes diminish yoga's emphasis on increased Self-inquiry and honesty, the overall increase in awareness on the part of students and teachers is quite apparent.

As I continue to offer workshops and classes I find myself fed by the energy students put into their efforts in practice, as well as their willingness to surrender and release old, non-serving patterns and habits. Yoga in St. Louis just keeps getting better and better!

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Yoga, Dance, Drumming...A Fabulous Option for Memorial Day!

 by Lucy Holmes on 05/04/10

Hello to visitors to the WellSpring Yoga website! I am excited about the opportunity to create a fusion of yoga and dance in the upcoming class on Memorial Day Monday, May 31, 2010. This will be a chakra-balancing, energy-expanding, heart-opening joyous occasion.. if you've never experienced yoga or movement to live drumming by some very skillful drummers, you need to treat yourself to this event! Please join me at 9:30am at Ullola on Memorial Day!

Also not to be missed on Friday May 28, from 7:00 to 10:00pm: an incredibly delicious, nutritious, and nurturing combination of restorative yoga  and gourmet food from the chefs at Terrene restaurant. This workshop will feature a beautifully supported and passive yoga practice followed by an exquisite dinner, served to you in the serene and lovely environment of Ullola Yoga Studio. Be sure to register early... this is certain to be a very popular event!

See you on the yoga mat.. Lucy

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