I want to share with you my reflections on my yoga journey thus far and some of the miraculous teachings I've learned.

Coming to yoga from a very scientific and athletic background, the study of biomechanics and opening the body by connecting breath to movement along with the relaxing benefits were really what drew me in initially. Along with everyone in my family casually practicing for health benefits, it was always something we can do together regardless of age or ability. I continued to practice for years on my own as a supplement to my jiu jitsu kickboxing or weight lifting, through which I got really flexible and learnt miraculous things I never knew I could do with my body (even the effect of mudras, mantras, and more). Some things that even contradicted what I was learning in a top tier university, a basic example being accessing your parasympathetic nervous system via your breath and the connection of your vagus nerve to your chakras and spinal column.

However after a few years of asana and meditation practice I hit a roadblock and wondered what the point was. Questions like who am I and why do I do what I do every day began to arise. Becoming exposed to ideas like the cycles of samsara meeting many people around the world only magnified how we are all really similar and share the same joy and pain.

I then dived into the ancient history of the world only to discover that we have always practiced a form of yoga, from the Olmecs in the Central Americas, the Goddess worship temples in Malta, the ancient Egyptians, and even the (Jah!) Rastafari who wear Shiva Jatta dreadlocks. This really allowed me to truly appreciate that in India they preserved these ancient techniques in a very methodological way to the modern day. Connecting the dots of Krishnamacharya's work in India and his influence in bringing yoga to the West through his students, and quite recently too, only shows how great their impact has been in such a short period of time and that their teachings are only beginning to spread.

I've learned that through the practice of yoga, Prana, Chi, Orgone, Vril, life force energy, or bio-magnetic energy are harmonized with nature/the divine/self/God. Psychedelics have shown me that enlightenment can only happen in the present moment, and it is always the present moment. This yoga teacher training has shed light that the universe is not so mechanical and is an alive love story between Shiva and Shakti. The largest lesson I've learned through my yoga practice and about the miraculous teachings of yoga is to not be so experience seeking (i.e. that was a great stretch or a very relaxing meditation), and that practice is enlightenment.

– Alaa A.

I can’t say enough positive things about this yoga studio. Everyone that works here treats you like family and so far I have found it to be a very welcoming, supportive and nice atmosphere. The instructors are AWESOME, I have found each instructor here to be very welcoming, supportive, helpful and passionate. The studio itself is very clean and well maintained. They also have a very convenient app you can use to register for classes. If you are thinking about trying a yoga studio, definitely consider this one!

- Diana R.

I've been looking for the right yoga studio in the Riverside/ Corona area for over a year since I moved here. I think I may have found it! The studio is in a great, safe location. The instructors are gentle and knowledgeable and the staff is very friendly and helpful. I'm looking forward to taking more classes at Yoga Den and improving my practice.

– Pat A.

Over the past few months in training, I have learned how yoga encompasses the whole person.  The body, mind and spirit.  The body is miraculous and when you take into consideration all three of these things, making time for each of them, then you can start to see true health realized.

I have learned how each person is different and unique and that if we use and recognize our strengths and strengthen our weaknesses, we can stay active and strong.  It’s empowering knowledge that Leeza teaches “If you use it, you won’t lose it.”  I love learning things that resist ageing. 

My favorite teaching in yoga is balance.  Everything we do is to keep the body balanced.  It’s not enough to just focus on a healthy body, but a healthy mind and spirit too.  I have learned to look for the good in everyone and that everyone comes to yoga with their “stuff” attached to them.  The body shows this.  Just a simple practice of breath, meditation and movement can initiate health in the body and balance.  As I have practiced yoga, I have felt stronger and lighter at the same time.  I love knowing that everyone is on their own journey, and I can be a safe place for them without forcing anyone to change.

One thing I have gained from yoga I wasn’t expecting is community.  I love this community of everyone taking responsibility for their own stuff.  Working to create harmony within their own being which allows everyone around them to feel comfortable in their presence.  There is a space of acceptance here that I have found, and I think that’s because those who choose to practice yoga have begun healing themselves and don’t expect others to heal them.  There is no competition, only genuine care for everyone to give and take what they can and need.

I love that Leeza teaches that the best yoga poses aren’t always the most impressive looking ones.  Keeping alignment, lengthening and using your power center is where you get the biggest benefits from a pose.  Working with nature is another thing I love about yoga.  I have learned to listen, feel, consider and hear the earth more.  What is she teaching me?  What does she want to give me?  What can I give back to her?  How can I be a steward over this earth and give back how she has given to me.  There is an energy and a beauty that I didn’t recognize until I discovered it in yoga. 

I came into yoga fearful of public speaking and thinking I could never teach a class.  I’m still nervous, but now I’m excited to teach a class.  I love the music and the flow.  Learning the beauty of a new culture and its language feels like I am stepping into ancient wisdom.  Things we’ve lost and need more of in our world today. 

            I can see that this is a way of life, not a skill to be mastered or just a certification to earn.  The things I have learned and the things I will continue to learn as I go forward will shape myself as a human being and not just my physical body.

– Kim N.

My husband & I recently attended a cleanse retreat with Leeza & it was amazing. We got so much more out of it than expected. Thank you Leeza you are a wealth of knowledge & so generous with your beautiful welcoming energy. Namaste!

– Hailey L.

Great restorative class tonight! First time at the Yoga Den. Beautiful space, relaxing music, instruction was positive and fun and engaged the students. So happy to find this studio after moving from the East Coast back to So cal.

– Cheryl Z. 

If you are looking for authentic yoga this is the place. Me and the Yoga Den go way back like 2008. I’ve tried other places but the class availability was limited or the teachers were into practicing to rap music. At the Yoga Den you get great music sometimes live and amazing teachers every day of the week.

– Cynthia O.

My daughter and I joined the Yoga Den in March of 2017. I remember the day as we were both nervous to try yoga. Fast forward and my daughter enrolled in the Yoga Teacher Training the summer before her senior year in high school. She learned so much from the teachers and the program was a great way for her to prepare for her move to college a year later. I can’t say enough amazing things about how this experience has changed our lives thru knowledge for both my daughter and I. I have a very grateful heart  <3 and this is due to joining this amazing studio!!! I highly recommend you visit for yourself.

– Rebekah D.

Everyone is so welcoming and encouraging. I have made new friends, discovered things about myself and am loving the journey of becoming a teacher, although I never started this with the intention of teaching...I simply wanted to learn more about how to “be well”. In the beginning, I was stressed because everyone kept asking when I was going to be “done” and after contemplating that I realized I don’t ever want to be done and now being done is no longer the goal. The longer I stay on this journey the more I will learn and the more I will get to share with others....which IS the goal of teaching after all. I LOVE the spirit and heart of the Yoga Den and ALL it has brought to my life! Come yoga with us!!

– Cindy L.

Such an amazing place! The teachers are amazing. I decided to try this place out and I’m in love. This is such a welcoming place. I tried a yoga class and an AiReal class and LOVED it.

- Laura J.

Best yoga studio. They treat the community like family. So heartfelt and welcoming. You will thank yourself for coming here. It does a body good.

- Shanti V.