Jyl Marie  

is a Senior Instructor of Prajna Yoga and has studied with Tias & Surya Little since 2003. She has received both her 200 hr & 500 hr certifications through their school; and she is one of the first graduates of the SATYA (Somatic Awareness Training for Yoga Attunement) training. In addition she finds much inspiration through her regular studies with Carrie Owerko, Jules Mitchell, Erin Jade, and FRC Coach Zach Dackelbaum.

Currently dividing her time between the United States and Peru, Jyl leads workshops and retreats around the world. She brings a multi-disciplinary approach to her teaching, combining form & flow with therapeutic somatic movement and applied neurology in all that she leads.

A firm believer in yoga being a practice for everyone and anyone, Jyl co-founded the Austin-based non profit organization, Community Yoga Austin, in 2010 and is passionate about modifying the practice of yoga so that anyone interested may have the opportunity to experience it's healing benefits. She has brought yoga to prisons, schools, veterans, recovery centers, shelters & senior centers; and has trained with Street Yoga, Little Flower Yoga, Bent on Learning, M.D. Anderson Integrative Medicine, The Prison Yoga Project & Jill Satterfield. She is also certified to teach prenatal & postpartum yoga. 

She is a Licensed Massage Therapist who currently focuses her studies and practice on Visionary Craniosacral Work with Hugh Milne, Visceral Manipulation, and Applied Neurology. And she is passionate about using plants and food as medicine. And as an extension to Yoga. The food/plant nearest and dearest to her heart is Cacao. Her exploration of cacao as plant medicine has turned a lifetime chocolate addiction into a profound part of her life's journey.  For the past decade, she has been able to make a long-time dream a reality through her work with cacao farmers and indigenous healers in Peru and Central America.

Jyl’s yoga comes from a place of warmth, creativity and humility. She has a keen eye for the body and is skillful at guiding students inward toward their very center. Without I doubt, I recommend Jyl for her gifted touch and wise directions.
— -Tias Little, Founder, Prajna Yoga
 

some kind words...

"Jyl's classes have completely changed my life.  I've regained mobility in my right shoulder thanks to her deep understanding of anatomy and therapeutic yoga practices.  She has taught me methods of managing my chronic pain that fit into my daily routine and my body is noticeably stronger.  There's more to her teaching than the physical.  She meditatively guides you through the inner process of conversing and journeying with the body.  When you leave her class, you've observed, learned and acquired tools from your body, to change your body." -MC

"As a 50 something with scoliosis, I was too intimidated to just walk into a yoga studio and start classes. I knew I needed a more personal touch.  I started classes with Jyl 4 years ago.  I have correctly learned the poses and flow. Jyl has taught me to listen to my body and to breathe. My back is in great shape and I have been able to join other yoga classes with confidence. Jyl is truly a gifted and intuitive teacher." -OG

"I wish I were more articulate so I could truly express what a wonderful Yoga Teacher Jyl is. When I started I felt like I would never be able to do yoga because of my flexibility issues and my size. Jyl immediately made me feel positive and that I was capable of accomplishing anything. She is a master teacher, she teaches every nuance of the poses. She has a way of always conveying exactly how to feel and get into each pose. She uses creative and helpful techniques in modifying poses you need modified. Jyl also always makes you feel positive about yourself she is so loving and accepting. She is a gift that I happily give myself." -GM

"Your guidance & teaching has been an integral part of the healing process for my hip and low back. I've really enjoyed your style of teaching; the way you start each class with some background and inspiration; the way you remind us about the little details to really experience the asanas; and your cheerful and calming demeanor." -UG

"You really taught me a lot and you are such a wonderful teacher.  You are able to communicate so much information in a clear and succinct manner.  You have such a wonderful calm kind presence as a teacher.  You always made us laugh and really enjoy our classes.   So much of what you teach is actually so subtle but it just helps our practice move to another level." -BV