Yoga

The journey within…

I began my journey with yoga long before I knew what it was called. I have been a lifelong explorer of all things athletic, which led me to playing collegiate level field hockey.  In many ways, I was always acutely aware of the connection between mind and body.  However, I practiced the principals and deeper aspects of yoga far longer than I had realized. After years of experimenting with Pilates, Gyrotonics, breathwork and Tai Chi, I came to my asana practice in 2007 and everything changed. In many ways, yoga is the medicine that helped heal me from the inside out.  

I am formally trained in Hatha yoga through Integral Yoga at the ashram in Virginia. I also trained specifically in Children's and Teen yoga. I continued my studies in Bali, Indonesia with School Yoga Institute, where I acquired more Hatha training as well as Vinyasa Flow.  I enjoy teaching all levels of yoga, especially deep meditative Hatha flows, with an emphasis on guided relaxation and meditation. I believe that at the heart of yoga is the devotion to Self. Once you connect with your breath, the movements merge body, mind and spirit. This is where the healing begins. Yoga, as an asana practice, is for every body, without limits. 

While I no longer regularly teach in a studio, I have recorded classes though One Yoga in Thailand’s online studio and occasionally offer zoom classes. In addition, I incorporate yoga into my nature wellness offerings and have occasional pop-up live classes all over.

I enjoy creating specific classes for children and teens. In my teen classes, I incorporate mindfulness, positive self-expression and stress reduction techniques. My background as a classroom teacher informs the work I do with youth. I see each individually holistically and work with them to create a safe, creative and fun environment. I work with groups as well as privately with children as young as 4 years old. 

“Stillness is the altar of spirit.”
 Paramhansa Yogananda

  •  Maura is a child whisperer! I had been trying to get my daughter interested in Yoga and to practice along with me for 2 years with no results. 15 minutes with Maura and she was giving it a shot! Not only did Maura help my daughter stretch and begin to learn about Yoga, with fun, age-appropriate props, but after spending time with Maura I also began to see my daughters ability to self-soothe and her concentration improve! Maura has a gentle and engaging energy to which children respond so well. I recommend her class, well worth it!                                                                          

    Tiffany Lamb                                                                             

  • Maura is amazing! My step-daughter is sure that she's made of magic, and I am so impressed by the talent, patience, energy and passion Maura brings with her to each class. Her calm, pure energy relaxes and encourages the kids to engage in a thoughtful and meaningful manner. They show up to her class wild and raucous, and leave calm and peaceful, saying “peace begins with me.” The transformation is wonderful! Maura's wonderful energy is truly a gift, and I am thankful that she has shared it with us.                                                                                               

    Windy McKinney, Waynesville, NC

  • Today I attend a Beginners Flow Yoga class facilitated by Maura Finn. The flow and class was incredible- a beautiful synthesis of meditative movement, breathwork, and visualization. Not only was the class and overall process integrative, but I also felt safe and comfortable moving into different yoga postures with Maura's guidance. I highly recommend Maura as a yoga instructor, Spiritual guide and healer. She has a heart designed for service and a gift to stretch and gently move you beyond the limits of yourself.

    Jasin Deegan

  • Loved your yoga sessions. Of course the outdoor setting at the Botanic Garden surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of nature was great. Your instructions through the poses were easy to follow and flowed beautifully. I loved your incorporation of the bells and bowls. All of these components took me to a place of peace and calm but at the same time stretched and challenged my body.  I left feeling better physically and mentally than when I arrived.

    David T. Morice

  • Yoga in the Botanical Gardens of Santa Fe was magical!! Maura was a wonderful teacher among the fruit trees and wildlife.  I have been practicing yoga for many years. It is what keeps me feeling good in both body and mind. I have learned so much from meditation. Maura was encouraging and supportive and like every good yoga teacher stated that it was my practice and she was just the guide.  Thank you Maura for that beautiful day of yoga and watching the sunset. Good luck to you!

    Laura DeVaney

  • Magical! Anyone who gets the opportunity to take a class with Maura is blessed with the best best energy, especially if it is out in nature like mine was. It was my very first time attending a yoga class in person and I feel so lucky get to say that. My body couldn’t thank me more for going. It definitely set the bar high. Maura is a healer and a blessing to all she crosses paths with.

    Estrella Gonzalez

  • Maura's yoga class was exceptional she created a space within nature to bring all the elements around us together to make this experience unique. I loved to be outside in the beautiful botanical garden with all the different flowers in sight and about to be sunset. The class was so relaxing and fun, she is an amazing knowledgeable teacher. I loved she gave us at the end of the class, rose water to spray on our faces and sound with tinkling. It took me to another place, I love sound to complete the cycle and embody all the movement in the class.

    Paloma Sanchez

  • Just a note to affirm to you how wonderful your yoga classes at the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens truly were and to thank you again!   You are a thoughtful, caring and knowledgeable yoga instructor and your outdoor classes were the highlight of my move to Santa Fe this spring.  Your vast experience from many cultures and life experiences added so much.   I always left class inspired, calm and hopeful about my new future life here.  The fact that you drew attendance from young, practiced athletic young women, as well as older, stiff and limited ones, as well as those who were not experienced in yoga at all, is a testament to your ability to seamlessly incorporate a range of people and their needs into one harmonious practice.  Everyone was always smiling as they left class. My only regret is that you are no longer in Santa Fe and I am not seeing you at the Botanical Garden on a regular basis!  Hoping you will return one day!

    Jan Conti