Such a journey! After eight months of intensive study, practicum and expansive growth, I became certified yoga instructor this summer! The Synergy Yoga Ayurveda 200 hour Teacher Training Program was more involved and more rewarding than I could have imagined. PM me if you are interested in booking a private session in my newly minted yoga studio: Shining Eyes Yoga. My bio reads something like this:

Yoga with Tolle VanLaanen is designed to create a warm and welcoming experience. Her clear resonant voice and lovely use of language guides you poetically through meditation and evenly paced yoga postures. Explore the ancient science of yoga and meditation with Tolle. Each posture opens up a portal to go deeper into the connection with your inner self and the outermost cosmic energy. Typical sessions are 60 minutes beginning with centering, moving into a vinyasa peppered with yoga philosophy gems, and completing with a final relaxation. The offering is tailored from within the framework of compassion, mindfulness and the Eight Limbs of Yoga to fit your unique needs and preferences. With consideration towards your current skill level, time of day, and the history of yoga, your session becomes personalized balance between invigorating, rejuvenating and relaxing.

Tolle began her yoga journey in 1998 with a traditional Iyengar foundation, then practiced throughout university, including a study abroad program in India in 1999-2000. She holds doctoral degrees in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University and Pharmacy from the University of Washington. She completed her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Jodi Boone and Tami Hafzalla of Synergy Yoga School in 2018. When she’s not teaching yoga you may find her in the Pharmacy at Harborview Medical Center or chasing after her toddler at the neighborhood park.