Meet the founders of Hari NYC
Kundalini Yoga, Qi Gong, and Jazz involves a depth of practice, discipline, and training that sparks and ignites the creative spirit. Jazz infuses the spirit of our creativity and music fills the space.
Photo by Francesco Mastalia in 108 Yogis
HARI
Master Teacher and Yoga Therapist
Founder, Hari NYC
Hari is a master teacher and certified yoga therapist. Hari is part of the first wave of yoga teachers that pioneered the teaching of kundalini yoga and meditation in the west. Hari studied qi gong with Chris Chen and teaches qi gong classes, qi gong for women and The Golden Hour Project integrating qi gong and kundalini for positive aging and longevity.
Hari directs and teaches kundalini classes and teacher trainings worldwide. She pioneered teaching kundalini yoga in high schools and hospitals and was the director and developer of Kundalini Yoga wellness programs at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in the Greater Boston Area from 1988-2004, when she moved to NYC with her husband Dave.
Since her time in hospitals, respected scientific studies have shown the efficacy of kundalini yoga practices for many health challenges including insomnia and generalized anxiety disorder.
Hari founded the Illumined Woman courses to empower women of all ages in 2004.
“ My goal is creating safe spaces for women of all ages to learn and practice. I study yoga, qi gong, and emerging embodied practices to teach and heal. Women deserve both support for their journey and recognition for their leadership and compassion. I support all women who have experienced any harm in their world and am dedicated to uplifting the feminine in the face of these challenging times.” Hari
She consolidated the teachings of kundalini yoga for women in her two books: “A Woman’s Book of Meditation: Discovering the Power of a Peaceful Mind” (Penguin 2006) and as co-author with Machelle Seibel, MD -the first yoga book writing in collaboration with a Medical Doctor, “A Woman’s Book of Yoga: Embracing Our Natural Life Cycles” (Penguin 2002).
Awards
Hari received many service awards for teaching and assisting in organizing the teachings of kundalini yoga to make them accessible worldwide, She was the first woman teacher trainer and continued to assist in training development.
Yoga Journal Hari was the only Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Teacher to be chosen as one of the Top Ten Influencers of Yoga in the West.
Press
Sorry I have not kept track of this. I know I have to, but I just keep forgetting to. And remember, I was around before computers and links, and Google. Here we go - A few Poetry awards and publications -New York Times, Time Out New York, Spirit Magazine, Yoga Column in Aquarian Magazine, Self Magazine, Oprah Online Magazine, Yoga Journal and many online wellness blogs, I am particularly happy with the New England Journal of Reproductive Medicine for work in hospitals with women regarding fertility issues and menopause back in the 90’s! The Hot Years, online magazine for women in Menopause. Interviews with Elena Brower on welcomeearth.tv.
DAVE FRANK
Jazz Musician
Co-Founder, Hari NYC
Dave is one of the busiest solo jazz pianists and music educators on the scene today. He is the author of the best-selling Hal Leonard book and video series,“Joy of Improv Book 1 | Book 2“ and “Breakthrough to Improv“, was an Associate Professor of Piano at Berklee College of Music in Boston from 1987-2004, and was a co-founder of the New York School of Jazz (1983-86). In 2004 Dave moved to New York City to direct the Dave Frank School of Jazz in midtown Manhattan. The DFS of J offers private instruction for aspiring musicians at all levels, as well as frequent concerts/workshops for the general public.
Kundalini Kriya Yoga and Meditation
The Yoga of Awareness
Kundalini is an exquisite practice of yoga mudra, kriya, breathing techniques, deep meditation and relaxation. The recipe of each class brings the practitioner to a balanced and harmonious state of relaxed bliss. The power of the practice helps each person, class by class, step by step, to clear out accumulated stress, and uncover the natural source of energy and light within.
Each class contains a kriya (series of coordinated movements, asana, exercise, pranayama), meditation, and relaxation. The classes are open to all levels.
Qi Gong
Hari began practicing Qi Gong and studies in Daoism in 2011. Qi gong assists you in cultivating strength and awareness of the kundalini energy; the knowingness that drives the development of wisdom and health. Both qi gong and kundlaini yoga offer every person a practice to experience health, happiness, and peace in the present moment. The possibilities for evolution with these practices are endless. Hari presents both practices in a manner accessible to all, regardless of level of physical fitness or age. Enjoying life is the joy of life!