Awakened Instinct is an exploration of the body- physically, energetically, emotionally, and spiritually. Using yoga as a base, it incorporates shaking, deep stretch, work with breath and release, intention and attention, guided meditation, and dance & animal inspired intuitive movement. Awakened Instinct seeks to actively stretch and open the body, as well as calm the nervous system, quiet and focus the mind, and promote free flow of energy and circulation in the physical and energetic bodies. Therapeutic grade essential oils and Reiki may also be used in sessions and classes to facilitate restoration and healing. Private sessions are customized according to the client’s needs.
is an Integrative Health Coach, working with a blend of eastern and western therapies to help her clients discover their own ability to align and balance their mind, body, and spirit. Sandra is a licensed massage therapist, certified yoga teacher and personal trainer, Reiki level 2 practitioner, Urban Zen Integrative Therapist, and veteran of the USMC.
Sandra's journey into health began with 5 years in the US Marine Corps where she gained confidence in her body and mind's strength potential. After her enlistment she enrolled in a 2 yr acting conservatory program where she was exposed to many different ways to open the body, mind, and spirit through breath work in voice classes, movement techniques, and Alexander Technique.
Sandra went to Kerala, India for yoga teacher training, and then studied a combination of eastern and western massage therapies in NYC at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.
She was honored to be part of the 2011 class of the Urban Zen Integrative Therapy Program, a program founded by Donna Karan, along side Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman Yee, that teaches yoga therapy, Reiki, aromatherapy, guided meditation, nutrition, and palliative care to help hospital patients deal with symptoms of pain, anxiety, insomnia and nausea. This gave her a wealth of information and personal healing, and a profound understanding of the value of integration.
Uniting these different techniques and studies, Sandra addresses wellness with a goal to help people find their inner peace, guidance, and joy, which she has found to be the path to preventing illness, treating current maladies, and achieving a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
SANDRA GARFINKEL