Why the name Burning Sage Yoga?

Early in my life as a yoga student I had a teacher that would burn sage before class. I loved it. Not only did I love it, but it was one of the things that made me want to teach and own my own space to do it. I began using it in my home practice and found that it made me feel grounded, centered, and calm. I wanted to share this with others through yoga and Ayurveda and the name Burning Sage Yoga began. 

Do you burn sage at class? Isn’t it cultural appropriation?

As we move into the world of more awareness, we at Burning Sage Yoga pledge to make the following commitments to avoid cultural appropriation as it relates to all yoga practices, including sage burning: 

•  burning only locally grown sage, grown in Asheville, North Carolina and the surrounding areas. Burning locally grown sage respects our land and does not rob another. Because we choose our harvesters, we also support the spiritual practice of proper harvesting, instead of the violent hacking of this sacred plant. We know the exact place it is grown and the hands it has touched.
•  burning only donated sage. Because we do not purchase our sage, we do not support the sage trade, White Sage Mafia, suppression of minority groups, or capitalism.
• light sage with a match instead of a lighter. It is said that butane kills the medicinal quality of sage, and so we use matches to support the herbal qualities this amazing plant has.
• we choose our words carefully or do not speak at all. we never make claims of removing “evil spirits,” or use it for religious purposes. By burning sage we simply allow the grounding scent to be. 
• burning sage is optional for all of our employees and our students. Please let us know if you are uncomfortable with sage burning in class and we will respect your wishes.

Testimonials

“I just wanted to say how much I LOVED your class! I am terribly inflexible (right now) And I love how comfortable I felt even being the stiff board in the sea of noodles! I also love when you said “It is ok if it doesn’t look like you thought it would. Maybe it isn’t supposed to look like that. Maybe it looks just like it needs to be.” (or close to that) I have been smiling all week!”

-Kristen M., Asheville, NC

“I wanted to make changes towards a more natural and balanced lifestyle and Jamie has been so helpful, gentle and always very professional in guiding me. I love that she is so supportive of my progress, however slow it may be, always based on my constitution and my “mom” lifestyle. I have been feeling more relaxed and energetic since she created a plan for me. Even my cholesterol blood test showed improvement, which I had been struggling to bring down. I feel like the changes that I am slowly making are transforming my life for the better. I now look at my health and lifestyle in a completely new way than before, thanks to Jamie’s guidance. ”

-Laeticia B., Austin, Texas

“Jamie is my favorite yoga teacher. She has excellent communication skills, so following her   instruction is easy for me. Her classes are challenging yet full of sweetness and humor. I love that she tunes in and adjusts the practice to meet people’s needs. I definitely enjoy going back.”

-Laura, Asheville, NC

“I am a care giver who works 24/7 providing care for others. It is a new concept for me to take care of myself first.  I was introduced to Ayurveda by Jamie Knox while taking one of her yoga classes. Jamie explained the basis of Ayurveda and it sparked my curiosity. Our first session consisted of Jamie explaining in great detail the history of Ayurveda and how it works for the ‘individual’. Then, by taking time to review my history, my current health and my desires, she formulated a plan to help me create a daily routine specific to my needs. Just by changing my routine has profoundly changed my life! After several weeks Jamie and I met again and this time determined I was ready to take control of my health and do an Ayurveda cleanse that would be specific to my body’s needs.  The three week cleanse changed my body, my perspective and put me in control of my health. I have cleansed many times before, but this cleanse was different as it was specific to my body and my life. I have adapted many of the practices that I have learned from Jamie into my daily life. I feel amazing, like my body is finally getting the nutrients, care and rest that it needs.  Now, I am better equipped to help others and live out my life’s purpose.

Thank you Jamie!”

-Jane C., Asheville,  NC

“I can not say enough great things about Jamie’s classes.  I have been practicing yoga for 15+ years and find Jamie to be knowledgable, helpful, thorough and creative. Each month Jamie focuses on a specific theme. I like the themed classes because it helps me learn new techniques, new areas of focus, and overall remain interested.  Since taking Jamie’s classes I have learned new breathing techniques, several alignment adjustments and feel overall that my personal practice has improved.

Thank you Jamie!”

-Jane Cable, Asheville,  NC

“After trying, and loving, the scrubs I tried fhe face & eye cream: LOVE them!! Clean my face at night, apply the face & eye creams and no longer wake up with tight skin & baggy eyes!! Thank you Burning Sage Beauty!!”

-Mary T., Winnie, Texas

“These products are AMAZING! I have been a diabetic for over 40 years & have very dry skin. I use the sugar scrubs 2-3 times a week and don’t even need lotion now! Plus they smell so good! I recommend everyone try it at least once! Get away from those toxic petroleum lotions!”

Annie B., Asheville, NC

“Please post that I love your products so much! I order extra to give as gifts to friends and coworkers. Everyone loves the sugar scrubs❤️ Thanks for making all natural products that pamper my skin!”

Leah W., Winnie, Texas