CHRISTIANSTED — St. Croix resident, transformation coach and yoga instructor Leanne “Lutterness” Morancie is on a quest to help the world de-stress from COVID-19 anxieties through virtual Yoga in Paradise sessions.
“Now more than ever I want to encourage everyone in my community, country and around the world to use the sacred tools of yoga and meditation to self-care,” Morancie said. “These tools to wellness can heal the world and I am so excited guide my students through their self-love regimens. “
In March 2020 she hosted a Self-Love series on island and was amazed at the response of the community so much that she offered another. The new reality of COVID-19-shelter-in-place, social distancing, wearing of masks, meant however, that in-person sessions were not possible that time around. So she took to the virtual world to ensure the continuation of her sessions.
“Having been in isolation myself, and knowing how yoga has helped me in my self-love journey, I started the virtual class to help others stick to a mindfulness routine, to calm their minds and spirit and get back into a new rhythm and flow of energies,” the former pageant winner said.
Morancie believes that participants in these virtual sessions will start to experience the positive effects of yoga as early as the first session.
“After Day one, they should feel energized, their breathing would have been deepened and their muscles stretched through controlled poses,” she said. “This sense of vitality helps with mood improvement.”
She said the timing of the sessions, which ended on Friday seems serendipitous, as May is symbolic of new beginnings. “I call it Manifesting May as it’s just so symbolic of new beginnings and growth such as may flowers blooming from the seeds planted in the early spring”
Though Morancie laments the fact that she is unable to give a personal touch and physically correct poses, she suggests these five tips for participants to have a successful session:
1. Have a good Internet connection.
2. Commit to the designated days and times.
3. Personalize your space and have all equipment at hand (mat, towels, water) at hand before logging in.
4. Focus. Try to reduce distraction from family members by asking them to give you some room during the session times.
5. Have fun. Be ok with making mistakes and laughing at yourself if you fall. You’re at home and you can only get better with more practice.
Morancie, who has been practicing yoga for four years, is also a tantric dance instructor. In 2017 she won the Miss Legacy International Pageant Title with the platform F.L.Y (First.Love.Yourself). She integrates her platform of youth empowerment and development through the fine arts with an educational emphasis in helping women develop their personal styles with holistic wellness regimens.
Morancie has led “Crowned Confidence” sessions in her capacity as Miss Legacy International, including one in 2018 at her Alma Mata the Convent High School in Dominica, where she is originally from. She also conducts Style and Poise sessions through her business Leanne Lutterness, LLC., most recently, leading a session on female empowerment at the John H Woodson Elementary School.
The 45-minute FLY virtual yoga sessions begin at 8am each morning. To participate, download the ZOOM app and log in with the following: ZOOM ID: 82757307037 PASSCODE: 4444
For individuals or organizations that wish to contact Ms. Morancie please visit www.Lutterfly.com and register for the yoga series at www.Lutterfly.com/lutternessyogasutra
LEANNE “LUTTERNESS” ONLINE
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