Testimonials
Professional Acknowledgements
“Mara Carrico is one of the finest Yoga teachers on the West Coast. She authored the first Yoga book for Yoga Journal Magazine and is an early pioneer of Yoga Dance.”
– Larry Payne Ph.D., Founding Director Yoga Therapy Rx™ and Prime of Life Yoga™ Programs, Loyola Marymount University Extension
“I have known Mara for over three decades and admire her creativity and knowledge as a colleague in teaching Yoga, T’ai Chi and meditation at Rancho La Puerta. Mara is an experienced and talented teacher of the Body-Mind-Spirit practices. Her eclectic interests include dancing, chanting, ritual drumming, music, art and the theatre. She is an inspiration.”
– Phyllis Pilgrim, Senior Yoga and Meditation Instructor, Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort and Spa. As Fitness Director (1983 -2001) at Rancho La Puerta she founded the Inner Journey Meditation and Specialty Week Programs and oversaw the development of the Body-Mind program to include T’ai Chi, Pilates, Feldenkrais and NIA. Phyllis is the author of “The Hidden Passport: My Childhood Journey Through Japanese Concentration Camps in Java.”
“Presence, preparation, personalization and fine attention to detail — these are the qualities that embody Mara’s style of teaching. Over her decades as a Yoga teacher, she has developed a keen eye for breaking down multi-layered poses and finding the perfect words to guide her students safely into challenging asanas.”
– Susana Moore, Yoga, Meditation & Dance Instructor, Intuitive Counselor, singer, actor; Contemplative Programs Coordinator, Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort & Spa
Student Comments
“I have known Mara since the late 70’s. I find her skill as a Yoga instructor second to none. With Hatha Yoga she put me in the best shape of my life. She has a spiritual quality that comes out with each class. Due to my back injury in late 2014, I once again sought out Mara for my recovery. She is my mentor. I have faith in her instructions and guidance. These first months have greatly improved my flexibility. I’m looking forward to a complete recovery. Peace.”
– Bob Medina, Buddhist and Master Gardner
“I have attended Mara’s Yoga class for almost one year. The class size is small, comfortable, and relaxing. Mara thoroughly explains and/or demonstrates every stretch and pose, always taking into account limitations students may have. I have benefitted from Mara’s Yoga class by being challenged physically and calmed mentally. Mara’s vast knowledge and experience enables her to keep class fresh and fun. I look forward to class every week!”
– Sharon Frye
“I’ve studied yoga for 20-plus years and Mara is unique! She teaches both restorative and advanced classes with the exceptional ability to tailor movement to each student’s level, particularly for those with physical challenges. I recommend her highly.”
– Sue Drean
Reviews
Book: “Yoga Journal’s Yoga Basics: The Essential Beginner’s Guide to Yoga for a Lifetime of Health and Fitness”
by Mara Carrico and the Editors of Yoga Journal
“I love this book, just as I love the Yoga Journal magazine! It is an excellent resource and it is very well laid out. I am a beginning Yoga teacher and have been relying on this book and learning a lot from it when planning my classes.”
– Catherine T. Darcy
“Carrico…and the staff of the well-respected Yoga Journal have produced both a good introduction to the history of yoga and helpful instruction in a range of basic poses….postures are described in thorough fashion….this book is both an excellent complement to other instruction and a good reference source in itself.”
– Norman Oder, Library Journal
Video: “Jane Fonda’s Yoga Exercise Workout”
Choreographed and Scripted by Mara Carrico
“This is the best video I’ve seen for a beginner to use for a great Yoga-style workout. I cured my chronic lower back pain doing this workout three times a week! Jane is a wonderful teacher; she really pays attention to the all-important details. It’s not traditional Yoga, but that’s part of the charm for me. This workout goes much quicker than more traditional Yoga tapes, which is great for those with limited time to work out!”
– Vicki Miller
“I found Jane Fonda’s tape to be the best introduction to Yoga. It was easy to follow, well-paced, and offered beginner and intermediate poses.”
– Happy Amazon Customer
Workshop Comments
“Your Spiritual Journey and Yoga – Body, Mind and Heart Together”
with Mara Carrico, Holy Spirit Retreat Center, Encino, California
“Thank you so much, Mara. What a great day! Perhaps because of your experience, you bring your knowledge to us in a simple but profound way. You are practical, respectful, regarding of my (our) infirmities and limits yet leaving with us (me) the sense that ‘I can do it.’ I feel blessed. You are a gift.”
– Sister Deborah Lorentz, Director of Programming, Holy Spirit Retreat Center
“Really enjoyed the day. Well-paced and informative. Nice space/setting and group size. Also appreciated the reading list and CD suggestions. Mil gracias!”
– Mary Nalick
“San Dieguito Art Guild – Demos, Dialogue & Art Series: Flow – Yoga & Mandala Art“
with Mara Carrico and Julie Bubar Encinitas Library – Encinitas, California
“Very energizing and motivating. Thank you very much for your time. Very valuable.”
– Roasann Drielsma
“Wonderful! Loved the whole thing! I love Yoga and art so this workshop made me incredibly happy. And that was before I won everything.”
– Ann Gonzales
“San Dieguito Art Guild – Demos, Dialogue & Art Series: Yoga & Animal Art”
with Mara Carrico and Julie Bubar Encinitas Library – Encinitas, California
“As always, outstanding! Julie is awesome and Yoga teacher too.”
– Carrie Clay
“Wonderful workshop. Great presentations…people attending, teachers, and finished work, all fabulous!”
– Barbara Millé
“Chat Dance”
with Mara Carrico, School of Healing Arts, Pacific Beach, California
“Great class! Hope to see you soon.”
– Joe Bradetich
“Mara – very well prepared. Appreciate your knowledge of dance. Fun to learn some American Sign Language. Very fun. Thank you!”
– Lily