Welcome Yoga Therapist - Dina Abbondante!

It is with such joy that we announce the latest addition to the Well Within family--Dina Abbondante!  

1)    Tell everyone a little about yourself.

I am a student of movement, anatomy, energy exchange, seasonal influences, the flow of prana (life force energy), Japanese 5-element theory, collaborative bodywork, yoga and meditation. How we unfold layers within the body-mind has always intrigued me and continues to propel my exploration on and off the yoga mat. Before teaching yoga & meditation practices, I studied dance for a number of years through the lens of ballet, modern, improvisation and performance choreography. While exploring movement therapy in college and how to integrate these techniques for clients, I was led directly to yoga and Pilates. I felt compelled to study these arts and disciplines further and was certified to teach interdisciplinary yoga, mat Pilates and pre/post-natal yoga in 2003. I continue to learn and embody the most profound lessons with and from my students. In 2006, I completed Usui Reiki Master attunement in Boston and as I approach graduation from Cortiva Institute's 750-hr massage therapy curriculum, I am so inspired to fuse the benefits of integrative bodywork with individualized yoga practices. My gratitude extends to all of my past, present and future teachers.

2)   What kind of yoga training have you done to prepare for teaching others?

Over the years, I have had the amazing opportunity to train with nationally and internationally renowned yoga instructors Patricia Walden, Elise Browning Miller, Paul Grilley, Sudhir Jonathon Foust and Megha Nancy Buttenheim and have completed over 600 hours of professional training. I am registered through the national Yoga Alliance and a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists which promotes yoga research, efficacy, and specialized safe practices for specific populations. I have studied at the Kripalu Center for Yoga, Soma Yoga of Newport, Innerlight Yoga Center of RI, the New England School of Acupuncture and Cortiva Institute. My teaching flow incorporates Vinyasa, Iyengar, Restorative, Pre/post-natal and mat Pilates. I have found that working with a variety of students and clients broadens my approach, my adaptability and my creative spirit within each practice session. 

3)  What types of clients have you particularly enjoyed working with?  What did you enjoy about working with these clients?
I have assisted with varied areas of yoga & bodywork; Teens with substance abuse hx and who are at-risk, clients receiving treatment and recovering from cancer, alleviation from chronic pain due to injury and stress, corporate and small business groups, chair yoga for elders, prenatal classes to prepare for labor/delivery, safe practices for scoliosis, chronic low back pain & osteoporosis, heightening abdominal and pelvic floor stability to support the rehabilitative process of injury/surgery, and assisting students as they establish personalized home practices. I welcome the opportunity to learn from my students and to finding a synergy for long-term wellness and balance.

4)  What is the unique experience clients will have when they come to see you (as opposed to a different yoga instructor?)
I meet clients where they are, honoring their lights and efforts as they learn with me and teach me more about their individuality. The rhythm of Vinyasa yoga (linking breath with movement) is a continuation of our innate desire to feel connected and to be effective in work, family, play, rest and overall wellness. This flow of practice fuses so well with the principles of Iyengar yoga, which is steeped in specific alignment, therapeutic practices and individualized postural assessment. The effectiveness of merging flow with precision, allows room for dedication, curiosity, space, open breath, deep inner strength and clear thinking. 

5)  What are some reasons that made you want to practice at Well Within?

Well Within embodies the essence of honoring our uniqueness. There is nothing more authentic than becoming aware of our subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle body cues because they guide us towards tapping in, diving deeper and eventually shifting our layers into a more effective and whole version of ourselves. The body-mind-spirit connection is always magnetized towards balance. Well Within supports this journey with its phenomenal gathering of specialized practitioners and collective vision of bringing clients towards sustained balance. I feel honored to learn from and practice with Well Within.

.Our clients have already begun practicing yoga and the feedback about her work has been astounding.  If you have wanted to learn yoga or deepen your continuing practice of yoga you would absolutely benefit from Dina's rich experience and serene energy.