Val Boyko

My name is Val Boyko and I live outside of Philadelphia, USA. I’m originally from Scotland and hold dual citizenship. You can take the girl out of Scotland but you can’t take Scotland out of the girl! This blog came to life one morning in 2013.  I woke up with these words in my mind:  “Life is a series of highs and lows. Be grateful for the highs. Be graceful in the lows. And find contentment in your Middle Ground.”

Find Your Middle Ground blog is where I get to explore, reflect, ask deep questions, share insights and connect with wonderful people like yourself.
Thank you for being here and being such an inspiration.

Yoga

I began my yoga journey in 2002 and studied yoga at East Eagle Yoga, in the lineage of Swami Rama and the Yoga Institute of Mumbai. In 2012 I began my Kripalu Yoga journey with 500 hours advanced teacher training. Since then I become certified in teaching Kripalu Yin Yoga and Kripalu Restorative Yoga. I also attended a course with Dr Timothy McCall on alignment and safe practice for teachers. I am a certified Reiki practitioner and have over 20 years of experience as a career, emotional intelligence and life coach. Now officially retired, I continue to have fun and keep learning by teaching yoga online and holding workshops in the garden.

Whether you want to discover the benefits of yoga for heathy aging, are seeking a relaxing mindful practice to reduce stress and connect with your Center of Being, or are coming back to yoga, I offer classes and individual sessions tailored to your needs. See my Yoga Community Page for the latest offerings.

Mentoring and Coaching

I enjoy meeting with individuals who are looking for insight into their own spiritual practice and seek guidance on their path through the highs and lows of life.

I  believe that we can all transform ourselves and the world around us. It starts with getting to know ourselves more fully, through self inquiry. When we learn to appreciate who we truly are, we find compassion for ourselves and others. Helping others is a good place to start, but the real work is ours to do for ourselves. We must find our Middle Ground and follow our heart and soul. See my Coaching Page to explore more.

This poem by Chade-Meng Tan (Google’s Jolly Good Fellow and author of Search Inside Yourself) is my inspiration:

With deep inner peace

And great compassion, self compassion and fun

Aspire daily to save the world.

But do not strive to achieve it.

Just do whatever comes naturally.

Because when aspiration is strong

And compassion blossoms,

Whatever comes naturally,

Is also the right thing to do.

Thus you,

The wise compassionate being,

Save the world while having fun.

Namaste

Val