October 2017 Yogi of the Month

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October 2017 Yogi of the Month

JOHN DUDLEY

 

WHEN & WHY DID YOU START PRACTICING YOGA? My yoga journey started when a studio opened up in Blaine a few years ago. I was looking for a change of pace from lifting weights to help me get in better shape.I started going a couple times a week and that led to a daily practice. I lost 80 lbs during the time the studio was open and gained a greater appreciation of myself. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE? As I dabbled in other activities to keep myself active I always knew I would find a place to continue my practice and I have found that place at Elements! What I love most about my practice is the work, precision and breath that goes into making ever movement flow together like a dance. ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING ANY STRUGGLES OR CHALLENGES WITHIN YOUR PRACTICE? My current struggle is my flexibility, but it will continue to come along as I spend more time on my mat. FAVORITE POSE? My favorite pose is feathered peacock pose. FAVORITE QUOTE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? My favorite quote is "Win the day" - Nick Saban Alabama Football Coach.  

WHEN & WHY DID YOU START PRACTICING YOGA?

My yoga journey started when a studio opened up in Blaine a few years ago. I was looking for a change of pace from lifting weights to help me get in better shape.I started going a couple times a week and that led to a daily practice. I lost 80 lbs during the time the studio was open and gained a greater appreciation of myself.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE?

As I dabbled in other activities to keep myself active I always knew I would find a place to continue my practice and I have found that place at Elements! What I love most about my practice is the work, precision and breath that goes into making ever movement flow together like a dance.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING ANY STRUGGLES OR CHALLENGES WITHIN YOUR PRACTICE?

My current struggle is my flexibility, but it will continue to come along as I spend more time on my mat.

FAVORITE POSE?

My favorite pose is feathered peacock pose.

FAVORITE QUOTE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

My favorite quote is "Win the day" - Nick Saban Alabama Football Coach.
 

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September 2017 Yogi of the Month

Meredith Stevens

 

WHEN & WHY DID YOU START PRACTICING YOGA? My yoga practice began over 5 years ago in 2012. I had always wanted to try it out, but was intimidated. I went through a really difficult breakup and time of transition, and just decided to put myself out there and try one class. I have been dedicated ever since. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE? Yoga has opened up my mind and spirit in so many ways. It always grounds me, helps me gain clarity and lightness in being. For this reason, there has never been a class I have regretted taking! ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING ANY STRUGGLES OR CHALLENGES WITHIN YOUR PRACTICE? I sometimes struggle with fear of the unknown. For this reason certain inversions intimidate me. FAVORITE POSE? Very difficult to chose just one, but I do love tree pose for so many reasons. For me tree pose is an extension of a sitting meditation while also encompassing the idea of rooting down into the earth to rise up in being. I also love the endless balance challenges of this pose, you can take it so many places depending on your state on any given day. FAVORITE QUOTE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? I don't necessarily have a favorite quote, but this resonates with me today: "Transformation is an endless process to be lived. It cannot be captured or possessed; you can only participate in it."-Baron Baptists

WHEN & WHY DID YOU START PRACTICING YOGA?

My yoga practice began over 5 years ago in 2012. I had always wanted to try it out, but was intimidated. I went through a really difficult breakup and time of transition, and just decided to put myself out there and try one class. I have been dedicated ever since.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE?

Yoga has opened up my mind and spirit in so many ways. It always grounds me, helps me gain clarity and lightness in being. For this reason, there has never been a class I have regretted taking!

ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING ANY STRUGGLES OR CHALLENGES WITHIN YOUR PRACTICE?

I sometimes struggle with fear of the unknown. For this reason certain inversions intimidate me.

FAVORITE POSE?

Very difficult to chose just one, but I do love tree pose for so many reasons. For me tree pose is an extension of a sitting meditation while also encompassing the idea of rooting down into the earth to rise up in being. I also love the endless balance challenges of this pose, you can take it so many places depending on your state on any given day.

FAVORITE QUOTE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

I don't necessarily have a favorite quote, but this resonates with me today:

"Transformation is an endless process to be lived. It cannot be captured or possessed; you can only participate in it."-Baron Baptists

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August 2017 Yogi of the Month

Dan Bosman

 

WHEN & WHY DID YOU START PRACTICING YOGA? Started about 1 year ago but really didn't start to practice consistently until about 3 months ago.  I was going through some pretty significant changes in my life and needed something different in my workouts that would help with the mental stress. Additionally and just as important, I wanted something I could continue to do as I get older and would help with the flexibility.  WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE? It is constantly evolving. As I practice more often I get stronger, more balanced, and more flexible which allows me to push myself into areas that were inaccessible before.  ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING ANY STRUGGLES OR CHALLENGES WITHIN YOUR PRACTICE? Flexibility and the inverted poses. FAVORITE POSE? Warrior 1 FAVORITE QUOTE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? The Four Agreements 1. Be impeccable with your word. 2. Don’t take anything personally. 3. Don’t make assumptions. 4. Always do your best. ”  ―  Miguel Ruiz ,  The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

WHEN & WHY DID YOU START PRACTICING YOGA?

Started about 1 year ago but really didn't start to practice consistently until about 3 months ago.  I was going through some pretty significant changes in my life and needed something different in my workouts that would help with the mental stress. Additionally and just as important, I wanted something I could continue to do as I get older and would help with the flexibility. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE?

It is constantly evolving. As I practice more often I get stronger, more balanced, and more flexible which allows me to push myself into areas that were inaccessible before. 

ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING ANY STRUGGLES OR CHALLENGES WITHIN YOUR PRACTICE?

Flexibility and the inverted poses.

FAVORITE POSE?

Warrior 1

FAVORITE QUOTE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

The Four Agreements
1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t take anything personally.
3. Don’t make assumptions.
4. Always do your best. ” 
― Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

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July 2017 Yogi of the Month

Karen Evans

 

WHEN & WHY DID YOU START PRACTICING YOGA? I began practicing yoga at the same studio you are in now, before Sara bought it from Karen- about 2011.  I began because I needed something to balance the running I was doing and to try something novel. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE? I love the opportunity to meld physical fitness with listening.  I also love when the flow moves at a speed that it is like a dance, and turns into play. ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING ANY STRUGGLES OR CHALLENGES WITHIN YOUR PRACTICE? I am finding it hard to find time to come to class.  I miss the days when I could come to a Tuesday/Thursday morning class and just surrender the time.   FAVORITE POSE? I love a lot of poses but perhaps my favorite is "humble warrior".  It embodies many things I aim at in giving my life for God. FAVORITE QUOTE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? "Wash the plate not because it is dirty, not because someone told you to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next."   Mother Teresa

WHEN & WHY DID YOU START PRACTICING YOGA?

I began practicing yoga at the same studio you are in now, before Sara bought it from Karen- about 2011.  I began because I needed something to balance the running I was doing and to try something novel.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE?

I love the opportunity to meld physical fitness with listening.  I also love when the flow moves at a speed that it is like a dance, and turns into play.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING ANY STRUGGLES OR CHALLENGES WITHIN YOUR PRACTICE?

I am finding it hard to find time to come to class.  I miss the days when I could come to a Tuesday/Thursday morning class and just surrender the time.  

FAVORITE POSE?

I love a lot of poses but perhaps my favorite is "humble warrior".  It embodies many things I aim at in giving my life for God.

FAVORITE QUOTE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

"Wash the plate not because it is dirty, not because someone told you to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next."   Mother Teresa

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June 2017 Yogi of the Month

Molly Scott

 

WHEN & WHY DID YOU START PRACTICING YOGA? I started practicing yoga when I was 14 years old at Sehome High School! I loved yoga so much, it always helped me calm down from all the stresses of life. Years later my awesome roommate at WSU was practicing to become an instructor so I tried out her hot yoga studio and I never went back after that! WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE? Where do I begin? I love feeling at ease from everything going on in my life. I love feeling proud of myself if I nailed a pose I have been practicing to do for a long time and I love feeling strong! I used to be so self-conscious of myself and my body and yoga has taught me how to appreciate my body for what it does for me, which just empowers me to keep going even when the going gets tough. I love that yoga has taught me to have intention in not just yoga but in everything I do every day, like riding my horse or running. Yoga is 100% my happy/peaceful/creative/emotional place. ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING ANY STRUGGLES OR CHALLENGES WITHIN YOUR PRACTICE? Plow pose and camel pose are by far my most challenging poses! I have a lot of back pain that is slowly getting better through my practice, but for the time being, I have been taking it slow with those types of stretches. Forearm balance is a pose that I want to be better at so that I can do scorpion one day! But for now it’s also very hard for me. FAVORITE POSE? Mermaid pose is my favorite pose as of today! Through my practice I honestly have a new favorite pose every day! Im finding new things and feelings that make me feel better every day. FAVORITE QUOTE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? “Expectation is the root of all heartache.” – William Shakespeare

WHEN & WHY DID YOU START PRACTICING YOGA?

I started practicing yoga when I was 14 years old at Sehome High School! I loved yoga so much, it always helped me calm down from all the stresses of life. Years later my awesome roommate at WSU was practicing to become an instructor so I tried out her hot yoga studio and I never went back after that!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE?

Where do I begin? I love feeling at ease from everything going on in my life. I love feeling proud of myself if I nailed a pose I have been practicing to do for a long time and I love feeling strong! I used to be so self-conscious of myself and my body and yoga has taught me how to appreciate my body for what it does for me, which just empowers me to keep going even when the going gets tough. I love that yoga has taught me to have intention in not just yoga but in everything I do every day, like riding my horse or running. Yoga is 100% my happy/peaceful/creative/emotional place.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING ANY STRUGGLES OR CHALLENGES WITHIN YOUR PRACTICE?

Plow pose and camel pose are by far my most challenging poses! I have a lot of back pain that is slowly getting better through my practice, but for the time being, I have been taking it slow with those types of stretches. Forearm balance is a pose that I want to be better at so that I can do scorpion one day! But for now it’s also very hard for me.

FAVORITE POSE?

Mermaid pose is my favorite pose as of today! Through my practice I honestly have a new favorite pose every day! Im finding new things and feelings that make me feel better every day.

FAVORITE QUOTE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

“Expectation is the root of all heartache.”

– William Shakespeare

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May 2017 Yogi of the Month

Cathi Hepker

   

 

 

WHEN & WHY DID YOU START PRACTICING YOGA?

I was introduced to yoga at the age of 16. My dear brother had died a year earlier and I was struggling with the immense loss. My dad was a chiropractor in a small town in Iowa and one of his patients was a trained Iyengar instructor from Australia. She traded adjustments for teachings in my basement (the local churches boycotted the gym where she initially tried to offer classes). Needless to say, I benefited tremendously from the physical and spiritual practice of yoga. It has been an integral part of my journey since. 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR YOGA PRACTICE?

I love that it is a time when I can be in the moment and unaware of time. I have never thought "when will this be over" . . . I have truly had a deep respect and connection to the moments that unfold during my practice. I also appreciate that it is both physical and spiritual. The physical part appeals to my need for movement and sense of strength. The spiritual part appeals to my need for reflection and introspection (as well as suspension of thought). It has also evolved over the years and I have learned to be humble and patient with myself when injuries restrict my mobility.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING ANY STRUGGLES OR CHALLENGES WITHIN YOUR PRACTICE?

Yes! Headstands and handstands and plow pose. In the first two, I am afraid of falling and plow pose has been challenging since experiencing a low back injury. 

FAVORITE POSE?

Currently it is tree pose. 

FAVORITE QUOTE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

"Comparison is the thief of joy". -Theodore Roosevelt

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April 2017 Yogi of the Month

KATIE CORSACK

 

WHEN & WHY DID YOU START:

My first yoga class was in Maple Valley in the fall of 2011. I was going through a rough time in my family life, and also had just gone back to work 3 months after having my third child.  Hot yoga studios were popping up left and right, but I wasn't sure if it was for me. I was always more of an individual workout person up until that point. I had never been a member of a gym, and preferred jogging outside and lap swimming in lakes and pools. I wanted to open myself up to some soul searching, and went to my first yoga class hoping to find some peace and acceptance of myself. What I found was exactly what I was hoping for, and more. I had never been pushed in my workouts before, that was a great thing for me. There was no going back!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR PRACTICE:

I love that yoga is always there for me. What I've learned is that no matter how tired I am, I will never regret going to class, but I will always regret NOT going! Yoga cleanses me physically and mentally: I love to sweat it out on the mat. I love being in class, closing my eyes, and feeling the energy and encouraging thoughts of those around me. 5 years ago, I wouldn't have been so open to that. When you open yourself up, it's amazing what comes back to you. Also, about 2 years ago I lost one of my closest friends to cancer, Elements was a sanctuary for me leading up to and after that time.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING ANY CHALLENGES WITHIN YOUR PRACTICE?

There are always struggles. Mainly I have been trying to get my lower ab strength up. After all these years, I still can't master simple things like low boat, and holding plank for long periods of time without dropping to my knees. I try to remind myself about the times I suddenly made a breakthrough, like in side crow, or a strong half moon without assistance from the ground, or bird of paradise.  Breakthroughs sometimes happen out of nowhere, which is certainly encouraging!  I hope to be able to be strong in a handstand someday. And I'm getting soooo close to being able to do the splits.

FAVORITE POSE:

Any chest openers since I word at a computer all day. Headstands are a favorite because they feel almost effortless. Whereas side crow I love because they take effort, but it feels so good once you get into it!  

 FAVORITE QUOTE:

Here are a few:
Be kind. - Anonymous
You gotta stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone ought to be.  -Elizabeth Gilbert
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man, true mobility is being superior to your former self.  -Ernest Hemingway
The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt. - Sylvia Plath
Let that shit go. - Anonymous

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