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