Student Spotlight

What advice would you give someone who is new to yoga or considering starting a practice?

I'm not sure that I would have taken the time to explore yoga in a studio if I was still working. Moms are especially busy with work, children, keeping a household, etc. My advice is you deserve the opportunity to take this time for yourself. Take the time to try yoga, and try to make it part of your routine. Even if you can only make it to one session a week, it will help you feel calm, centered and stronger - mentally, physically and emotionally.

Can you share a memorable "aha" moment or breakthrough experience you have had through yoga?

While exploring different classes with my "New Student" pass at Sukha, I realized that I have been practicing yoga techniques in pieces and parts for my entire life! First as a kid, with my mom we did cat/cow exercises that she found in her Ladies Home Journal magazine. In junior high and high school we did lunges and splits every day to stretch before and after practices. In college, we learned about mental focus and mindfulness to achieve stronger results on the volleyball court. In the classroom, I taught my students how to use box breathing to help them be more calm and centered. Now I put all of those pieces and parts together during each yoga session I attend.

How has yoga impacted your life on and off the mat?

Now that I am retired, going to yoga classes helps me establish a daily routine. The classes keep me motivated to keep moving and interact with new people. It also reminds me to slow down and enjoy this stage of life.

In what ways do you see yoga continuing to play a role in your future?

Going forward, I want to learn more about the ideas behind the poses. How and why have so many aspects of life and sports taken yoga ideas and begun using them as their own ideas?  I plan to incorporate reading about different aspects of yoga to help me strengthen my understanding of the poses and the practices.

Are there any specific yoga poses or practices that have been particularly transformative for you?

My favorite pose is any kind of twist. I enjoy the feeling of stretching in all directions and taking up space. Balancing poses are tricky for me, but I embrace the challenge, and understand the importance of keeping balance as I get older.

How do you incorporate mindfulness and yoga principles into your daily routine?

Mindfulness has always been difficult for me, because I am constantly thinking and planning for my next step or next activity. The yoga principles have helped me allow myself to stop, rest, read, walk, etc. and appreciate what I am doing in this moment without feeling guilty that I'm not doing something "productive".