I started taking yoga classes at the hospital I was working at in the late ‘80’s. Over the years, I tried different types of yoga and found Anusara yoga (yay Marsha Nieland!). I fell in

love. My reasons for practicing yoga has changed over the years. In my 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s, yoga was vital to relieving my stress levels. In my 50’s and 60’s, I utilized my practice to help keep me limber and relieve the tightness/achiness that settles into my body. No matter what my age, there’s the social component for me also. I love the yoga community and have made many dear, lifelong friends. I stay on my mat because

I’m curious and love to learn and discover new techniques, new philosophies, and delve into anatomy. I love to share what I learn with my students. My yoga practice has evolved over the years with each thing I’ve learned. Each body is unique. Everyone experiences yoga differently. I want to make sure that my students get what they need out of their practice. If I had to give my younger self a piece of advise it would be to start practicing Yin earlier. I started in my 50’s and I love it! Yoga has led me to embrace Santosha. Santosha literally means contentment and satisfaction. It isn’t about giving up your needs or desires, rather it’s about finding balance and acceptance. Life is crazy. It is stressful, messy, chaotic, and heartbreaking at times. Through my yoga practice, I’ve learned to look for the good, to let go of actions and patterns that don’t serve me, and to find and appreciate those moments of contentment (fleeting though they may be). It’s an ongoing, lifelong practice. Finally, my piece of advice for anyone considering yoga is that your pose doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Jigar Gor said, “Yoga isn’t about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down.” This is so true. Be patient with yourself. Learn to listen to your body, honor your body and have a little fun!