What do you love about Yoga?
I love the experience of ‘opening’ that occurs inside my ongoing yoga practice. It’s as if there is an ocean to explore – it’s depth and vastness is tremendous and seems to be never-ending. I love the tools I continue to gain to be empowered in various aspects of my life through yoga, because it is a practice for the body, mind, and spirit. Being an artist, I also love how yoga allows me to access my creative expression and deeply ground me.
How has yoga and meditation changed your life?
Wow, where do I begin?! I started practicing many years ago through the video “Ali McGraw Yoga, Mind and Body” led by Erich Schiffmann, and I was hooked. I went to my first class in Philadelphia. When I moved to Florida in 2010, I began a regular studio practice in Clearwater, along with my home practice. There I discovered so much. When I began a studio practice, so much was released. I cried a lot as my body let go of old patterns. Having teachers to guide me in my practice really gave me access to a much deeper practice as well as a wonderful community of friends and like-minded individuals. Yoga and meditation is an ever-expanding gift. It has shown me so many pathways and tools to live from my heart, to trust, and allow life to unfold with grace.
Why do you practice at Bella Prana?
I moved from Clearwater to Tampa about a year and half ago, and was very concerned with finding a studio that has what I need. I had heard good things about Bella Prana and I tried the unlimited package to explore the teachers. I have found a really great variety of teachers with different styles that satisfies my yoga needs and I have a pretty solid routine that works with my schedule. There are some truly gifted and wonderful teachers at Bella Prana, to name a few … Shelly Happel, Megan Morgan Weathers, Elena Bowen, Erin Tracy, Amee Joshi, Tina Tidwell, Dina Georgoulis, Laraine O’Neill, Tiffany Cantrell, Sarah Lesch, and Sahara Rodriguez. The studio is also located in close proximity to my art studio in Ybor City, my home, and my restaurant job, which helps a lot when one is living a full and busy life. I’m delighted with the friendships and community I have developed inside the Bella Prana Community!