If you haven’t met our Desk Angel Erika yet, than be sure to stop by and say hello. Erika is one of the most sweetest, compassionate and dedicated Desk Angels. No job is too big or small and she goes above and beyond for others. Erika defines her yoga journey as “magic”, and describes the love she has for her position at Bella. Her spirit shines so bright and we are thrilled to have her as our Desk Angel of the Month for March 2020.
What do you love about yoga?
It’s not what it seems. From the outsider perspective, it might look hard to some or impossible to others (Can the human anatomy really do that?!) or perhaps confusing overall. But what you don’t know about yoga until you’ve tried it, is that its magic is always working, on and off the mat. It’s a magic that happens when you look inward. You allow yourself to see what’s happening internally in a way that you wouldn’t normally. It’s a sacred time that is meant for you and no one else.
How has yoga and meditation changed your life?
I finally found an enjoyable way to exercise while it opened a whole new can of worms for me. The more I practiced, the more magic flowed through me. The connection between breath and movement has guided my thinking, actions and experience through life. It has taught me to slow down my own time and to allow myself to live in the present; Processing what is happening now, taking in my surroundings and seeing it for what it is.
Why did you want to be a Desk Angel at Bella Prana?
After being at Bella for a year, I knew that I had found a second home. A place where you’re surrounded by love and acceptance. Genuine people that just want your well being and want you to thrive.
As a college student I knew that I wouldn’t have the means to continue paying for my membership. When I found out about the Desk Angel program, I was even more in love with this place.
This was the first time I had ever seen an establishment fully integrate a program that would encourage anyone who simply wanted to practice regardless of their financial circumstances.
I wanted to know more and connect more with the beautiful energy of Bella and being a Desk Angel allows me to do that. I feel truly honored to be surrounded by such incredible people.
What’s one of your favorite (healthy) recipes that you would like to share with the Bella Prana community?
Oatmeal Waffle Recipe
Ingredients:
1 egg
½ cup of oatmeal
½ banana
1tsp of baking powder
1tsp of vanilla flavoring or cinnamon
¼ cup milk of choice (I use fat free, but you can opt for almond)
Instructions:
-Mix all ingredients in a blender, stop when consistency is smooth.
-Heat your waffle maker and start making those waffles!
(If you don’t have a waffle maker, you can always make pancakes by pouring small disks into the skillet).
-I always finish by topping them off with fresh fruit and honey.
Find your “magic” at Bella Prana Yoga and Meditation. Explore the many levels of yoga classes on our schedule; stop by and say hello; take a tour; or start your journey with a new student special of $39.00 for one month of unlimited yoga. Voted Best of the Bay, Tampa, FL.