SoulPlay Weekly Warrior: Joanne

Joanne

1. Why do you practice yoga?

I had a practice in yoga over ten years ago and it was very impactful in my physical, emotional, and spiritual development. I made a decision to go back to school to get a master’s degree and already had a very busy career in place. Little by little, my yoga practice dissipated and though I tried to get it back in place, it was important to find a yoga studio that could work with my schedule. Also, remembering to breathe deep belly breaths is a gift in itself and my practice reminds me of that throughout the day.

2. What's your favorite pose and why?

I love Thread the Needle because it works so well in opening my hips. However, my favorite pose is probably Supported Fish. When I am in that pose, I can actually feel my heart opening to the universe. That is a very powerful experience, and it gives me a sense of participating in all that is good in this world. Intentions proceed before actions come into play.

3. What's your favorite thing about practicing at SoulPlay?

SoulPlay Yoga has given me that haven where I can manage my practice in a consistent way with a positive impact on my daily life. I am always able to find yoga classes that fit well in my calendar. The quality of the yoga teachers is impressive and I always walk away feeling better than I did when I walked in the door.

Also, there is such a welcoming feeling from the front desk to the teachers, and getting acquainted with an extraordinary diverse community. Now it is part of my weekly schedule and I am usually able to come to weekend classes, and since SoulPlay is on my way home from work I can make it two or three times during the week as well.

4. What’s your most memorable yoga experience? 

My most memorable experience has been recognizing what a diverse community SoulPlay yoga brings together. I’m always astounded to see how many different types of people come to practice. I feel when we are on our mats, there are lessons to be learned about sharing space and props, moving our mats to give someone else the opportunity to join us. It is like a small scale model of what would surely make the world a better place to live in.

5. Describe yourself in two words.

Two words that best describe me, especially in my quest for improving my yoga practice, are “teachable” and “resilient.” I am open to learning new approaches to my practice and am always amazed that I still have that bounce inside that allows me to move further along based on what my body needs that day.