Tell us a little bit about yourself - where you were born, where you grew up, career, hobbies, interests, etc. 

I am a lifelong resident of Oswego, NY. I studied art, childhood education, and literacy education at SUNY Oswego. I began teaching for the Oswego City School District after graduation in 2012. I’ve subbed in all of our schools, and have taught 1st grade and 3rd grade over the last 4 years. I finally landed my dream job last February, and can proudly say that I am the art teacher at Kingsford Park Elementary School. I enjoy drawing and painting, live music, running, and of course… yoga!

What brought you to the Bikram Yoga practice? Where did you first learn about Bikram Yoga? 

 

I first learned about Bikram yoga in 2008 when my friend Maggie, a former Bikram yoga instructor, gifted me a 10-day intro pass for Christmas. I fell in love with it immediately and haven’t stopped since.

How often do you practice? 

I do my best to make it to class at least 3 times a week. I also practice at home, and add a little yoga into my routine at the gym. Yoga is a beautiful compliment to any physical activity. I have lots of friends that love yoga and we enjoy practicing together when we hang out.

What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class? What changes have you seen/felt in your body- overall physical and general well-being? 

Before I began practicing yoga, I would get sore knees from running. Yoga has almost entirely corrected that ailment. I also have sore feet from developing bunions. Yoga has helped me become aware of how I balance my weight when I walk and run, and this helps lessen the pain. It helps me with digestive issues and migraines, as well. I cannot imagine where I’d be without yoga. Yoga brings me mental clarity, emotional balance, and has transformed my physical body in miraculous ways. 

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

Yoga gives me energy, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. It has taught me how to have a relationship with myself. I am so deeply aware of the subtle energies in my body and know the importance of self-care and self-love. The beauty of yoga is that it is a lifelong practice, and I know that my relationship with myself will continue to grow stronger and deeper. Yoga enhances every aspect of my life by helping me live in the present moment and be mindful of my thoughts and actions.

How has this practice changed your health and life? Any emotional or other benefits? 

I am a healthier person, physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally because of yoga. Self-care is so important and yoga teaches us how to be kind to our mind, body, and soul. I am able to deal with the stresses of life because I’ve learned how to be present, breathe, and stay calm through challenges.  I used to have a lot of anxiety and depression, and did not always make rational choices under stress and pressure. Over the years, I’ve become a much more secure and stable person. I don’t believe that I could have made this transformation without yoga. It’s been a long journey, and I am grateful that it will continue for the rest of my life. 

What is your favorite part of Blossom Yoga Oswego?

 

I love the community at Blossom Yoga Oswego. I have been practicing here for 11 years and I love seeing all of the yogis that have been transforming alongside me since my journey began. I love that we celebrate the end of each session with an applause, cheering each other on for our hard work and self-care. The energy in the room is beautiful and I am honored to be a part of this community.  I am beyond grateful for Sandy and Judy, bringing this practice to my lifelong home. People travel from all over to be a part of this studio and I’m so fortunate that it’s always been right here for me. I truly cannot imagine my life without this. Thank you, I am sincerely honored to be your yogi of the month.