Student of the Month – August 2010
Tell us about you and your new family member:
Mike and I have had a “life-events” filled year. We got engaged in July 2009. In December 2009, we found out I was pregnant and due in August 2010. Therefore, we scaled back our larger wedding plans and on June 5, 2010 we got married on the beach in Lake Tahoe surrounded by our family and closest friends. On Tuesday, July 13, 2010, Penelope Gemma Breen (aka Poppy) entered the world 5.5 weeks early. She weighed 4 lbs 15 oz and was 18.75 inches long. Due to her early arrival, she was transferred from Sequoia Hospital to El Camino Hospital’s Level III NICU. She is absolutely beautiful and we expect her home in early August.
How and when did you discover yoga?
Cathy: I was introduced to Power Ashtanga yoga after I pulled my groin training for a marathon in the late 1990’s, but I was not devoted to a certain style of yoga until I joined Being Yoga. I have been practicing Bikram yoga at Being Yoga since September 2008. A friend introduced me to the studio and I fell in love.
Mike: I read about the benefits of yoga in a book called Going Long so I started practicing Vinyasa Flow yoga twice a week in 2006 as part of my training for the Coeur d’Alene Ironman. I joined Being Yoga in September 2008, but increased my practice significantly in the past year.
What style of yoga do you practice?
We have tried several styles of yoga, but we are most dedicated to Bikram and Yin. We practice 3 to 5 times per week at Being Yoga and in Tahoe. We love the discipline of Bikram. It allows us 26 opportunities to improve and learn. Yin provides an awesome balance with Bikram. It allows us to really focus on the meditative qualities of yoga.
Why do you practice yoga?
Cathy: I initially started practicing yoga to supplement my triathlon training, but it has become one of my primary forms of fitness. It has helped me be grateful every single day. It calms me and gives me patience. I love the people, the positive atmosphere, and the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of this practice. Yoga provides Mike and me a great opportunity to do something positive together.
Mike: I assumed I just had to live with chronic back pain until I discovered yoga. Bikram yoga has eliminated this pain entirely so I practice for my back’s health. I also practice because it promotes healthy eating, better sleep and a healthy lifestyle. It has increased my productivity, focus and patience at work and at home. Finally, I practice because yoga is helping me become a better triathlete.
How has Being Yoga helped you on your journey?
Being Yoga supports both of our journeys. We love the people we practice with and all of the teachers. The dialogue is virtually the same, but we learn from each teacher’s different style and approach. We are so thankful for Being Yoga.
Any final words of wisdom or encouragement for the students?
Cathy: When I am having a difficult time staying present, I visualize that my thoughts are clouds passing by as teacher Diana recommends (it works, J!). When I have ants in my pants, I like to break the class into 4 parts (warm-up, last one minute hold posture – standing bow, final standing series posture – tree/toe, floor series) so that I celebrate mini-victories along the way. Despite doubts at the beginning of class, I always walk out of the studio so grateful that I came to class that day.
Mike: When I need extra motivation to go to class, I visualize how good I am going to feel after class. This positive association gets me to the studio every time and I never regret the decision.