SoulPlay Weekly Warrior: Lisa

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Lisa

1. Why do you practice yoga, what does it represent to you, and/or what impact does it have on your life?

Yoga keeps me sane.  Yoga calms me down, clears my mind, and keeps my body moving as I age.  I’ve been practicing yoga at SoulPlay (and its predecessor Goda Yoga) for a little over 10 years now, and can’t imagine ever stopping.  My friends and I who practice together often say that when go don’t want to go (to our regular yoga class) is when you really need to go.  You never hear someone say “I wish I didn’t go to yoga today.”  More realistically, we say “I’m so glad I went!” I pretty regularly go to two classes a week. I often thought of myself as a person who didn’t like to exercise.  It took me awhile to realize that I what I didn’t like was the big commercial gym/fitness center atmosphere.  Yoga is interesting from the standpoint that it is exercise, self-therapy, meditation and community all wrapped up in one.  I also do Pilates, so my yoga practice complements my Pilates workouts, promoting flexibility and strengthening.  And did I mention it makes me happy? 

2. What's your favorite pose and why?

As I thought about this question, I realize my favorite pose is one of the toughest for me—Half Moon.  One of my legs has had several injuries over the years, so Half Moon was much more difficult on one side than the other.  When I can fully express the pose on both sides during class I feel strong, with a great sense of accomplishment and self-satisfaction.

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

Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.  I work in downtown Culver City so I can walk to my yoga classes.  It is important to me to support local businesses.

4. What is your biggest takeaway from your yoga practice?  

Doing yoga at sunrise on vacation in the Arizona desert.  What a wonderful way to start the day!

5. 3 words that describe you?

Analytical, Funny, Compassionate