SoulPlay Weekly Warrior: Melanie

Melanie

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

I choose to practice yoga because it feels good. It’s quite simple really. My practice has taught me that I can be soft, strong, delicate, and fierce all in the same body.  Yoga helps me feel grounded, calm, and open. In my yoga journey I’ve of course built physical muscles but more importantly, I’ve also built mental muscles. The longer and more consistently I practice, the more I am able to incorporate the calm, compassionate, and strong version of myself I usually only meet on the mat into chaotic and stressful times of life.

2. What's your favorite pose and why?

Unpopular opinion alert: Pigeon. Double pigeon, single pigeon, pigeon on your back, standing pigeon, king pigeon. It just hurts so good! My favorite part is feeling the difference between your legs when you’ve only done one side. The benefit of the pose and the practice is so clear in those moments.

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

There’s a lot of things I love about SoulPlay. I love the diversity of classes that are offered. I love the encouragement of all the instructors and the unique workshops I’ve been able to explore. But to be honest, my favorite thing about SoulPlay is hard to put into words because it’s just a feeling. It’s the feeling of peace every time I walk into the studio. It’s the feeling acceptance from all the instructors and the encouragement from all the other students. At SoulPlay, I belong.

4. What is an “aha” moment from your yoga practice?  

I’ve struggled with an eating disorder and a not so healthy relationship with exercise most of my adolescent and young adult years. My aha moment with yoga is when I realized that it’s one of the first (and only if I’m honest) times I’ve engaged in physical activity for a purpose other than changing or controlling the size of my body. I do it for the joy of the practice not to work off something I ate or to shrink myself into a pair of jeans.

5. 3 words that describe you?

Black licorice. I’m a little old fashioned and definitely not for everyone.