Student Features
JENNIFER FRANK - MARCH/APRIL STUDENT OF THE MONTH
When I met with Jennifer to interview her for this article, I was surprised to learn that she had been practicing yoga at Expressions of Grace for only 2 years. From a teacher’s perspective, Jennifer has a steady quietness while on her mat; watching her as she practices is a joy. She is always willing to demonstrate postures for the class; and her steadfastness while demonstrating is wonderful encouragement for other students. Jennifer recognizes that her practice has helped her learn about life off the mat. It helps her “handle things in life better”.
One of her first “aha” moments in class came while she was lying on her back in a supported passive heart opener. Jennifer describes the moment as “a feeling of calm, expansiveness, happiness washing through me”. Now days Jennifer recognizes the essence of that moment is present after each of her practices. Practice leaves her “uplifted, refreshed, energized and not depleted”.
Jennifer has worked in Nuclear Medicine where she performs diagnostic imaging for 20 years. At home she fosters dogs, cares for 2 horses and 7 cats who often join her in her home practice.
When asked to reflect on why she is committed to yoga at Expressions of Grace, Jennifer recognizes her continued growth in strength, physically and mentally, as well as less pain and discomfort in her low back and neck. The mental strength, wisdom and sense of community were unexpected benefits that are now welcome elements of her life. Yoga helps Jennifer pay attention to the good parts of life. “Things won’t always be bad, things won’t always be good. I am more able to enjoy things as they happen being present for all of it.”
MAUREEN HAMMOND - FEBRUARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH
After her first Savasana, Maureen Hammond says she knew she was hooked on yoga. Maureen began her practice 7 years ago when Carol opened the doors to Expressions of Grace.
Recouping from a recent surgery, Maureen, a former dancer, came to her first yoga class with Katherine Florentine. In that Savasana - the resting pose that closes each
practice- she describes “the natural endorphin release; a feeling of bliss; like being outside on a gorgeous natural path and that feeling of being one with everything around you - you get that connection. That,” Maureen says, “ is Yoga to me :- the connection you get - especially in Meditation.”
A surgical nurse for 21 years, Maureen lives with her family : her husband, 2 teenagers, and dog Macy,. She is passionate about Greek food. So much so, that she and her husband plan to make their dream of a trip to the Greek Isles a reality.
Yoga - on and off the Mat- On the Mat, Maureen's’ favorite pose is Janu Sirsasana - “...helps with tightness and opens the quadratus lumborum ---feels so good in the iliac & floating ribs!”” spoken like the true professional she is!- “It’s hard to separate the benefits on & off the mat. In class there are things that really touch your soul right where you are.
Carol might read a poem that is synergistic and just “clicks”.....the practice of Yoga has helped me make informed decisions in my life.”
Maureen's’ continues to enjoy the benefit of Yoga at home with daily practice of meditation, in the morning and evening - and at work - “helps with stress....& even in the car, focusing on the breath”. The alignment in yoga poses have helped deepen a greater sense of balance.
When asked how she might share her experience with new yoga students, stepping onto to the Mat, Maureen offers simple powerful insights : “Be kind, be nice to yourself - give yourself a break. Allow yourself to get off the very rushed path (of life) -----we get so caught up in life and what we perceive it to be! slow down! Take time for who you are & what you can be. I wish more people would give themselves that opportunity.”
EXPRESSIONS OF GRACE - JANUARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH ARLENE CHETTLEBURGH
After Arlene Chettleburgh retired at age 63 from a rewarding but high stress career as a Social Worker for Child Welfare she attended a yoga class and immediately liked it! Seven years later, she is still practicing yoga and frequently uses what she learns in class in her daily life. Recently, when speaking with her, she shared that, “Yoga has been exciting, educational and gives me more self-confidence in all areas of my life”.
She feels that there are six main gifts that yoga gives her.
1. Balance: Although balance is still a struggle for her, she has more confidence about her ability to maintain her balance as she ages.
2. Strength: She shared that at age 70 she has actually built muscles. She notices that she can still sit on the floor with her grandkids for long periods of time and easily get back up.
3. Focus: Arlene enjoys how yoga has taught her to live more in the present moment, even when away from class.
4. Posture: Her mother had Osteoporosis, but Arlene feels that her yoga practice has made her more aware of her posture and her alignment to help support her whole body.
5. Genetics: Although Arlene feels that she is predisposed to muscle tension, she credits yoga with helping her be mindful of when she is tight and “holding” and let it go.
6. Breathing: She says that in the past she, “... never paid any attention to breathing, but now I treat it as a gift”.
Arlene likes Downward Facing Dog pose because it makes her feel free and she enjoys the Warrior poses because they make her feel strong! Once, in a guided Yoga Nidra session, she had an out of body experience. She shared that, “I floated in the air! It was the most wonderful experience!”
Arlene so wonderfully stated that her,”grandchildren are her life”. Besides spending time loving her grandkids, she and her husband love to travel and play golf.
Thank you for being such a wonderful person and a lovely example of a passionate and dedicated yoga student, Arlene! Namaste
EXPRESSIONS OF GRACE - DECEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH RAE PLANK & LORRAINE MCDONALD
Lorraine McDonald and Rae Plank, December’s students of the month, both began their yoga practices when Expressions of Grace opened in 2003. Both of these yoginis were encouraged to join the Gentle Yoga class by children; Loraine’s daughter Katherine teaches here and Rae’s son Patrick helped with the design of our first location.
Rae Plank’s yoga practice helps her stay young so she can enjoy her family, which includes six great grandchildren. Her daughter Leslie is also an avid yogini. After doing aerobics for many years and pursuing a career at Jacobson’s, Rae appreciates the gentle stretching and relaxation that yoga provides. She particularly likes foot exercises and balance poses.
Lorraine McDonald raised four children before becoming a very active volunteer at Meijer Gardens where she enjoys meeting and working with all kinds of people. This feeling of community is one of the things she likes most about yoga class. She also appreciates the relaxation and breathing techniques that yoga emphasizes. Her strength shines forth in Plank Pose, her favorite asana.
Both Rae and Lorraine value the work on correct posture done in yoga class. That is why Rae’s favorite pose is Mountain Pose.
MIKE HARDENBURGH - NOVEMBER 2009
Meet Mike Hardenburgh, Expressions of Grace Yoga & Books’ November Student of the Month. Mike is pictured here in his beautiful expression of Trikonasana.
Mike has been a regular at EOG for 6 years and initially came to yoga searching for ways to increase his flexibility. He has always been physically strong and credits his practice with bringing his body more into a state of balance. Mike relates feeling more “open” emotionally and physically with his ability to experience so much more in life since beginning yoga. His practice has helped him feel a greater sense of calm, an ability to relax, and lessened anxiety.
Mike favors postures that open his back body such as Uttanasana, and Adho Mukha Savasana. He loves the way these postures feel in his body.
He finds twists and postures that open his front body more challenging yet therapeutic on his particular areas of restriction.
Mike holds a black belt in Karate and recognizes the beneficial effects his yoga practice has on Karate. He enjoys reading theology and listening to classical music in his free time.
When asked what he would say to someone interested in taking up yoga, Mike replied: “I would say if you want to be fit, strong, and feel good about life in general, then you should practice yoga.”
Great advice, Mike!
SUSAN RIDDLE
When did you begin your yoga practice?
I began yoga in 2002 at the Lowell YMCA under Samantha, who used to work here, but went to Hawaii
What brought you to yoga the first time?
I was hit by a drunk driver in July of 2002 and when I got out of Mary Free Bed Hospital, I was going to therapy and one of my therapists drove me to the YMCA when I told them that that was where I used to work out. Well, to my surprise and interest, there was a yoga class going on, led by Samantha and I participated and loved it. Samantha couldn't keep working there because it wasn't worth it for her to drive all the way out there for a one class a week. When she left, she told me about Expressions of Grace and that's why I'm here.
What keeps you coming back?
I keep coming back because of the peace and good feeling that yoga gives me in my regular life. Yoga over the long term makes my body feel "put together in the right way".
Have you had an "aha" moment on the mat? If so, please describe.
I'm not sure if this is what you call an "aha" moment, but one thing I've done repeatedly was brought to me by a John friend CD. When he's working you through a posture, he repeatedly says "now smile". Well, when I'm working hard in class working hard on postures, once in a while when I think "this is hard", I think of John Friend and smile. It's amazing how the work you're doing takes on a positive feeling immediately. I find myself doing that in regular life too. When the day is tough, I think "smile", do it and wow, my mood raises right up.
Have you experienced an "off the mat" yoga moment? If so, please describe.
When I was working last November as an election official, I was sitting all day and got stiff and sore. Then I had to switch positions and stand for a few hours in the same spot. That's when I started doing yoga. I'd just lean over and touch the floor, or balance on one leg and do a tree. It just felt so good because I had to adjust my posture, make my core work and align myself right for the few moments I would have no people around and be able to hold a posture.
What is your favorite yoga posture, and why?
My favorite yoga posture is Trikonasana, or the Triangle posture. I have no idea if I spelled that right. I've always like it the best just because it feels so good.
What is your least favorite yoga posture, and why?
My least favorite yoga posture is the splits, just because I'm terrible at them and they hurt.
Is there anything else you wish to share with others regarding your yogic path?
Just that I wish I would have discovered it earlier in my life. I would have followed it and enjoyed studying it and teaching it. I'm just glad that I did find out about it at this point in my life, because it will help me to have a healthy, happy body and mind for the next 50 years or however long I last.
NANCY PLATT
Occupation: Perinatal Sonographer, Butterworth Hospital. I do High Risk OB ultrasounds.
Hobbies: Rug hooking, rollerblading, bike riding, party planning. I don't throw a lot of parties but I do enjoy entertaining.
Last Book Read: "More Thoughts on Faith" by Anne Lamott. Anne Lamott has a wonderful sense of humor that shines through in this book.
How long have you been practicing Yoga? 2 years, All of it at Expressions of Grace. I have enjoyed classes from Carole, Katherine, Jana and Mimi. They are all great teachers.
What inspired you to take your first yoga class? I was the highest bidder at our Church silent auction for a session of yoga classes at Expressions of Grace.
What keeps you coming back? When I first started yoga I would have a stiff back and shoulder issues from working all day. After my yoga class I would feel noticeably better. The yoga keeps me stretched out and stronger so I
can stay healthy and active.
Can you describe an “off the mat” yoga moment that was particularly meaningful? It would involve the breathing that we focus on in class. Sometimes during the day I have found my mind sorting through my long laundry list of "to do" items and growing with anxiety as the list would go on and go and think "Breath". I would take a big cleansing breath and feel release instantly. I have also had people tell me I look taller. I say "Oh, it's the yoga."
How has your practice impacted your health and/or well-being? I am
physically stronger and can feel less discomfort after a long day at work.
What is your favorite posture? Anjaneyasana - Heart Opening Lunge (pictured)
TUBA HICKOX
Occupation: In 2005 I “retired” from my position as Manager of Project Engineering at Brillcast Inc. Brillcast is a local manufacturing company producing zinc castings. Currently I work with my husband, Dave, at Blaze Fire Protection. This has allowed me more time to pursue my interests such as Yoga.
Hobbies: Traveling, Genealogy, Quilting, Gardening are a few of my Hobbies. Dave and I have combined travel with ancestry research. We have met some wonderful people, learned more about our family’s histories and our American History.
Last Book Read: Meditations from the Mat
How long have you been practicing Yoga? January 2004
What inspired you to take your first yoga class? Having “issues” with my neck and after reading different articles in magazines about Yoga.
What keeps you coming back? The asana practice allows my mind to feel free.
Can you describe an “off the mat” yoga moment that was particularly meaningful? Physically being aware of my posture. In General to be more excepting of myself.
How has your practice impacted your health and/or well-being? No way did I never think that at 54 I would be doing Backbends and Headstands!
Did you have any assumptions about yoga that were dispelled after your practice began? I had no negative assumptions but I never realized that there was so much more to Yoga.
What is your favorite posture? Hard to choose. With both Ardha Ustrasana (half camel pose, shown above) and Ardha Chandrasana (half moon pose) I feel so “grounded”. Could it be the 5 principles?
LISA CHARLAND & MICHAEL BASS
Occupation -
Michael: V.P. of Sales for Greenridge Realty, Inc.
Lisa: Manager of Member Services & Education Department for a local Trade Association.
Hobbies -
Michael: Traveling the world, enjoying the dogs, and working out.
Lisa: Travel, travel, travel!
Last Book Read -
Michael: “Happiness” by Matthieu Ricard.
Lisa: “Harvesting the Heart” by Jodi Picoult.
How long have you been practicing yoga?
Michael: Started my yoga practice in January of 2006.
Lisa: 1+ years.
What inspired you to take your first yoga class?
Michael: I wanted to expand my physical and mental conditioning, and work towards rounding out the edges of my life.
Lisa: Michael Bass.
What keeps you coming back?
Michael: It works! And the people and teachers and Expressions of Grace are so uplifting.
Lisa: The desire to expand my practice and improve my flexibility and balance of self. Plus, it just FEELS GOOD!
Can you describe an “off the mat” yoga moment that was particularly meaningful?
Michael: When I find myself consciously and unconsciously aligning and being aware of my posture in normal day-to-day activities.
Lisa: When traveling throughout Africa last September, we had some pretty rocky flights on very small planes which I dreaded. I just couldn’t calm myself down until I started using the breathing techniques learned in yoga, which really helped.
How has your practice impacted your health and/or well-being?
Michael: It has effected and improved all aspects of my life including flexibility, strength, mental health and well-being.
Lisa: Yoga has taught me to be patient with myself and the ‘limitations’ my aging body is revealing to me. As such, I find I’m more patient with others.
Did you have any assumptions about yoga that were dispelled after your practice began?
Michael: It’s not just for the women, and it is much more work than I expected.
Lisa: I truly had no pre-conceived assumptions about yoga, although I will say it’s a much better workout than I thought it might be!
What is your favorite posture?
Michael: Anyone I can do today that was impossible yesterday.
Lisa: I really enjoy Bridge Pose, and have made it my final posture during my home practice (after which I feel absolutely giddy!). I also love the poise and grace of the standing balance poses, though I’m still a little wobbly. : )