STUDENTS

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. : )