My very first class at Dfly was on December 31, 2017. I signed up for a free “Ring in the New Year” class. Having never been a big fan of New Year’s celebrations, I decided to try hot yoga instead of the typical New Year’s Eve activities. I absolutely loved it! The very next morning, I attended another class, which then led to taking class daily for my first month. I was hooked and have been a member ever since.
My very first yoga experience was with the yoga classes from the P90X program. At the time, I was into weight lifting and just didn’t understand the love or need for yoga, so it didn’t stick as part of my routine. Years later, Cassie, a former Dfly instructor, taught yoga at my school in the library once a week. She shared with us about Dragonfly Hot Yoga, which is how I found out about the New Year’s Eve class. I am so thankful for the HOT studio, a major step up from practicing amongst stacks of books on a cold hard floor.
The moment I arrive at the studio, I feel welcome! This is true in all 4 studios, which is so important to me. You will always find me smiling and deep in a conversation with the instructors before class. This is how I connect, which then in turn helps me to connect during class. Once arriving on my mat, I feel better, more relaxed, more grounded, and more present. I tend to have a very active mind; yoga helps me slow down, wrap up and put away my running thoughts and be present in the moment. During class, I love the variety I receive from each instructor. They are all so unique and I love that my mind doesn’t have to know what’s next, I can just listen, breathe, and move. Holding poses and balancing are my two favorite parts of yoga. Using my muscle strength and mental mind simultaneously are my JAM! Yet, flowing through sequences is a joy of mine too as I feel like I’m in the middle of a dance routine (This girl loves to dance!) Finally, the last moments of class in savasana help me to bring it all together. I so appreciate the quotes that are shared, the yoga terms that are explained, and the stories that are weaved through class. Yoga does what no other form of exercise does for me, which is why I continue to practice as often as I can!
I have noticed many positive changes in my myself since starting yoga. I love to be physically active and yoga has increased my strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. This was just proven to me as I hiked 6 straight days in the Rocky Mountains, over 45 miles of trails, with lots of elevation. Not only did my muscles allow me to accomplish this, but my yoga breathing was the true STAR in the higher elevations. But even more than physical strength, I have gained emotional strength. Years ago, I would have described myself as a Type A perfectionist, follow the straight path kind of person. I thrived from structure and knowing what was up ahead. Early in my practice, I remember teachers telling me I could take what I learned on the mat and apply it to my life off the mat. That never made sense to me until more recently. I realize now that I don’t have to know what’s next; I can listen to the instructor’s beautifully crafted sequence and trust my body to know what it needs. I am more open, more free, and more creative with my thoughts. When I have mental challenges, I am more able to tackle them without anxiety getting in my way. Knowing that I don’t have to be perfect has aided me in accepting myself for who I am, beautifully and wonderfully made. I can and will make mistakes and that’s how I learn. I now take more risks beyond my comfort zone and know I can do hard things! So can I use what I learn on my mat? Absolutely! Additionally, yoga has helped me reduce my stress level. I so look forward to my time on my mat after spending my days as an elementary school teacher. Taking time for myself helps me be more patient, available and joyful :)
I usually attend Dfly classes 5-6 times a week. My favorite classes are Fusion, Fire Slow Flow, and Power Flow, and Flow and Yin. I wish Fusion was on the schedule more often, as it’s the perfect blend of flowing, holding poses, and balancing, all in higher heat. The set sequence appeases my structured soul and the physical challenge of holding poses and balancing just makes me smile!
I am so grateful for my Dfly family! You encourage me, support me, and allow me to truly be Me! I am always sharing with others how yoga has transformed me. The natural teacher in me takes that one step further by teaching my students how to breathe to calm down, by helping the elderly woman I take care of with her balance, or helping my son who loves weight training and cardio, but needs more flexibility. So here’s to Dfly; let’s keep moving, breathing, sweating, and growing, all in beautiful and wonderful ways!
Thanks again for recognizing me!
