Why do you practice yoga?Because I feel 1000 times better when I do than when I don’t. I started in college because it was the only form of exercise that didn’t feel like torture (besides playing tennis). Now I appreciate the more subtle benefits of mental clarity, focus, and the way my entire view of life has shifted (and continues to do so).
Why do you teach yoga?
Because I can see the way it changes people’s bodies and lives. Because I can’t keep this gift to myself. Because it’s fun!
Why did you open Infuse Yoga Spa?
I was burnt out in my job, looking for a new challenge. I needed to take my professional, creative, and economic destiny more into my own hands.
In my teaching and in my life, I noticed a lot of people who desperately needed to find practical ways to relieve stress. Maybe they were interested in yoga, but intimidated by larger studios and gyms, or they had tried several classes and had failed to find the amazing life-changing benefits they had been dreaming of. I saw a gap in the market, a need for a place where people of all ages and ranges of backgrounds and situations could enjoy the practice of yoga and develop a healthier, happier lifestyle in a safe, welcoming, social environment. And so, here we are.
What on earth is Thai Bodywork and who is it for? What can I expect from a session with you?
Thai Bodywork, sometimes called Thai Massage or Thai Yoga, is a form of folk healing from Thailand that involves compression of muscles, passive yoga-like stretches, and clearing of the body’s energy channels. During a session, you will lie on a futon floor mat (wearing comfy clothing that allows for movement) and I will use my palms, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet to work the tension out of tired, achy, sore muscles; break up physical & energetic knots; and open the joints by moving you into positions similar to yoga. All you need to do is breathe and let me do the work!
Thai Bodywork is ideal for anyone who wants to feel better than they do right now. The session can be customized for those who have chronic pain, who feel “inflexible,” and for those who are extremely flexible. Sessions can be more intense for a therapeutic effect, or lighter in nature for overall relaxation and rejuvenation.
I wish I could have Thai Bodywork every week, but I cannot afford it. What do you suggest?
I wish I could enjoy a session every day, but of course, there are limitations. In this case, I recommend having a 90-minute session once a month (or even every 2 months) and asking me for self-care recommendations. There are things that you can do at home once I know where your trouble areas are and where you hold your stress. Attending yoga class regularly is a good compliment to the work and we have an array of products you can use at home in between visits – Thai herbal compresses (Luk Pra Kob), aromatherapy steam sachets, organic pulse point oils and muscle relief massage lotion.
What makes your classes unique?
Sense of humor is key (I like to laugh at myself and find ways to help my clients do the same), and each session is different than the last. I like to see how everyone is feeling in the particular moment and structure my class based on that. If I walk into the room and everyone is lying on their backs, we might ease into more chilled out session. If everyone is socializing or standing, we might start off a with a faster pace to work out some of that energy. I also often incorporate aromatherapeutic steam and a little bit of chanting, which is a really incredible to opening the breath and the body's innate healing vibration.
Who or what inspires you?
People. Not just anyone. I suppose it’s people who empower themselves and share their strength and energy with others – people who think creatively and don’t allow themselves to be limited. High quality music, literature, art, theatre, film. Inspired teachers and teachings. The Dalai Lama. Travel. My clients.
Birthday:
November 21
Hometown:
Grand Rapids, MI
Hobbies & Interests:
I guess my inspirations are my interests. Travel, writing, tennis, bellydance, language, theatre & film (as an actor, writer, director, and audience member)...
Favorite Yoga Pose:
Savasana. Especially at the end of a particularly delicious practice.
Least Favorite Pose:
Handstand.
Something most people don’t know about you:
When I was a little kid in gymnastics I overheard the coach say to my parents “She just doesn’t have any upper body strength.” I believed it to be a truthful fact and held it as an excuse for why I couldn’t do anything that required “upper body strength.” Today I have moved past that self-imposed limitation and have learned to cultivate that which I don’t have (though it’s still really challenging). Probably why handstand terrifies & frustrates me.
Real life yoga lessons:
Starting a business is the most challenging thing I’ve ever done and it’s easy to run out of time for my own yoga practice in the midst of “everything I have to do.” But believe me, my body and mind tell me when I’ve gotten off track. Decisions are easier, business is better, and I feel happier and more energized when I stick to the enjoyment of the practice and remember the reasons why I love yoga!
