Since getting up and running, I have come in contact with a lot of either new yogis or people who have never tried yoga but would like to start or are at least willing to dabble. This makes me so excited! I would love to take each and every one of you on your yoga journey! I remember starting out like it was yesterday. My first few studios in Oklahoma City were run by women that I emulate in my flows today. I was so blessed with such experienced teachers.
My first studio was Cadence Yoga, run by Mandy Latham, which was the perfect starting point. Specific cues and a traveling teacher really helped me learn my first sun salutation (Surya Namaskara A). Used as a common warm up in almost every yoga class, most yogis have done many sun salutations, even if you didn’t know what it was when you were doing it. Having a teacher who was willing to adjust my pose and make sure I was in the correct position was invaluable early in my practice.
After Cadence closed, I switched over to a yoga class in my gym at Lighthouse and while I can’t remember my teacher’s name, her impact on my practice is definitely lasting. She was in her early 70’s and extraordinary. Her ability to hold space during closing (Savasana) is something I strive for in every class.
I sought out a studio feel instead of the gym classes, because I missed the community that comes with a regular practice at a yoga studio. I was directed to The Yoga Room with Laura Haggard in a studio so comforting and homey that I never wanted to leave. Here, I met the teachers that truly inspired me to do teacher training. I don’t know where my practice would be today without Laura, Betina, Lindsey, Alexis and the other women who sculpted the practice I call my own. I still imagine laying in Savasana in this studio when I go to my happy place.
My final studio before we left OKC was This Land Yoga. After the Yoga Room closed, Betina Wills opened up This Land Yoga. The studio was modern and beautiful. I had been practicing for.. 3 years? at this point. I moved locations, but all of my favorite teachers came with me and my practice grew.
These women are wonderful, I still text them today when I have questions, I still look to them for inspiration, and I still strive to be the teachers they were for me. I hope that yoga will provide that same growth for you. Just try it!
Sweets by Lamb 