Growing up, I was always looking for my next big adventure - turning over rocks to see what creatures lay beneath, climbing trees to feel nature from a different perspective.

As I grew older (and busier) I found myself sometimes forgetting what it was like to "stop and smell the roses" and just plain, breathe. The demands of the Kinesiology program at MSU and the additional stress of athletic competition were taking their toll. My first glimmer of hope came when I went on an Alternative Spring Break to Merida, Mexico. I came back with this utmost appreciation for all that life has to offer and what things many of us take for granted that others do not have. Another trip a couple years later to Puerto Rico reminded me of my passion for the environment as I was picking up garbage that littered the rain forest floor. Yet, I was not able to balance my life and ground myself until I found yoga - and I couldn't have discovered yoga at a more needed time.

At first, yoga just physically made me feel better. I was tight and had lingering injuries from my time as a pole-vaulter at MSU. My background in athletics taught me to be competitive, yoga taught me the opposite.

Yoga also soothed me. The more I went to yoga, the more balanced my life became. I started to take better care of myself, which in turn, made me even better at being efficient with my job, and gave me more energy and time in my life at home. Yoga became my next big adventure. Only, this time, I did not speed through.

It has become my mission and passion to share the experience of yoga with everyone I can. To me, yoga is freedom and leads us to discover our true selves so that we can help others. Love and compassion surrounds the beautiful community of people at Hilaire's Studio. I am eternally grateful for Hilaire's teachings and for being a part of this wonderful community of yoga. Wishing you life in the present, love, and laughter!

Heartfelt Namaste, Shiloh.