In today’s busy, noisy, cluttered world, the constant and often hectic pace of life coupled with our own ‘mind chatter’ or ‘chitta vritti’ as we refer to it in yoga . . . the monkey mind . . . our brains in ‘overdrive’ . . . our psychic debris . . . we all have it, we all experience it - - - it is SO important to find some quiet and stillness in our day(s). I find it through the practice of yoga and meditation.

My love of yoga has grown exponentially over the last 13 years, from practicing yoga videos/dvds in the early morning hours before my 2 daughters and husband were out of bed, to attending yoga classes at the YMCA, then joining the Center for Yoga in East Lansing where I practiced Iyengar yoga for several years. I later met my future teacher, Hilaire Lockwood, and eventually joined the Hilltop sangha (community) a few years after. I completed the 200 hour teacher training program with Hilaire in March 2010 and have fulfilled all but a few requirements to complete my 300 hour certification through Hilltop Yoga. I presently teach a slow flow vinyasa class on Wednesdays at the Haslett Hilltop studio.

Yoga serves as my ‘elixir of life’ . . . it helps me to adapt and adjust to the myriad of experiences and challenges of simply ‘being’ in this human incarnation. It keeps me connected to my true Self … my Soul-Self.

Yoga for me is my ‘healthy addiction/obsession’ and it always will be. Yoga has been my ‘saving grace’ during times of emotional, mental and/or physical challenges and obstacles in my life and it constantly enhances my spiritual foundation. My practice nourished me during a year long process of healing a herniated disc in my lower back (w/o surgery); it supported and strengthened me physically after arthroscopic surgery for torn menisci in both knees (at the same time). Yoga carried me and lifted my spirits during one of the deepest periods of grief I could have ever imagined, the suicide of one of my brothers in December 2006. . . “Some people, sweet and attractive, and strong and healthy, happen to die young. They are masters in disguise teaching us about impermanence.” ~Dalai Lama~

The practice of yoga has helped me to find grace, inner peace, and balance in times of utter turbulence. I cannot image my life without yoga in it and I’m grateful for the fruits of this amazing practice.

I love my sangha (community) of fellow students and teachers @ Hilltop Yoga and I feel perpetually blessed to experience the energy and love that this awesome community has to offer.

Drop in @ Hilltop Yoga any time and experience for yourself, the peace, harmony, laughter and love of our sangha!

~ Peace be with you ~ Namaste ~