Meet our March Student of the Month, Sarah!

Sarah is as integral to the Catonsville community as she is to our little yoga studio community. She works tirelessly with children with special needs, yet finds the time to take care of herself. She was slow to fully commit to a regular practice, but recently she’s added more days to her practice and often takes class 5+ days a week now. The benefits of this practice outweigh any challenges that get in her way. Read more in her own words:

“In 2011 My sister in-law Lalinda invited me to Bikram Yoga in Columbia, I attended several classes and then invited my friend Peggy to come along. Peggy said that this would complement her workouts nicely. I unfortunately developed a rash on my legs so I stopped going. The rash was an escape for me, I was not ready for the challenge.

Several years later Peggy informed me that a Bikram Yoga studio was opening up in Catonsville and that I should try it again. I tried the introductory 30 day membership when Lynne & Frank opened. I committed to two days a week to start. I was inconsistent in my practice but knew this was good for me. When my introductory 30 day trial was over I knew I had to keep this practice in my life, so I purchased the annual membership that I now consider my insurance policy.

A little over a year ago I developed severe lower back pain and was diagnosed with sciatica. My MRI showed that I have a synovial cyst irritating the nerve between my L4&L5. I stopped yoga for a bit because it was painful. I went to a Chiropractor and Physical Therapy to get relief. Relief was temporary so I eventually received a cortisone shot that helped. Once my doctor cleared me to return to yoga, I returned to a 3 days a week practice.

My life, like many, is crazy. I work hard and play hard. I have struggled with life changing events over the last couple of months like many of us do. I am coping with an aging parent, a son who has been deployed since October, and becoming an empty nester with our youngest in her junior year of college. I knew I had to grasp onto some kind of exercise or escape to keep me balanced. Bikram Yoga has been my outlet and saving grace. I have had a love hate relationship with my yoga practice, but deep down inside I am enjoying it.

I have recently increased my practice to 4-5 days a week Monday thru Friday. It’s hard verbally to explain the magic of what happens in the hot room with our 6 am crew. It’s awesome to walk into a room with no judgement for 90 minutes. The energy in the room is amazing, I wish I could bottle it. This practice and the support of the people in this studio have pushed me to a place I never thought I could be, actually loving something good for me. I am pushing through each pose modified or not. This practice is forcing me to experience what I need to focus on within me. I don’t push to pain, I just push to exhaustion and exhilaration. Lynne & Kyle have been my primary teachers each giving me hope and pushing me to keep going. I have learned the power of breathing, focusing on myself and getting out of my head. I just listen to the instructions and try to do it. I don’t like looking in the mirror but this practice has made me appreciate the work I have done and will continue to do. I love my yoga family and the energy they have given me to keep going.

My husband says how proud of me he is and I am appreciative of his support and will hopefully get him in the room with me one day. Peggy, thank you for being my best friend and reintroducing me to this life changing practice. Lynne & Kyle I am so grateful for this practice and your patience with me. I look forward to many years ahead and love this journey of change, challenge and improvement. Thank you so much!”