Student Spotlight
Pam Woellert
What initially drew you to yoga and how has your practice evolved since then? Initially, I was drawn to yoga to gain flexibility, strength, and relieve lower back and hip pain. But I’ve come to crave the mind and spirit side of yoga. Every time I leave a class, I feel renewed, refreshed, and whole. I love when the teacher incorporates poetry at the end of class.
Are there any specific yoga poses or practices that have been particularly transformative for you? It’s hard to choose just one asana. I enjoy Child’s Pose, for its restorative properties. And the Warrior II Pose makes me feel that I am strong, because it requires strength in the glutes, legs, and core. Tree Pose requires balance and concentration; I love growing my branches, and swaying in the wind, and feeling rooted to the earth.
What advice would you give someone who is new to yoga or considering starting a practice? Yoga is for everyBODY: flexible/inflexible, big/small, or young/old. They call it “practicing” yoga because learning is continuous. Doing yoga is an activity, practicing yoga is a discipline. Yoga is the ultimate self-care routine. During class, the teacher reminds us to breath, always keep the breath a part of the movement. Concentrating on breathing keeps your mind in the moment. Also, we are instructed to letting go, relaxing the neck and shoulders, or any place in the body that is holding tension. Letting go of the stress of the day and life’s challenges. There are many different classes: Gentle Flow, Aroma Flow, Vinyasa, Chair, Hatha, and Yin. I’ve tried them all!
I am so grateful Amber chose Englewood to open the Sukha Inspired Yogo Studio. I’m excited to be a part of this community.
Are there any specific teachers, resources, or books that have influenced your yoga journey? All the teachers are amazing! Amber has a great sense of humor and a genuine kind spirit. Linda is the sweetest, she has a gentle, comforting voice, and explains how each pose benefits our muscles, joints, fluids, and organs. Megan has a fun spirit and a great play list. Ashley’s Sunday morning’s 75-min Hatha class is a great experience, she keeps a good pace to build heat in the body, and I feel inspired to enjoy the rest of the day and tackle the week ahead. Maureen has a calm and relaxed spirit, and during class she fills the room with pleasant incense. There are also many awesome co-attenders that I learn from and enjoy seeing in class.
In what ways do you see yoga continuing to play a role in your future? I am a work in progress, striving to be the best version of myself. In my past, I have not been good with work-life balance, or self-care. So far, my yoga journey has been so good for my mind, body and soul. It has helped me begin to re-discover myself. And I don’t want this feeling to ever end.