Student Spotlight
Mandy Slaven
How has yoga impacted your life both on and off the mat?
Yoga has had a positive impact on every aspect of my life; my physical and mental health have vastly improved. I have learned patience (with myself and others), self-gratitude, self-love, and most importantly I have learned who I am and what I need from myself and others. My joints no longer hold the twinge of pain or the tightness I dealt with daily. My mind and body continue to heal every day; this journey of transformation has become a special and important part of my life.
What advice would you give someone who is new to yoga or considering starting a practice?
My advice for anyone new to yoga is to jump in headfirst; you will not regret it. Everyone at Sukha Inspired Yoga is very loving, kind, and supportive – there is no judgment. I urge you to try all the classes and all the instructors. Each class and instructor are unique, and you will learn something from each one of them.
Are there any specific teachers, resources, or books that have influenced your yoga journey?
Last fall, I signed up for the “Rising Strong” book club/yoga series; it was so transformative for me – it was the best way I could have started my journey. “Rising Strong” by Brené Brown teaches you that emotions are power, and sometimes it is necessary to lean into discomfort to grow. This book opened my eyes to the fact that we all go through trauma in our lives, but that trauma does not define who we are or are not. We can rise above the trauma or any obstacle in life and transform into something more beautiful every time.
How has yoga helped you navigate challenges or difficult times in your life?
I lean on yoga to help me through all challenges and difficult times. I use deep breathing when dealing with stressful situations I cannot just walk away from. I use meditation to re-center myself to aid in making a difficult decision with a clearer mind or to clear my mind after dealing with a difficult situation. When I am feeling overwhelmed and defeated, one of the best places to be is on my mat with my fellow yogis. Even if it is only an hour, that hour is so transformative.
What initially drew you to yoga and how has your practice evolved since then?
Initially, I started doing yoga when I had a membership at a gym that offered a couple of classes every week. I knew I was not getting the entire yoga experience, but I always felt good after leaving the class. I ended up canceling the gym membership and was hopeful to find a yoga studio to practice at. The closest studio to me was 25 minutes away until Sukha Inspired Yoga opened its doors. From my first step into the studio, I felt right at home and knew this was where I belonged. When I first started practicing at Sukha Inspired Yoga, I was focused on asanas (poses), shavasana (relaxation at the end of practice) was not enjoyable, and meditation was difficult, which made doing Yin very difficult. Now, 8-9 months later, I am more in tune with my body and what it needs; I cannot wait for shavasana, and Yin is one of my favorite classes. I have learned how to breathe and bring my mind back to me, and I have learned what my body needs from me, and I listen. I may use props for a pose or not do a pose and go into a child’s pose instead or even take a drink and a deep breath.