This week's Staff Spotlight features Denisse, our Reception Team Lead. You can find her at the front desk most days throughout the week. I've known Denisse for nearly 10 years, and I'm so happy she's a part of our team.
When did you start practicing yoga?
In 2008, when I was your kids’ nanny. (smiles)
Why do you practice yoga?
Because I found that it is calming. And it helped me start to get out of my brain and connect my mind and my body. I started to become more aware of myself, my physical self.
What does your practice consist of?
I’ve lost my consistent studio practice because life is busy right now.
I’ve been practicing in little moments throughout the day. I find myself breathing when I get worked up or anxious, or if I’m standing and I realize my back is hurting I’ll do a pose. Here at the studio, or at home. The most consistent part of my practice is that I give myself a moment when I wake up in the morning to do some meditative breathing to kick start the day.
How do you maintain your motivation for your practice?
This may sound weird, but it comes from the heart. I’m not a religious person, but I am a spiritual person. I see other people finding their peace in their religion. I think I find that peace through yoga. It’s something for me and no one can change it or take it away. It’s mine, I own it.
I think it may stem from the middle child syndrome, finding your place, finding what’s yours. Finding myself has been a lifelong quest, and yoga kind of fit. But it didn’t fit until I found yoga through you. You introduced it to me in a calm, quiet moment, in your home. Yoga’s not judgmental. It is what you need it to be.
What part of your practice do you gain the most from?
The meditative part. I’m a list maker. I’m constantly making lists, constantly paying attention to what needs to be done, what I need to take care of. And when I get those quiet, meditative, breathing moments, that’s calming.
Kali showed me how to do nyasa (a breathing meditation technique) and she also shared with me the mantra so hum (“I am”). That’s what I do. In my path of discovery, I am. Whatever it is, I am. That helps me feel centered, especially when I feel like I’m getting too far outside of myself.
I start my breathing meditation with the mantra so I can get focused, then I let go of it and just breathe.
What advice do you have for someone who is thinking about trying yoga?
Don’t judge it by just one class. It’s like shoes, you have to find the pair that fits right. Maybe one style didn’t fit right, one teacher didn’t fit right, one day didn’t fit right. Keep going to find the right one.
When did you start working at The Yoga Room?
(Laughs) It depends. I got to see the birth of The Yoga Room when I was nannying for you.
But in an official capacity, two years ago.
What is your favorite thing about working at The Yoga Room?
All the people. Students, teachers, everybody who walks through the door. I like seeing different people. Different walks of life and the stories they share, and being able to share a moment with them.
Next time you see Denisse at the studio, let her know you saw her Spotlight!
Have a great week,
Zelinda
