Photos Courtesy of John Pokrassa
In early 2000, while awaiting the start of a cardio- kickboxing class, I noticed an extremely fit person teaching the power yoga class that preceded it.
Convinced she must spend hours at the gym (being a gym bunny myself), I asked her one day about her routine. She told me that she only practiced yoga and I was stunned. Needless to say, that teacher was Suze Curtis & though I was too afraid to try yoga at the time…I never forgot her!
Two years later, I was going through a difficult time in my life & I remembered Suze and her power yoga class. I felt drawn to her & the new studio she had opened in Addison. I signed up for a membership & was amazed at the way I felt every time I left the studio. Not only were the classes physically challenging, but (they were) also a huge release for the emotions I was going through at the time. Not long after that I moved near downtown Dallas. I tried at least six different studios closer to my new home, and I was extremely frustrated. Not one of these places had the effect (on me) that I received from Suze’s (yoga) style. For two and a half years I made the drive to Addison (as often as I could) — usually once or twice a month for a drop-in — just to get my fix!
In late 2005, I decided to make a move back to North Dallas; and, to be quite honest, part of the reason was to start practicing yoga regularly. After several minor injuries, including a strained hamstring & strained lower back, my routine of running & weights was no longer an option.
I vowed to practice at least two to three times a week and by March 2006, I was amazed at the changes occuring in my life. First of all, my injuries healed within one month & have never returned. Additionally, I had always been an emotional eater & that combined with part-time swimsuit modeling had caused my weight to fluctuate between 105-138 pounds at least half a dozen times. Suddenly I was maintaining a healthy, fit 120-125…and my emotional eating habits simply went away! By June I was in the best shape of my life…emotionally, mentally, and physically & I know it is due in large part to my yoga practice.
I felt an overwhelming desire to share this experience with others & to help others find health and emotional peace through this amazing practice! In February 2007, I graduated my teacher training & I am looking forward to growing — as a teacher & a student — and to continue sharing my knowledge & story with others. Namaste (Yoga-Addison,TX/Yoga-Dallas,TX)
