Student of the month-Keanyatta Jones-Green

What do you do for a living and/or what is your life's work/purpose?
I am a project mentor.

How long have you lived in the Houston area?
I have lived in Houston for 13 years.

How long have you been practicing yoga?
I have been practicing 3 years.

How many times do you practice per week?
Prior to returning to work I practiced 6-7 days and most times twice a day. Since returning to work, 4 times a week.

What is the most important physical benefit you have gained from your practice?
I have truly learned to breathe. Through practice and in all stressful situations.

What is the most important spiritual/mental benefit you have gained from your practice?
That at least for 60-75 minutes to let go, truly let go. Every worry, concern, fear...Let go.

What is your favorite pose? Why?
Corpse-I can look the way I feel.

What is your least favorite pose? Why?
Crow is difficult-the thought of falling on my face.

Which pose is most relaxing?
Savasana is the most relaxing pose. The last pose signals final rest/relaxation.

Have you experienced fear of a pose at any point? If so, did you overcome that fear and how?
Crow is a fearful ose because you are bound to fall on your face. I continue to try and breathe.

What is your favorite class at Awakened Yoga? Why?
Every class I take is my favorite. The teachers bring strength and insight to each class. I truly love each class I take.

What is the intention you most often set for your practice?
My my sought intention cor each class is peace. I pray for peace for all those in class. I pray that even for just this short time we have in class, we all find a divine level of peace.

Student of the month:Susan Simon

1.     What is your name?  Susan Simon

2.     What do you do for a living and/or what is your life’s work/purpose?  I am the Director of Sales for 3 radio stations in Houston.  My personal purpose in life is to grow, become centered and still and bring those qualites into my daily life.  My job is creative and intense.  I use my yoga practice to balance myself so I can integrate my personal purpose into my daily interactions with people.

3.     How long have you lived in the Houston area?  Since 1979.

4.       How long have you been practicing yoga? 2 years.

5.       How many times do you practice per week? Daily.  I do asana practice at the studio 3 days a week and my home practice is for meditation and restorative & healing poses.

6.       Have you ever done yoga on the road/while on vacation?  What did you do?  Yes.  I took a class and did sun salutations in my hotel room.

7.       What is the most important physical benefit you have gained from your

  practice?  I am more confident in my strength.  I used to lift weights and while I got strong doing that, it applied strength.  With yoga, my strength comes from within and is the physical is a manifestation of what's going on inside of me.

8.       What is the most important spiritual/mental benefit you have gained from 

   your practice?  Knowing we are all connected.

9.       What is your favorite pose? Downward Facing Dog.  Why?  It's restful, strengthening, challenging and humbling all at the same time.

10.                          What is your least favorite and or most challenging pose?  Headstand.  Why?  I'm nervous about doing it and injuring my neck again.

11.                          Which pose is most relaxing?    That would definately be half lotus with my right leg on top.

12.                          Have you experienced fear of a pose at any point?  If so, did you overcome

   that fear and how?  That's a good one.  Ok, I would have to say handstand on the wall caused me the most anxiety.  In the beginning going upside down made it difficult to breath and not being able to get air was not fun for me. 

13.                          What is your favorite class at awakened yoga?  I am equally split between Aaron's Thursday 5pm & Saturday morning classes and Sharon's Wednesday & Friday evening classes. Why? Both come from the same teaching root so I find their classes to by synchronous.  They are gifted teachers that respond to what is actually happening in the room.  They know when push and when to be gentle with a class.

14.                          What is the intention you most often set for your practice?  To be present and ok with whatever comes up.

15.                            Does your mind wander during class?  Of course!  If so, what do you to bring you back  to the present? Think "Duh" when the teacher says breath or stay within your body or if I notice I'm away before they do, try to focus on my breath after telling myself to focus on my breath.

16.                          Do you practice meditation? Yes, every day.

17.                           Have you attended any of the workshops at the studio? Yes several of them.  Did you enjoy the 

   workshop?  Yes, very much,  What benefits did you receive from the workshop?  Besides learning about the workshop topic the best part for me is the community and freedom to interact with everyone for longer than we usually have time for before or after class.

18.                          If you have purchased any products at the studio for your practice – what  

Is your favorite?  Why?  I'm candle & a clothing person...there's a good selection and you take credit cards...what's not to like?!

19.                        If you could use one word to describe what yoga means to you what would it be? Life.