A Local Voice for Peace and Serenity

(Suzanna will be sharing her insights on yoga, meditation and stress reduction at this Saturday's FITalk at Tri Valley Trainer in Pleasanton.)

Q: What’s your history and relationship with Yoga?

A: I've been practicing yoga for twenty years. I began in Nashville, where I worked as a musician and songwriter for music publishers. My first yoga teacher was an Iyengar instructor, and my first class was at my local gym. I have been a runner for years, and I knew from that first class that my body and mind really benefited from yoga. It was challenging and creative, and it seemed there was an infinite number of yoga postures to master! I continued with that teacher, and later studied Ashtanga yoga and fell in love with the movement and breath. When I was ready to move back to California, I completed my 200-hour yoga teaching certification with Shiva Rea on the recommendation of one of my Nashville teachers. Since then, I've completed my 500 hour training, studied meditation with Paul Muller-Ortega, and earned a certification in Yin yoga. I continue to study. It's a lifetime practice, and there are so many layers.

Q: How would you say Yoga (and any other mindfulness practices you engage in) have helped you in your life and career?

A: I've met a lot of musicians and artists who practice yoga, and many yoga instructors and students who also practice art/music/writing. I think the moving out of thinking mind, and into feeling mind that happens with a consistent yoga practice, really nurtures creativity. Yoga - the process of relaxing the hold of outer distractions and experiencing the part of mind that isn't always commenting and reacting to things - opens the creative channel in us. Yoga has also helped me so much with perspective; being able to separate my inner security from outer events.

Q: I understand you have some artistic talents some of your students may not be aware of. Would you say music has influenced your personal philosophy and your yoga practice?

A: Ah, I gave it away earlier, talking about music! Yes, definitely. When I think of favorite Vinyasa yoga classes I have taken, I notice that they have movement, a rhythm, and then stillness, like a great piece of music. There is an ebb and flow to the movement and pace of the class. I always think of yoga as a dance of grace and strength, a moving meditation that unexpectedly brings the mind in tune with the heart.

Q: Describe some traits or profile characteristics of someone who would enjoy great benefits from yoga and/or meditation.

A: I think anyone can truly benefit from yoga, and meditation is the deeper practice of yoga. Some people need to move first. If a person is anxious, exploring regular movement and breathing can ease that. If a person is dealing with chronic pain, meditation can help to alleviate it. It's often easier to sit for meditation after moving your body. The yoga postures also teach us where we can release tension we hold from habit. Athletes love yoga asana (the postures and stretching) because it lengthens the muscles that can become shortened/tight from routine training. There is a yoga practice for everyone.

Q: What would you say is the lasting legacy you’d like to leave on your students and broader community?

A: Since we opened Dragonfly Yoga + Wellness, so many students have told me that the studio is their lifeline and their constant in a world of changing circumstances. I've watched many decide to study more deeply, or to become teachers of yoga. It's been so gratifying to see people walk through the door with no expectations, and discover their best selves through the practice of yoga.

Dan Taylor, ACE, NASM-CPT, is owner and head trainer at Pleasanton-based Tri Valley Trainer. They offer personal training and small group fitness solutions and an innovative, medically endorsed web-based group healthy eating coaching program.