Inner Light Outer Peace Yoga Blog

Meet Rachel!

This lovely Yogini began practicing with me a few years ago when we held Teen Yoga classes at the Belltown Fire Department. I am grateful to have witnessed her growth and transformation as a Yogi, Middle to High School Student, friend and activist. What Rachel humbly has not mentioned herein, I will shine some light on.

She is one of a select few students that will be traveling to Nicaragua this February with BuildOn to work in the field building a school. She is also a gifted writer, artist and enjoys her place on the Stamford High School volleyball team. Last summer Rachel attended a college for high school students program at Berkeley. I was jealous. I was also proud and inspired by her solo journey during her summer vacation.

Love, cheers and kudos to Yogini Rachel. Thank you for your commitment to Yoga and gracing us with your bright light!.

Q: How long have you been practicing Yoga?

A: I have been practicing yoga for more than three years- since eighth grade.

Q:What fills your time off the mat?

A: I go to Stamford where I run the Stamford High recycling club, I am part of the National Art Honors Society, and I am vice president of global education for our buildOn program. I spend a lot of time with my friends.

Q:How has your Yoga practice affected your life off the mat?

A:Yoga has helped me become more relaxed and positive off the mat. My concentration has also been much better since I started practicing.

Q: What would you like to share with others about Yoga?

A:People should know that yoga is extremely beneficial both on and off the mat. It really helps mentally and physically. When you do yoga, you just feel better.

If people want to learn more about buildOn, it is an international non profit organization that focuses on community service, global education and sponsorship. There are high schools that have buildOn programs all over the country and students raise money to build schools in developing countries like Nicaragua and Mali. For more in formation you can visit www.buildon.org.

Meet Lana!

Lana has been so kind to allow the studio to display her beautiful canvas entitled, “Finding The Natural Order of Things”. You may have noticed it already or will certainly be graced by it’s beauty the next time you come to class. And what better theme to practice with then finding the order of things? It is as ever present a question in Yoga as the enigmatic, “Who am I?”.

We have practiced Yoga with Lana in quite a few different studio spaces and most recently we love to welcome her at Dew Yoga. We asked her the usual questions about Yoga. Enjoy reading her responses and be sure to say ‘Hi’ next time you see her and feel free to contact her for art and design needs, her contact info is below.

Q: How long have you been practicing Yoga?

A: I have been practicing yoga since 2000. I immediately gravitated to it after my first class where I felt very challenged but also a sense of calm and self-acceptance. I had not experienced this before. I did not practice regularly that first year, but since the day after 9/11/2001 I signed up for a beginner class and began to practice yoga consistently. All these years it has been a source of solace and strength. As I change, my practice changes.

Q: What fills your time off the mat?

A: Mostly these days I try to balance rest, work and play. After a car accident ten months ago, I had to shift how I lived my life. To live I do freelance design for print, web, video and environments. I also make art, which like yoga allows me to express my life force in a playful, free way. Making art is a process of discovery just like yoga. To me this is the joy of life.

Q: How has your yoga practice affected your life off the mat?

A: Yoga has affected every aspect of my life. Before I did yoga I used to be tense up and hold my breath. Since practicing yoga I learned to breathe as simple as that sounds. It helps me accept my body, whatever my form at any given time, while also cultivating strength and grace.

Mostly, yoga has helped me become more me. It helps me know my true heart away from the distractions of our busy, worldly lives. It has helped me tap into my spiritual center by instilling a meditative, mindful state. In this it is a great gift.

Q: What would you like to share with others about Yoga?

A:I discovered that yoga is for everyone. All you have to know is how to breathe. If you can do that, you can do yoga. Yoga is not just exercise. It’s an approach to life. It’s about honoring yourself and others.

Contact Info:
Lana is available for a range of creative projects:
• Design for Web, print, video and environments
• Creative project management/mentorship and teaching
(aka bringing out the best in people)
• Design for home, office, retail and outdoor environments
• Fine art, murals and commissioned art projects

I’d be delighted to hear from you.
design@lanayu.com
917-847-3964

Meet Lauren!

See that smile? I don’t think she leaves home without it. Even between crunches in the Yoga Blast or determined to find the center of gravity in Crow pose, a look to Lauren is always met with a warm and no doubt about it, genuine, smile. Whether she arrives solo or with friends and roommates, she is such a happy energy in the studio, we wanted to shine some love and light back her way. Next time you see her at Dew be sure to say hi and you too will be gifted with her light. Of course, we asked her the usual questions…

Q: How long have you been practicing Yoga?

A:I had been introduced to yoga about 5 years ago, but did not give it much attention until 3 years ago. A very good friend of mine got me really excited about it and I began to see the benefits, learning, and enjoyment it gave me as I practiced more.

Q: what fills your time off the mat?

A: Exploring new places, running, reading, and enjoying the outdoors. I try to always keep in mind that I do not know how long I will live in an area, and dedicate time to getting to know my surroundings and seeing as much as I can!

Q: how has your yoga practice affected your life off the mat?

A: Yoga opens up a window for me to get to know myself in a way that I have not found with anything else. When I practice it helps me to see myself more clearly off the mat, and I feel comfortable that I am being true to who I am. Sometimes images, that feel like insights, will pop into my head during practice that I keep with me for a few days. Not to mention I am more relaxed!

Q: What would you like to share with others about Yoga?

A: I was a runner before I was a yogi, but there are many similarities. Neither are a race, you are never quite sure where your body will go or how it is feeling as you start, your attitude will shape your experience, and both require controlled breathing. This sounds pretty simple and obvious, but I found that my experiences as a runner helped me a lot as I became familiar with yoga

Meet Nick & Sue
I first met Nick back when Dew was in it’s infancy. He was committed to his Sunday morning practice on the same mats his son was practicing karate in the afternoons. Nick was quiet, focused and yet open and kind to the small group of regulars. Then we met Sue who was also quiet but notable for the determination as well as patience in her practice. While we have never seen them in a practice together, it is apparent that they lovingly give each other the space and time to practice solo while the other is home caring for their children.

Over the last year or so, their practices have blossomed and we have come to know they are not really so quiet but very kind, compassionate and funny – Sue is always good for a mid-class one liner to elicit a giggle from Yoga buddy Kate if not to lighten up the energy in the whole room. Most of all though, they are committed. Committed, no Sue, not to the peanut gallery, but to each other, their family, friends, their practices and also to the Dew community.

We are so blessed to share Yoga with Sue and Nick.

So here, are the usual questions and the Ciocci’s inspiring answers.

Q: How long have you been practicing Yoga?

A: Nick and I have only been practicing yoga for about a year and a half. For many of you reading this, you will need to think back 10,20,30, maybe even 40 years ago when you first planted your seed in a yoga community. Over the years you have watched your yoga seed blossom into various expressions. Nick and I have spent the last year learning many of the postures, rooting ourselves in the community, and we look forward to what will grow in the future.

Q: What fills your time off the mat? Continue reading “Dew Yogis of the Month – Sue & Nick Ciocci”

This month, we shine some light on Dew Teacher, my partner in Yoga and friend, Elysa! It happens to be her birthday this month (the 21st), so what better time to honor her and share in her answers to the usual questions about Yoga. Happy Birthday Elysa, may your light shine all year long in all you do!

Q: How long have you been practicing Yoga?

A: I have been practicing yoga for all my life but I wouldn’t have called it yoga. I became aware of yoga over 25 years ago in college but it has been in the last 15 that I have deepened my practice and become aware that it is not just a practice but a life practice.

Q: What fills your time off the mat?

A: My time off the mat is rich and joy filled. I spend time volunteering at the Wilson Memorial Food Pantry, being with loved ones, reading, listening to live music, getting outdoors in good weather, museums, eating, teaching and living my practice both on and off the mat. I like exploring and discovering all types of things, when I have free time. I like to keep active and just recently, discovered the beauty of balance. So now relaxing and down time are equally important. That, in itself, has been a rich experience.

Q: How has your yoga practice affected your life off the mat?

A: In all it’s forms, yoga has permeated all things I do. It is who I am, what I do, how I live my life. It has transformed me and brought me out of the fires of life into the person I am today. Continue reading “Dew Yogi of the Month – Elysa DeMartini”

Meet Ginnie! She has been a source of comfort, wisdom, strength and sunshine to all who have known her over the years wherever she has been practicing Yoga. It is really an honor to honor her this month. Join us also in wishing her a Happy Birthday!

Q: How long have you been practicing Yoga?

A: 42 years. Started when my second child turned one. My waning vitality revived. I gained 3 pounds and went from a size 10 dress to a size 6 in 6 months. I was sold on yoga for life!

Q: What fills your time off the mat?

A: Learning the new skills required to manage the duties my late husband used to handle for 50 years.

For well over 20 Years I have served on the Board of the Re-Entry Ministry, a non-denominational, Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation home for women. As time permits, I am returning to the work I had to set aside during my husband’s illness, of helping the ministry relocate after having its campus-like property taken by the City of Bridgeport by Right of Eminent Domain. Continue reading “Dew Yogi of the Month – Ginnie Masson”

Meet Kimberly!

Q:How long have you been practicing Yoga?

A: I started taking classes in a studio 2 years ago but prior to that I was introduced to yoga through DVDs. As a graduate student, time and money was limited so it was not a bad way to start. However, it made a huge difference to get feedback from an instructor about alignment and how to modify poses for my limitations.

Q: What fills your time off the mat?

A: I am a child health psychologist who works at a rehabilitation hospital. On weekends May through October, I race small one-design sailboats locally and throughout the U.S. It is a very physically demanding boat so I always look forward to my Monday yoga class! Winter time is devoted to curling up with a good book, dinners with friends and house projects, especially this year with a new baby on the way.

Q: How has your yoga practice affected your life off
the mat?

A: Before I formally began yoga classes, I had started learning about different forms of meditation as part of my health psychology training. These skills were useful in helping others as well as ourselves when stress took its toll. In yoga, I have found that I enjoy the benefits of the quiet and calmer mind and body, as well as the workout. Meditation and yoga has kept me sane when my personal and professional life becomes overly hectic.

Q: What would you like to share with others about Yoga?

A: People used to tease me about the one word on my cell phone screensaver, “Breathe”. So often during my crazy day, I would forget to take care of myself and that word would trigger a scan of what I was doing and how I was feeling. It reminded me to stop, take a couple deep breaths and release my shoulder muscles down from my ears. Now, at Dew Yoga,Jen and Elyse have been wonderful at helping me take good care of myself and finding what works as pregnancy has presented a whole set of new challenges to my body (and mind). Thank you ladies!

Meet Kathy!

Kathy has been regular sunshine in morning classes for many years, practicing with Elysa, forging a lasting teacher student friendship as well as being a source of inspiration and joy to her fellow students. Plus, she makes the best fudge that ever melted in my mouth! Thank you Kathy, for lighting up every class you attend. Enjoy her insights on Yoga.

Q: How long have you been practicing Yoga?

A: I have been practicing yoga for 10 years. I started with Roberta Dale at Yoga Source in Darien. I was “hooked” after my first class. I feel very privileged to have begun my yoga practice in that environment. I was introduced to an amazing community of teachers and students that I continued to practice with, and learn from, after Roberta’s passing. Many of those people are still in my life today. Yoga Source was the birth place of a wonderful family.

Q: What fills your time off the mat? Continue reading “Dew Yogi of the Month Kathy Delallo”

Meet Sara, Yogi of the month for November. Sara is a well practiced and loved member of many communities from Yoga to her professional communities, The Bi-cultural Day School, book groups and more. She brings loads of energy, honesty and a genuine interest in learning and growth to all those she encounters. Sara and I have had time to connect through Yoga as well as off the mat and has been a gift to me in both regards. She sets an excellent example to all of us to continue to grow and expand our life learnings. Thank you Sara for being both student and teacher.

I asked her the usual questions, here is what she had to say.

Q:How long have you been practicing Yoga?
A:I began practicing yoga 10 years ago when my fist child was born and then began to practice on a regular basis when I was pregnant with my 3rd child, six years ago. Having children inspired me to take better care of myself,especially my body. It was humbling to see that I just couldn’t push myself the way I used to. I needed to center myself. When I leave class I feel greater clarity and ability to access and use the wisdom that is inside of me.

Q:What fills your time off the mat? Continue reading “Dew Yogi of the Month – Sara Jamison”

Meet Virginia.

Sharing a meal with her sisters, she is on the far right.

Virginia is such a light in my week, an eager student, a friendly smile and always a positive attitude. If there was need to exemplify the “beginner mind’ I would think of Virginia who welcomes each class as another opportunity to explore and broaden her horizons. Through difficult times she has held fast to her practice and enthusiasm for learning. As I have gotten to know her, it seems every conversation reveals another fascinating detail be it her immersion in Spanish, care and love of her family, her classes on Film Documentary, her genuine awareness and interest in community efforts and the list goes on. Chatting with Virginia always enriches my day.

I asked her the usual questions…

Q: How long have you been practicing Yoga?

A: I began practicing Birkam Yoga about 7 years ago at the behest of my Spanish teacher who had started practicing yoga. I found the Bikram extremely challenging but continued with it – determined to “be successful” – until early this year when I finally realized that I wasn’t finding joy in my practice. It was exhausting me. I was only able to take one class per week as the heat and the closed in feeling of the room wore me out. So, I started practicing at the Tully Center in Stamford where I found the classes less exhausting . . . enabling me to take more than one class per week and to begin to see some progress and improvement. My first exposure to Kripalu was a class I took on Lighthouse Beach in Chatham, MA (Cape Cod). A few years ago, a Kripalu trained teacher started offering classes every summer morning at 7:30. I fell in love with the classes immediately. I am sure that the early morning sunlight, the beautiful white sandy beach and the mighty North Atlantic are part of what seduced me. But, it was not all. The practice itself was so spiritual and fulfilling. Last summer I went to Lenox for a week of Kripalu yoga practice; that week convinced me. I realized that with the Bikram Yoga I had been fighting with my body and wearing myself out. With Kripalu yoga I had found a way to be at peace with myself.

Q:What fills your time off the mat? Continue reading “Dew Yogi of the Month – Virginia Atkins”