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

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

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?

A: Off the mat we are kept busy with three lovely but active young children. I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a full time stay at home mom/cook/maid/chauffer/entertainment director. Like many kids these days, ours are involved in a lot of after school activities. In fact, we first learned of Dew Yoga because they used to share the space where our son takes Karate. Our spare time hobbies include running, golfing, hiking, listening to live music, hanging out with friends, and sharing good vibes.

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

A: Yoga has allowed us to step back from our busy lives only to appreciate every minute of them. It reminds us to see life like a young child would; with curiosity, excitement, wonder and love.

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

A: There is something we all share at Dew Yoga, and that is a great appreciation for the wonderful teachers who continually help us grow in all different aspects of our lives, and we thank you!