Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in Clay, NY, right on Onieda Lake, and went to Cicero High School. I graduated in 1979.I was brought up in a marching band and I was the drum majorette who lead them all down the road. Yeah a baton twirler. All male band who raised money for Cerebral Palsy. I have worked since I was 12 years old. I have always been into sales and collections. I really don't have any particular hobbies, but I do like to workout. I walk/jog 5-7 miles and I bike ride and rollerblade. I love to dance, more than anything. When the music is playing, I am dancing (I don't even need a partner)! Yoga is now my life practice.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

A friend of mine called to see how I was doing and said she was going to this hot yoga class because she needed a change in her workout routine. I said, "You know, I have heard of that and I'll go with you if you want." I never gave it a second thought and I never even asked the hubby. Ha, ha. I don't know why, but I just did it. At that time, I also needed a change in routine. My husband was sick with cancer and I was his strength.

How often do you practice and what specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class?

I try to go at least 5 times a week or more. I feel if I don't go I lose my center, and well being.What changes have you seen/felt in your body- overall physical and general well- being?

Physical issues that I had before yoga were stomach issues, stress, emotional turmoil, and lower back pain.Yoga has helped me to almost eliminate all of these issues. I have been able to eliminate two surgeries- one on my stomach for the uncontrolable heart burn and one on my lower back because I have a vertebrae that has slipped completely out of my spine (spondylolisthesis). I was told I would not be able to run or do strenuous exercise. Hmmm.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

You ask what are the greatest benefits....My husband passed away last September, and if it wasn't for the teachers- Sandy, Judy and Maggie, I don't think I would have had the physical and mental strength to get him through his courageous fight, without yoga. 

How has this practice changed your health and life? Any emotional or other benefits?

I don't get sick with the stomach issues anymore (unless I have had a few too many). My back doesn't hurt like it did because it is much stronger.Yoga has changed my life in so many ways. I listen to each and every word the teachers are saying. Sandy has said, let it go don't think about it, bring it back to your breath and stay focused on yourself and it doesn't matter what anyone else is doing.  Judy has said use your bulldog determination and you CAN do it. It's mind over matter. You can do anything if you put your mind to it. Maggie has said let go of the past, you cannot change it, don't think about the future, it's not here yet, and stay focused on the present. I live each day by what they have said. My husband passed away and I cannot change that. I can only move forward and think about today, because tomorrow is not here yet. I am determined to focus on my inner peace, because no one can take that away from me. And I have gained that strength through their teachings of yoga.

What is your favorite part about Oswego Bikram yoga?

The confidence and self esteem that the teachers have taught me.  The way I look, the way I feel, the strength physically and emotionally and being able to help others get through their tough times, by telling them what I have been taught in yoga. I have inner peace and I am truly honored and grateful for being chosen yogi of the month.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Namaste.