In July of 2001 I took a beautiful vacation to Indonesia where I took my first Ashtanga yoga lesson. I had experienced yoga before, but 
it never stirred a desire to want more yoga (like this experience).
When I returned from the trip, I started to research different yoga studios. Oddly, I found one right across the street from where I worked. Suze Curtis’ Dynamic Power Yoga PLUS! A co-worker and I went on a Sunday morning, and we were hooked. Suze’s style fit my gymnastic / cheerleading/ competitive nature perfectly.
At first my practice was about the challenge, because I so wanted to achieve the highest level of each pose. Soon into it, I became aware that my obsession was about more than just reaching the next level. I was frustrated at times, because one year I was able to do a full bound side angle, and the next year I could not. Then I started to realize the body, mind, and soul connection of this powerful practice: things going on outside of my practice could affect my poses. I started to listen and learn. Listen to my heart. Learn from what I was reading, seeing, and experiencing. Learn to back off from the higher levels, and be OK with it.
Yoga is about the journey — NOT the destination. I am learning to love the journey. I am learning to be ‘in the moment.’ Yoga is helping me to be ‘true to myself.’
And Yoga is not a struggle; it is a gift to our bodies, minds, and souls. I believe we were made to move, dance, bend, stretch, do cartwheels, and take our bodies out of their comfort zones! These are the beliefs I want to bring to my practice and each class I teach.
In dwelling, be close to the land
In meditation, go deep in the heart
In dealing with others, be gentle and kind.
In speech, be true.
In ruling, be competent.
In action, watch the timing.
LAO TSU
Peace