IYCWM Student Spotlight – April 2022

It is such a delight to introduce Elizabeth Greene, one of the founding members of “The Kitchen.” The beloved area of the studio near the back rope wall. Don’t let her quiet demeanor fool you. Elizabeth’s infectious sense of humor always added to the camaraderie and laughter in the Monday Night Back Care class. We are grateful that she has brought her enthusiasm to the online classes. Her warm smile and adventurous approach to practice shine right through camera. Enjoy meeting Elizabeth another talented IYCWM yogi!

 

Tell us a bit about yourself – Originally from Central MA, work brought us to the Pioneer Valley 25 years ago. I’m graphic designer that has worked in the advertising and publishing fields over the years.

 

What is a little known or surprising fact about you or your work? After taking a beginner weaving class 12 years ago, I was fascinated and I completed the master weaver program at Hill Institute.

 

What led you to Iyengar yoga? How did you find IYCWM? I was having sacroiliac joint pain, wanting to
avoid continuous cortisone shots someone suggested that I try yoga. A Google search connected me to Susan Elena’s Back Care class. Her teaching, attention to alignment, and dedication to her students is exceptional!

 

How long have you been practicing yoga? Not sure, maybe 7 years.

 

What keeps you on the mat? Keeping me on the mat is how I feel after practicing.

 

What keeps you off the mat? Off the mat is caused by the occasional bump in my schedule.

 

What poses do you love? If I have to pick favorites it would be Rope Sirsasana (I miss the rope wall!) and Bharadvajasana on a chair, but Susan Elena fills each class with great poses you didn’t know you needed.

 

What poses do you find challenging? Supta Virasana and Lolasana are super challenging for me.

 

What do you like to do when you are not doing yoga? I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking the pups, baking, and being creative.

 

How has practicing yoga impacted your life? Yoga has become part of my everyday life, it contributes to my overall wellbeing.

 

How does yoga show up in your everyday life?  Yoga has made me more conscious of my body mechanics, how I sit, stand, bend. It has instilled in me that it is important to take time to stretch and move even if you can only squeeze in 5 or 10 minutes.

 

How has the pandemic changed your daily life?  Does your yoga practice help you in any way?Prior to the pandemic I was always going and doing something, I have come to realize I enjoy being a homebody. Yoga has helped keep me balanced, less stressed, and feeling well.

 

What has it been like to become part of a virtual yoga community where you do not know some of the other students? I have been thankful to be able to continue my practice virtually, I enjoy hearing the chatting and questions before and/or after class.

 

How does this yoga community contribute to your practice? Being new to yoga when I joined Susan Elena’s class, I never felt like I was new. She and my classmates have always made me feel comfortable and welcome, making it easy to return each week.

 

How has the switch to online classes during the pandemic affected your sense of community? How does it help stay connected? How does it fall short? I am thankful I have been able to continue with class virtually, it has been nice to be able to maintain a regular routine. Where it falls short is that I miss the extra assist that helps move me deeper into a pose.

 

What do you think about the future of hybrid yoga classes – some people in person some online? I like the flexibility of in person and online classes. Some days when I am running late it is nice to just turn on the computer and lay out my mat.

 

Any advice for those seeking to connect to a virtual yoga community? Try it!