December's Yogini of the Month: Barbra Wilks

I took my first yoga class 34 years ago while I was a freshman at SMU as my PE requirement. I really enjoyed yoga, but never really pursued it. In the passing years (and decades) I have worked out in aerobic classes, weight training and Tae Kwon Do. After practicing Tae Kwon Do for 13 years with repeated knee injuries, I decided it was time to find a more gentle exercise program that would still embrace the mental and spiritual disciplines that I enjoyed in Tae Kwon Do. I knew yoga would fulfill those requirements. I just had to find the best circumstances in which to learn.

I took yoga at various fitness clubs, but wanted a "Real" yoga instructor, not the aerobic instructor that was certified to teach yoga. It was my delight to find Jessica at Larry North’s Fitness. She embodies everything I was looking for in an instructor. She is knowledgeable, encouraging, patient and has a great sense of humor that helps me through those poses that test me. When she and Jonathan opened Body Synergie, my search was complete. Now, not only did I have a great instructor, but I had a peaceful place to practice without thumping rock music in the background. An added bonus is found in the great fellow yogis that also practice here.

While there are many poses I like (and many more that I am sure I will come to like if given enough time), it was easy choosing my favorite pose. It is Pigeon pose. It is a very relaxing pose that offers a great stretch in my hips and glutes.

Yoga is not easy for me. It tests me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I guess that is why I love it. While I know that with dedication I will continue to improve in my yoga practice, I also know that there is always another challenging pose waiting for me on the next horizon. Knowing that there is no end of challenges helps me to be more patient with where I am in my practice. This patience helps me to relax, which helps me to better execute the poses, which helps me to progress. It is really rewarding to feel comfortable in a pose that used to be my nemesis. Although I don’t get to bask in this comfort long, Jessica is there nudging me further, showing me that next horizon.

What’s on that next horizon….headstand?




- Barbra Wilks

 

 

 

 

 

Our areas of expertise include:

  • Beginners Yoga
  • Restorative Yoga
  • Vinyasa Yoga Level 1
  • Vinyasa Yoga Mixed
  • Tai Chi
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BodySynergie is located at 211 Elvis Presley Ln, Rockwall, TX 75032. Directions available on the Location Page