Please meet Lauren Savino. She is Mind Body Flow Yoga’s featured student for this month’s newsletter. Lauren has a beautiful yoga practice and was generous in sharing it with us, as she demonstrates Running Man Pose (Eka Pada Koundinyanasana II).
Mind Body Flow Yoga’s Very Own Lauren Savino
I am not sure where to begin with my love story with yoga. I started my journey about 4 years ago, after the birth of my son. I was looking for something to help me get back into being active, but also help relieve stress and anxiety as a busy mom of two.
I was looking for something to help me get back into being active, but also help relieve stress and anxiety as a busy mom of two.
I started with another studio learning the fundamentals and quickly became intrigued at what this practice could do for me. I always played sports, was athletic and enjoyed exercise, but was searching for something more.
Recent struggles in my personal life, prevented me from being as active as I liked. At the same time, I had to leave my career as a teacher of 9 years due to my daughter being diagnosed with autism.
I found myself unable to focus on myself because all my energy needed to be focused on helping my daughter. I knew I needed something to help manage my stress in a healthy way and increase my flexibility, which is something I always lacked.
I knew I needed something to help manage my stress in a healthy way…
A year into my practice, a very dear friend suggested I come to Mind Body Flow and to one of Marina’s classes. After that first class I was hooked.
There are a few things I always tell people about the difference between Mind Body Flow and other studios.
First off, the energy of Marina is incredible and her passion for helping to inspire each and every person who walks through her door is evident.
Her enthusiasm makes me smile and truly enjoy yoga for what it is, a joyful practice.
During the practice, Marina often makes connections to challenges you face in life in comparing it to your yoga practice, which can shift as well.
…truly enjoy yoga for what it is, a joyful practice.
It has been at Mind Body Flow that I went from a person who always played it safe, had fears that held me back, and usually stuck with her traditional practice…to now trying new poses and always looking for growth on my mat and in my life.
…I went from a person who always played it safe…[to] always looking for growth on my mat and in my life.
Last year, I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma stage 3 cancer, which was shocking and devastating, but I have to say that the peace of mind and strength that I have gained through my yoga practice helped me persevere through one of the greatest physical and emotional challenges I have ever endured.
After my first surgery, we discovered my cancer had spread, which required multiple surgeries.
At 32 years old, having to use a walker was very defeating. I thought I would never be the same again.
However, this year, while slowly getting back to my practice, struggling for sure, and changed for sure…it was Marina who pushed me to give up my negative self talk and remember how strong I really am.
At 32 years old, having to use a walker was very defeating. I thought I would never be the same again.
Yoga has taught me that my outlook is crucial and it has served me well. I found a sense of pride and satisfaction in overcoming all that I did and growing from it.
I still have limitations, but Marina always reminds us that it is your practice and that there is no need to compare yourself to others.
it is your practice and that there is no need to compare yourself to others.
Perhaps the most important change I’ve experienced through my yoga practice is that each class offers me an opportunity to be the most joyful and free person I can be. And this really spills over into the rest of my life.
Perhaps the most important change I’ve experienced through my yoga practice is that each class offers me an opportunity to be the most joyful and free person I can be.
I am so grateful to have found this amazing studio.
Yoga has helped me feel more connected to myself and those around me. It has influenced my perspective of the person I want to be and how I live my life. And for that I am eternally grateful!
Yoga…has influenced my perspective of the person I want to be and how I live my life.
Namaste.
Leave a comment below. What stood out to you in the testimonial? What significant experience have you had in your yoga journey?
What is this Pose About?
This is a forearm balancing pose. The resulting shape is a deep opening through the arms and wrists. Watch Lauren enter into this asana from Mountain Pose (Tadasana). She will exit the pose and land back in Mountain Pose (Tadasana) as well.
Here are a few things to keep in mind, if you decide to try this pose, or if you have already started to experiment and play around with it.
Tips for Running Man Pose (Eka Pada Koundinyanasana II)
- Start in downward facing dog. Lift your right leg high to a three legged dog.
- Keeping your hips high, take your right knee towards your right triceps.
- Bend your elbows like you do in chaturanga and shift your body weight forward, so that your right knee comes to rest on your right triceps.
- Shift your weight far forward between your hands until you can lift your back leg. Lift strongly until that leg is parallel to the floor; then, keeping the knee extended, press straight back through the ball of your foot.
- Lift your head, keeping your eyes and forehead soft. Breathe evenly. Hold the pose for 3 – 5 breaths, then step back into downward facing dog. Repeat it on the other side for the same length of time.
Benefits
- Strengthens the arms ans wrists
- Tones the abodomen and spine
Caution
- Use caution if you have wrist or lower back injury
Have you tried this pose before? What has been your experience?
