1100 Brown Street, Dayton, OH  937-829-5947

 

2440 Dayton Xenia Rd F, Beavercreek, OH 45434

Meet a Teacher: Maggie Shanayda

How did yoga become a part of your life? What led you to a devoted yoga practice?

I have been researching the benefits of yoga for mental, emotional and physical wellbeing for years. I knew that there was something special about a physical yoga practice that was different from other forms of exercise and that daily meditation was like medicine for the mind. Two years ago I was ready to open myself up to the full yoga experience. I took the 200 hour Teacher Training Program at Day Yoga and I was hooked. I love the yoga philosophy.

 

What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about yoga?

I think the biggest misconception people have about yoga is that they have to be flexible to participate. I say this because I hear it often when I encourage people to come to a yoga class. I was not flexible when I started my practice and guess what? I’m still not very flexible but I am better. Along the way I have increased the range of motion in all my joints and I have experienced gains in stability and strength as well.  Most importantly, I have become a calmer person.  

 

Name 3 non-negotiables in your life

Family

Asleep by 9:30 during the work week

Ester Price chocolate. 

 

What is the pose that challenges you the most and why?

I am challenged by most balancing poses. I desperately want to be steady in tree, dancer, and warrior III but I am not and don’t know if I will ever be. Balancing half-moon is one of my favorite poses but you would never know because I’m not very graceful and I can’t hold it for long. I keep reminding myself that it is about the journey, not the destination. Maybe I’ll get there, maybe I won’t. It’s all good☺

 

One mantra to share with students.

I have two. “Just breathe.” and “Be present.”

 

About the Author

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