About me how I got to where I am...happy!
About me: a little peek into who I am and why I started a website dedicated to the holistic view of health wellness and how yoga is the primary "glue" that holds it all together. The Early Years I was born in Michigan. I was always encouraged and inspired to learn from my wonderful parents and sister. My childhood was happy and filled with activities including Polish folk, ballet, tap and jazz dance lessons for 12 years. Reading, cooking, a love of art, gardening, travel and music were and still are favorite past times. The College Years I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Oakland University in 1992, and was a very active participant in student life including serving as an officer for the Psy Chi Honors Society and a member of Golden Key National Honor Society. I was a lead presenter for The Best of America Program that brought motivational positive lifestyle choice presentations to at-risk youth in the Pontiac area. Being inspired to pursue graduate work in the field of Physical Rehabilitation, I earned a Master of Art in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University in 1995. I went on to work for University of Michigan Health Systems, which was also the place of my internship. I taught Independent Living classes for newly spinal cord injured individuals and had an enormous caseload of counseling clients with a multitude of disabilities and addiction issues. The Dark Days On January 8, 1997 when I was 3 months pregnant with my first child, my Jeep was rear ended on my way to work. The accident left me with severe whiplash and terrible back pain. Following several failed attempts of Physical Therapy, I couldn’t break the vicious cycle of chronic pain. I struggled with trying to get in shape to help the pain, and grew frustrated at my failure. I gained 60 pounds with my first pregnancy, as a result of the chronic pain limiting my physical activity. I lived with severe, often debilitating pain that led to massive muscle spasms and skeletal misalignment. My PT told me that my spine had the rigidity of a 90 year old woman’s, I was only 26! During labor with my second child, three years later, the epidural failed due to my vertebra being so out of alignment. Getting Lost in the "Patient Mode" I struggled with weight gain and a lack of energy, asthma and frequent tendon injuries. I was literally a physical mess. My husband had traveled internationally quite often over the past 11 years, so I juggled the single mom role quite a bit. This lifestyle led me to take time away from my counseling profession a few years ago. I have focused my energy on my children and the community in which I call home. I got stuck in what rehabilitation professionals refer to as the "Patient Mode," the tendency that a chronic pain person has to live as a patient and not as an active member of society. My chronic pain was the initial thought when assessing a situation. For example: "I can't exercise because my back hurts." The exercise was what I needed!!! The Light at the End of the Tunnel Up until 7 years ago, I was a very sedentary, out of shape, in pain, stressed out mother of two sons, and two dogs. That was until I found fitness yoga classes. A passion for yoga led to a Yoga Fit certification and I began to teach classes at many locations. I began blogging at yogatrish.blogspot.com as a way to share inspiration and good information with the people who attended my classes. My need to be able to better organize my blogging inspired me to have my little blog grow up into a "real" website. Going beyond yoga poses to help people learn the other fundamentals of yogic living is my aim. I still blog at blogspot and at this website because I love the fresh infusion of inspiration and energy that it brings me to share the current inspiration of the moment. To learn more about my website building experience; with a company called Site Build It,
click here to visit my SBI story page.
In December, 2008 I completed The Center for Yoga Teacher Training RYT course. It has expanded my transformation in so many ways. I am truly and blissfully living each day of my life with the deepest gratitude for the growth that I have realized. Since then I completed the course two more times as a graduate assistant. I have had the great opportunity to teach all types of students including everyone from high school hockey teams to 74 year old hip and knee replacement patients, and everyone in between. About Me: HAPPY My style is a warm and compassionate blend of motivation, inspiration and helping each student realize their greatest potential. I have a vivid memory of the struggle that I faced with every posture. This recognition of where I was allows me to understand where students are in my class when they struggle, and to get out of their way so they can uncover their potential. Workshops, kirtan concerts, specialized classes, conferences and retreats keep me busy and up to date with the happenings in the ever changing world of yoga. My practice has evolved into my own mini rejuvenating break from reality. It’s become a way to balance volunteering at school, play dates, kid’s basketball and football games and all the other things that consumed my time and left me feeling a little drained. I often tell others that you can only give as much as you have, and then you begin to feel empty. Yoga fills me up; it allows me to focus on myself. I almost felt selfish at first, kind of like “Am I doing something completely for myself?” About Me: Inspiration for others Anyone who is a parent, caregiver, or busy professional can attest to the need to refill yourself, so you can continue to give. The positive beliefs that formed the practice of yoga are beautiful and inspiring. The focus on breath control gives one the ability to remain calm in a sea of turbulence. Richard Rosen, a well respected Yoga instructor and author writes about a journey to the land of Self. Yoga gives me the tools to take this journey and to make the best of it. I reside in Michigan with my husband and our two human sons, and two canine sons a Pekingese named Mocha and a Pomeranian named Jiva. Boundless energy and a positive outlook are my mantras.
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