April’s Student of the Month was nominated by Funky Buddha Staff Instructor (and local bad ass), Amanda. We’ve enjoyed watching Leah’s practice evolve and revolve while recovering from her injury. She went from taking no Chaturangas, to knee-down Chaturangas, to full-blown Chaturanga (and now she’s even hand-standing!!) Leah’s patience, dedication and commitment to her practice is truly recognizable!
Leah’s Story
“I will be the first to say that yoga is not something I had anticipated for my life. To be honest, until a few years ago, my knowledge of the practice was limited, but I will be the first to say that it has been one of the most enriching journeys I have been a part of.
I think the very makeup of a person comes from the people and places that they invest in – the very part that makes one feel home.
For so much of my life, sports were my home. I grew up playing soccer, ran cross-country, and even tried my hand at volleyball and basketball back in the “glory days.” Sport was something I invested in, and I truly grew from the team aspect and togetherness.
But as the years went on, a herniated disk that started in the 8th grade began to worsen. At first, the pain came in moments and was problematic for short periods of time, but after college soccer ended, I began to decline in health and even the basic activities of daily living became more and more difficult. Things like sitting for any extended period, car rides, sleeping, getting out of bed, moving, and even walking became almost unbearable. The identity I had as an athlete slowly faded.
I had given hot yoga a shot prior to surgery to see if the warm temps, stretching, and strengthening would aid in my back pain, but surgery was inevitable. I had surgery on October 10, 2014, and after it came and went, and through PT, walking and stretching my mobility slowly began to return, but my ability to actualize my physicality in the way I once had was no longer my reality.
However, I was determined to not let my injury hold me back. I wanted to push forward and get back into a physical activity that would be positive and challenging for me, despite my limitations. I decided when I was healed and mobile enough, I was going to give yoga another try. Yoga has been changing my life (and my back) ever since. My injury took many things from me but it brought me to yoga and the Funky Buddha! I am so thankful for the instructors, staff and fellow yogis who unknowingly pushed me through a very rough and painful season. I am a better person because of this practice. Thank you deeply!”
