Student Spotlight: Falling in Love with Yoga

September is National Yoga Month – a great time to reignite your practice and share the benefits with others. What better opportunity give our Your Inner Yogi Spotlight to student Wymon Brown! Read on for some yogi-spiration and an unlikely love story that will surely leave you smiling and wanting to share your own passion for yoga with others.

What is your age group? 

I’m between the age of 25 and 44.

How many times a week do you practice? 

I practice yoga four days a week. I rest three days a week. The body needs breaks to replenish itself!

Indeed it does, and that’s a lesson that many don’t learn until after overdoing it…which is certainly possible with yoga asana. So, what inspired you to start practicing yoga? 

I was seeking a way to improve both my core and functional strengths. I was also intrigued by some of the poses such as Bow Pose and Crane Pose.

What motivates you to continue practicing? 

Overcoming the physical and mental challenges are what drive me to continue practicing yoga. I am not the most flexible person, however, my body has gained a lot more mobility since I have begun practicing. I also strive to break a common stereotype that both men and Black people don’t practice yoga.

Love it – yoga is for everybody. So, what is your favorite type (class style) of yoga and why? 

I prefer Vinyasa style classes because of the constant changing of poses and the heart-racing I experience while practicing.

Vinyasa definitely gets the body and blood flowing! What benefits, if any, have you experienced from your practice? 

I have benefited greatly from a consistent yoga practice. Ever since I started practicing yoga, I have been more relaxed mentally. Physically, I have been pushed to my limits. I am realizing that I am capable of much more than I think I am.

Sounds like yoga has helped you find your “edge.” That’s what we call the sweet-spot where we discover that we have the power to challenge our limitations without provoking pain. We’re honored you’ve entrusted in us to continue leading your practice.  Memphis, has a number of studios. Why us? 

I am a huge fan of Your Inner Yogi! I love the friendly atmosphere, the teachers, and the pupils. I love the fact that is a black-owned business and that the studio is trying to expose people to the beauty of such an amazing art.

Considering what you may have learned on your mat in your yoga classes, how would you say you are living yoga off your mat? 

I am living yoga off of the mat! I am a lot more self-aware and preserving! Yoga is difficult and so is life!

Affirmations and quotes can play a significant role in one’s yoga practice. What is your favorite quote or mantra? 

My favorite quote is “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” If you want to become great at something, it is going to a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication.

Describe your yoga journey in three words….

Curiosity. Perseverance. Optimism.

Why those words?

I discovered yoga accidently! One day, I wandered into Your Inner Yogi because I was trying to talk to this pretty girl who was taking a class. I took the class with her, and oddly enough I never saw her again but I continued to practice yoga. Even though I didn’t get the girl, I fell in love with yoga. Mental, physical, and emotional endurance is needed to study yoga; which is why I chose perseverance. And optimism because I am extremely excited about where my practice will take me!

What made you fall in love with yoga? Scroll up to share in the comments section and stay tuned for special offerings for National Yoga Month, including our first Instagram yoga challenge! We’ll also be announcing our fall workshops soon (hint: Self-Care Sunday is back!). And, don’t forget to join us at Memphis Yoga Festival on September 22! Find us on social (@yourinneryogi) and subscribe to our newsletter to stay connected.