Eena Taylor

(she/her)

I began taking yoga classes offered at my gym when I first moved to Madison over 20 years ago, but I never kept a regular enough practice for me to get the full benefit from it. For decades, I made excuses about the class or the schedule not being a perfect fit. Then I quit yoga altogether for another fitness regimen that I perceived to be harder and/or more punishing, which often led to injury and burnout.

 Last fall, still in the thick of the pandemic, I remember sitting in my home during a very stressful and depressing period of my life where I felt disconnected from everything—especially myself. Someone in my neighborhood’s Facebook group had recommended Inner Fire Yoga as a studio that required proof of vaccination. I thought – I have to do just one thing for myself right now. Let’s make this that one thing – and I signed up for my first class. 

I soon found that Marit’s Monday Inner Fire Flow 75 and Jennifer’s Friday Inner Fire flow 60 classes were the best way to begin and end my work weeks. The act of self care involved in setting an intention, focusing on the breath, being present, the heat along with the actual physical parts of the practice have been nothing short of life-changing. Because of the routine sequences, I can clearly see my progress week after week. I can do hard things—both on and off the mat! 

I look back at the last year and acknowledge that establishing my yoga practice was the first step towards choosing things that give my life more purpose and intention. I have the utmost gratitude for Marit and the Inner Fire Yoga community for helping me find my path.