Giuliana Gonzalez

Inner Fire Yogi since April 2016

I took my first IFY class in 2015 after a friend recommended that I do some yoga to help with the stress from school, which was affecting my sleep, my energy, and my overall health. After only a few classes, I was able to feel some changes in my body – I was sleeping better, I was more flexible, less anxious, my shoulder pain was gone, and I was feeling more connected to myself and those around me. 

At that time, I was practicing almost on a daily basis and I was really focused on learning those difficult poses and having a “perfect practice.” In the last few years, however, this yoga journey has taught me to really listen to my body. I have learned to challenge myself but also be kind and appreciative of what my body can do. 

As a person who has struggled with self-love and self-compassion for many years, I can say that yoga has been life-changing, which is why I am now the person bringing friends to classes and showing them how fulfilling practicing yoga can be.

Nowadays, I mostly practice Power Flow classes, but I also enjoy a Slow Flow or a Yin class, and try to attend those when my schedule permits. 

Shout-out to: Wesley for always bringing beautiful music and meaningful comments to our practice; Claire for her funny comments and creating such a safe environment for anyone to fall without judgement, and to Kelly for making her classes challenging but also relaxing. (Fun fact, I used to go to Kelly's and Wesley's classes back when there was an IFY location on Campus).

I am thankful for this community and for being able to share my energy with all of you. 

Also… There is nothing like doing hot yoga during a cold winter day!