We’re thrilled to introduce you to this month’s Featured Human of MYS, Laura Wight!. This member of the 500 Club after sweating in over 600 classes here at Modo Yoga Seattle, is a shining reminder that it’s never too late to learn the importance of self-care. Laura found a steady practice here at Modo back in 2015 and shares a bit of her humble journey from “klutz” to yogi. Check out some of what makes Laura an inspiration to us all here at Modo!
What brought you here?
Perhaps the best Christmas gift I ever received was from my daughter; a yoga mat and a month of unlimited yoga here at MYS. She had practiced here a few times and was very enthusiastic about the studio, the instructors and the all-around vibe. She assured me that I would love it here as well. I had never practiced yoga in a proper studio, let alone hot yoga. My first day I felt like a real klutz. I knocked over my water bottle and on our departure I slipped on a fellow yogi’s sweat. And I couldn’t wait to come back!
How has your practice influenced/changed your life?
I try to show up on my mat three or four days a week, which I consider a real luxury. After retiring I finally found time to be kind to myself. Yoga is the perfect outlet for me. Not only do I enjoy both the spirituality and physicality of the practice, but also learning the benefits of the physiology aspects. I’m happy that my body is getting stronger and that I’m more aware of what inner peace really means to me. I try to incorporate what I’ve learned in the hot room to my everyday life: breathe, be mindful, be humble.
Could you share some words of wisdom that you have gained from your practice?
I recently came across the quote, “yoga is the practice of tolerating the consequences of being yourself.” I couldn’t agree more. There are days when I’m just not feeling it, and other days when I’m like, did I just do that? And to quote one of our beloved instructors here, “leave your ego at the door” really resonates with me. Nobody’s got time for that.
What is your favorite book that you think everyone should read?
Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. This is a non-fictional story about the University of Washington Crew team’s quest to not only perform in, but also win the gold medal in the 1936 Olympics in Germany. With dedication and lots of hard work, these nine young men displayed to the world what true grit really means.