Archives - 2008

STUDENT OF THE MONTH



Liz Webster
Student of the Month March 2010

Tells us about yourself, Liz.
I am the mother of a fantastic 21 year old son, Robert, a student in Santa Barbara. I am blessed to have the support and love of my 80 year old mother, who is truly my best friend. My wonderful significant other, Albert, helps me keep things light. When we have free time we enjoy exploring National Parks -- Yellowstone, Zion, Sequoia National Forest, King's Canyon, service vacations with the Sierra Club cutting trails. My other important family member is Molly, a 13 year old golden retriever who gets me best of all. And my work? Anybody that knows me, knows that I work at See's Candies! A dangerous métier for a choc-o-holic such as myself!

Tells us about your yoga journey.
I used to manage the store just on the corner from Being Yoga's old home behind Lunardi's. I would walk by every day for 4 years on my way to the bank, and think to myself "gee, that looks interesting..." It wasn't until Being Yoga moved to its new digs that my yoga journey began. I had one of those moments in the shower when I dropped the soap and couldn't bend down to pick it up. I thought to myself, "My goodness, if I am this stiff at 51, what will I be like at 70? I better do something kind for my body now!" So, a week later along with two friends from See's (we had given each other the gift of 30/30 for Xmas), I finally took the plunge. We took Diana's 12 o'clock beginning non heated class. I will always remember my first teacher, how blessed to have Diana's loving, gentle ways guiding these stiff, broken bodies for the first time! I knew right away that this was for me, and was back the next day for more. And now 2 years later, I’m just finishing a 60 day challenge in preparation for teacher training in April. I am going to push myself out of my comfort level and attend Bikram teacher training this Spring!

How has yoga impacted you?
We can talk about the physical aspect of it -- the 27 lb. weight loss, the regaining of lost flexibility and muscle control, the saying "goodbye" to medications for depression and sleep, the knees that are less cranky, a shoulder that doesn't ache as much, the back that can bend down and pick up the soap in the shower! But it is MUCH more than the physical, isn't it? I love the discipline of the practice. I love how the body surprises us from day to day. I love how the worst day in the yoga room is fun and makes me smile and is better than just about any piece of chocolate I can image!

How has Being Yoga helped you on your journey and what lessons have you learned?
I have been so lucky to be able to do a work/trade in exchange for practicing at Being Yoga. The front desk, I won't lie, continues to be a challenge for me. In fact, I was so overwhelmed by it that I even quit for a few weeks! But thanks to the PATIENCE and guidance of Kevin and Sharon I stuck it out. And I am so glad I did.

I have been blessed to have been guided by so many wonderful teachers, and I greedily soak up all they have to offer. From Kevin, I've learned it doesn't always have to be a struggle, and to hold it longer than I really want. From, Diana, to live with gratitude for what I can do…you just can't be in a sad mood after one of her classes. From Jody, an appreciation of the "Now.” From Vicki, that my practice will be a life long journey and that it’s not about reaching some fitness goal, competing with anybody, or even myself. From Robin, the embodiment of Grace and the power of stillness and mindful reflection. From Teacher Bill, I always learn better form, to consider how my body is today, and that you can still have a twisted sense of humor and be a yoga instructor. From Beverly, tough love, baby, and that it's all there in the Dialogue. From Melissa unconditional support and positive energy and integrity on and off the mat. From Toi Lynn, to be in love with your breath. From Lisa, the "Yumminess" of it all! And if I haven't mentioned you other teachers it is just because I haven't had a class with you yet, but can't wait to!