A deep inhale and a rush of oxygen and energy moves to fill the body, to fuel the outstretched muscles. A feeling of euphoric bliss settles in with a sense of serenity; a long, slow exhale and the stress of the day seems to melt away, breath by breath. Yoga is filled with moments like this—as your body is gently challenged and pushed, you begin to build strength and flexibility that was hiding just below the surface.
When Shannon Lind injured her shoulder, she knew she had to find a way to rebuild strength but didn’t know exactly where to start. “I happened upon the Meridian Parks and Recreation catalog and found a yoga class, so I registered,” Lind said. “I had no idea that it would lead to yoga being so much a part of my life.”
Lind and her family have been in the Treasure Valley for over 25 years. What was meant to be a three-year stint in Idaho turned into a lifetime in the Gem State, as often happens for many who fall in love with the beauty, nature, and pace of the Valley. “I appreciate all of the things there are to do in the area – hiking, snowshoeing, rafting, just generally exploring the state. All of that pairs perfectly with my love of photography and birding. I’m a nerd by nature, so any opportunity to learn is heaven to me.”
And plus she’s built quite a career here, teaching the art and movement of yoga at Meridian Parks and Recreation. “Laurie McElroy was my first teacher when I got serious about my practice and her strength and flexibility inspired me to take a teacher training course. Another opportunity to learn something!” Lind expressed excitedly. “I’m absolutely fascinated with physiology and the mechanics of movement. I don’t know that I had aspirations to teach, but Laurie seamlessly brought me in as a substitute, and it took off from there.”
Yoga teaches flexibility and a range of motion that grows in importance as we age. “In my class, I teach functional movement,” she explained. “I think the most important first step is to find a place that is comfortable. Walking into a yoga studio for the first time is intimidating! We take pride in making yoga accessible and creating a friendly, inclusive space.”
Lind continues, “That first step is the hardest, but the next step is to release your expectations. Every time you step on your mat, you’re practicing with a new body so every practice is different from the last and will be different from the next.”
Alongside the variety of physical benefits, yoga also teaches a stillness of the mind and infuses a sense of calm that is so important in our daily lives. We are constantly battling life’s many stressors, yoga helps build an internal, mental armor against tension and grants us a necessary release and time to heal.
“The Meridian Community Center is a great place to practice because it’s spacious – we have room to spread out. We have all of the equipment and props that you would find in a yoga studio. And I like to think we’re a pretty welcoming group of yogis.”
Lind’s next sessions begin the first of the year and she encourages everyone to check out the catalog and find a class that’s right for them.