Even without the ongoing pandemic, finding and keeping a sense of balance and manageable stress levels has been an ongoing challenge for many of us living and working in the second decade of the new century.
A local woman is drawing on an ancient practice to help people of all ages learn how to regain balance in their lives in spite of the storms that surround them. With the motto “yoga for all,” Cynthia Espinoza Thornburgh, owner of Cornerstone Yoga, says her passion is helping people find their calm, get moving and to challenge themselves to new experiences.
Here’s her story.
Cindy graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry in 2004 with a degree in dental hygiene. While in school, she asked one of her teachers what she could do to help alleviate pain in the hands, wrists and back. The teacher suggested yoga. She tried several studios until she found one that eventually introduced her to her mentor and teacher, Randy Just, and lyengar yoga. Lyengar yoga is named after B.K.S. lyengar, the founder of this style of yoga.
Cindy taught and later managed a north Oklahoma City studio for four years before deciding to introduce her yoga and style to the Moore community. At the time, she said, there were no other studios within a 10-mile radius. Her goal was to create a studio that felt welcoming and “homey,” with bamboo wood floors, warm colors and artistry throughout—as well as a place that is all-inclusive and diverse.
Today, Cornerstone Yoga offers classes (both in-person and virtual) in a variety of yoga forms and workshops, including Thai Chi. Classes can be translated into Spanish, as she is bilingual.
The studio also participates in community outreach. Audiences include special-needs children at Norman’s J.D. McCarty Center, select Thunder Blue players, and Moore High School soccer and cross country running teams.
Cindy says Cornerstone Yoga is the only studio in the surrounding area that utilizes a full rope wall. The rope wall was made after a model designed by another mentor and his wife’s father’s template. It is used to provide support, traction and even suspension in poses.
Cindy says she is one of only two certified Iyengar teachers in Oklahoma.
“It takes four years to get certified in this style of yoga,” Cindy says. “Iyengar Yoga focuses on breath and alignment. Poses are held for three to four breaths at a time. This style of yoga is also unique in that it utilizes props such as blankets, blocks, straps and chairs to help create the same essence as someone in the full pose. They can be modified, and each pose builds on the next. It’s more of a gradual, steady practice rather than quick and fleeting results. It doesn’t matter your age, size or limitations. This style of yoga can be practiced up until the late stages of life with far-reaching benefits.”
Social Isolation has serious mental consequences, Cindy says, noting that even virtual social interaction can aid as a coping mechanism.
In both her real and virtual classes, she teaches people how to breathe therapeutically.
“By breathing consciously, by deepening our breathing, we can reactivate the parasympathetic nervous system and create a ‘quiet alertness,’ in which the mind is alert yet relaxed. This creates a pleasant and satisfying state of being,” she explains, adding that there’s a growing body of research to back up yoga’s mental health claims.
“Yoga increases body awareness; relieves stress; reduces muscle tension, strain and inflammation; sharpens attention and concentration; and calms and centers the nervous system,” says Psychologytoday.com.
Cornerstone Yoga offers a complimentary first class. The studio is offering a new student special: $50 for unlimited classes per month.
The studio also offers private sessions, Zumba, Dance Fitness and Dance Techniques for Kids. More classes are being added as the need arises.
Cornerstone Yoga follows all recommended protocols for health and safety, including hand sanitizers, masks, air purifiers, fans, open doors, air disinfectant and limited participants. And as noted, some classes may be attended online.
Cornerstone Yoga
1920 N Eastern Ave., #5605, Moore
735.7133
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