Opening My Heart Through Yoga: A Dance of Healing

When I started college, a yoga studio opened around the corner from my parents' house, and I began taking yoga classes during the summer and holidays. At that time, my approach to yoga was purely physical—I was a dancer, after all! I could make all the shapes and stretch my muscles farther than anyone else in class. Look, Ma, I can do yoga!

Dance is extremely expressive, and I was able to share many complex emotions through movement. But dance is also very prescriptive, especially when you're working with a choreographer. There is typically a “right” and a “wrong” shape or way to do things. Sometimes your body just can't move a certain way, and in my experience, it’s often seen as a defect.

I graduated from college and moved to New York City to pursue a career in dance. I continued to practice yoga. I was almost always broke when I lived in New York, so I would often go to yoga studios and purchase their “New Student Package.” When the package ended, I’d move to another studio (ah, NYC—endless options). One of the studios I tried was called ISHTA, and it was unlike any other experience I’d had. The poses were the same; the mat, the blocks, the music—same—but the tone was completely different. Teachers would emphasize options rather than prescribe. Rest and rejuvenation were encouraged. Listening to your body and intuition was a core part of the practice.

I have a very clear memory of a somatic release in a flow class at ISHTA. The teacher was guiding us through some Sun Salutations, and I began crying with joy. I had never felt such deep, spontaneous expression from my central being before. I couldn’t stop smiling. My heart was open and alive.

Over the years I’ve learned how the body stores emotions, stress, and trauma. Energy needs to be expressed and released. This is where somatic work can help. Through my coursework at the Integrative Wellness Academy, I have studied many modalities to support the release of emotion from the body. I absolutely cannot wait to begin sharing these practices with you.

Namaste!

Lacey

Photo Credit: Jamie Riley

jamierileystudios.com