Guest Spotlight: Anna Connolly

photo credit: Claire Packer

Meet Anna! She is a long-time Flowgi, who also writes & sings her own songs. Learn more about her below :)

What is your current practice like and how does it fit into your daily routine?

Sigh... I cannot tell a lie... My daily practice varies... But at minimum I sit and meditate for even 5 minutes. I do this in the evening, after my shower, in order to continue winding down from my day and clear my mind (or try to!) before going to bed.

What inspires you to practice at Flow?

My practice at Flow is like soothing medicine for my mind, body, and soul. I discovered Flow a number of years ago... Has it been 6 or even 8 years? I immediately fell in love with Flow, and when I would try other places, they didn't measure up for me.... I love the variety of courses and teachers at Flow. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach, which is just great. I can always find a class that fits my mood or physical state... slow or active, hot or not. But what I really love about Flow is the warmth and the welcoming atmosphere. When I enter the stairwell of the P Street location (which is still my favorite!), I immediately feel a sense of calm....

What was your first yoga experience like?

My mom introduced me and my sister to yoga when we were in elementary school! I remember she would have us all do a morning practice together on TV -- it was a practice and show led by Richard Hittlema. (I just googled him, and his practices are on YouTube!) I did gymnastics when I was in elementary school, so I enjoyed yoga right away.

Who are some of your most influential teachers?

The teachers that resonate most with me are Cory, Brittanie, Angela, and Catherine. I was also a big devotee of Shawn Parell's when she still lived and taught here. I will never forget the time I was in her class, and I thought to myself, "I hope Shawn doesn't move away because I love her class so much!" and at the end of the class, she announced she was moving away!

What is something the Flow community may not know about you?

I just released my first record--yes on vinyl (and CD)! A long time ago, when I was a teenager, I was into punk music and the punk scene in DC. I've always had lots of musician friends, but I never thought to play myself. Only after my kids were born did I start taking guitar lessons--but only because I thought I would entertain my kids by playing guitar! They didn't care about that at all, but I liked the guitar, so I kept playing. Eventually I wrote a song, and then some more... I've been playing shows around DC regularly for the last two years, and I just set up my first show in NYC on 1/31.

Karma Yogi Spotlight: Maghee Disch

Meet Maghee! She is a newer Karma Yogi, transplanted from San Diego, who used to be an ICU nurse. Learn more about her below :)

What is your current practice like and how does it fit into your daily routine?

In a perfect world I would make it to a class everyday, it truly is the only way I can seem to de-stress and shut my mind down for 60 minutes. The reality however, is that I travel quite a bit for work and just like everyone else, life gets busy. Typically, I can make it to 2-3 classes a week but then I do practice in small bites at home. I suffer from tension headaches and migraines so hanging forward fold and neck/shoulder stretches are a daily occurrence. While I am an experienced yogi in my own practice and have even completed teacher training, I much prefer to be guided in a classroom setting so that I can focus on my breath, flow and get the most benefit from my practice.

What inspires you to practice at Flow?

One of my favorite things about Flow is the diversity and the feeling of being welcome; in every class, when you walk into the studio, you just feel safe. The energy in the studio whether I am practicing or working is both calming and grounding for me which is such a nice change to my hectic daily life and work. I love that there are so many different types of classes and teachers which inspires me to explore and step outside of my comfort zone in my practice. I am also inspired by the contentedness of the entire Flow community and that everyone is so willing to share, to teach and to be a friend.

What was your first yoga experience like?

My first few experiences with yoga were in large donation based classes and I honestly felt really lost and didn't understand why people loved yoga so much. A few years later after some encouraging by one of my sisters I went back to a group class and actually got a little personal instruction from the teacher that day and figured I would give it another try. Just happened to be that a friend of mine (who is now a badass yoga teacher) was in the process of doing her first teacher training and she wanted to practice her instruction with me. It was those one on one sessions with her teaching me the asanas and me finally understanding how it really felt to hold a pose, breath and let go that hooked me for good. From then on I became a regular at my local studio in Columbus, Ohio and really began to find my own practice as well as reap the many benefits yoga has and continues to give me. Yoga has taught and continues to teach me so many things in addition to the physical benefits.

Who are some of your most influential teachers?

My most influential teachers are those who started me on this journey in Columbus, Ohio at Studio 543 and as well as my teachers at Reach Yoga in San Diego, CA where I both practiced and completed my teacher training. It was at Reach that I really gained a sense of taking my practice off of my mat and into my every day life, practicing patience, respecting the process and being grateful for all that I have. Last but not least one of my best friends in the world Ashley Dexter who became a yoga teacher way before any of our friends even knew what it was, she is a constant resource and guide. While I may follow others on social media or have read some of their books and even taken classes, it is the personal friends and those who truly have taught me in a personal way that influence me both on and off my mat.

What is something the Flow community may not know about you?

That I am an advanced practice nurse who worked in the cardiac ICU and heart transplant unit for 10 years and that I now work for the American College of Cardiology where I am so lucky to be able to travel the world teaching nurses and physicians and helping to improve patient care and outcomes. I truly love my job and am grateful to have the experiences and opportunities it has afforded me. Also, that I have 8 siblings (blended family to the max!) I love each and every one and visit them as much as possible.

Anything else you would like to share?

Joining the Flow team and community has been such a great experience thus far and has helped me to feel more a part of my neighborhood and a group outside of my work. Having moved here in April it has been a really nice way to start meeting people and get back into my own practice. It even inspired me to start teaching a few coworkers each week at my office and finally put my teacher training experience into action!

Manager Spotlight: Julia Holland

Meet Julia! She is a manager and member of the HR team here at Flow, as well as a delightful human being we're lucky to have around the studio :) Read on to get to know her!

What is your current practice like and how does it fit into your daily routine?

I try and do some form of movement each day. Sometimes that's my own practice, which consists of me shuffling the living room furniture until I have enough space to unroll my mat. (Trust me, it's a great way to warm up.) After that, I do an energizing sequence that focuses on strength and flexibility. I prefer to practice in the morning, but I haven't mastered the whole "Yoga before breakfast" thing.

What inspires you to practice at Flow?

Community and variety! While I love to practice at home in my pajamas, taking class at Flow allows me to explore new postures and push my limits. Practicing alongside Yogis who are so passionately dedicated to their work (both inside and outside of the studio) is awe-inspiring, and I always walk away from class feeling nourished and invigorated.

What was your first yoga experience like?

Confusing! Yoga is a language my body is constantly learning and relearning. My personal practice has grown over time, but there are still days when my body's like "NOPE." I do remember the first time I cried after practicing, though. That was pretty special.

Who are some of your most influential teachers?

I attribute most of my knowledge and ability to Kim Brooks Mata, the director of U.Va.'s Dance Program. Kim liked to emphasize the way LMA (Laban Movement Analysis) can be used to explore different forms: Yoga, ballet, Graham technique, Gaga, etc. She encourages her students to develop their own "movement signatures," which is how I approach Yoga (and life) today. I'm just doing my own thing, y'all.

What is something the Flow community may not know about you?

When I'm in class, I have no idea what I'm doing about 80% of the time. I usually have to peek around at everybody else!

Anything else you would like to share?

I'd love to be certified sometime down the road, and I dream of adopting my very own kitten. Also, let's take class and/or eat breakfast food together!

Karma Yogi Spotlight: MaryKate (aka MK) Chaath

Meet MK! She is a longtime Karma Yogi who loves changing up her practice at Flow. Learn more about her below :)

What is your current practice like and how does it fit into your daily routine?

My current practice is a mix of me trying to be fit and also giving myself the time and space to be centered through a regular practice. I try my best to get to the studio to practice with one of my favorite teachers but if that doesn't work for my schedule, I am a recent subscriber to yogaia where I have found some pretty good instructors to practice with in my living room.

What inspires you to practice at Flow?

The dedicated teachers and fellow yogis. People are genuinely kind and personable which has created a welcoming space for me to practice but also feel as if I am part of "something." I also love the space at 14th street. I love practicing in the open studio that is bright and clean--it is refreshing to have the windows open on a beautiful day.

What was your first yoga experience like?

My first yoga experience was my senior year of high school. I practiced on a beach towel at a hospital community center with people who were mostly my mom's peers. I was very active at that time--dance, volleyball, track so yoga was a great addition to my physical activities. I didn't really understand that there was more to yoga than a physical practice. I have had a number of stops and starts with my practice and now finally feel as if it is (somewhat) consistent and always brings me back to feeling good and feeling like I am rooted.

Who are some of your most influential teachers?

I think have to give a shout out to Rodney Yee who may have been my first yoga instructor on a VHS. I actually think Rodney is a great teacher and helped me start to love yoga. At Flow, I love a power flow with Mimi, a kundalini practice with Chelsea (I miss her), a dharma experience with Brittanie, core for yogis/pilates with Claire and yoga fundamentals with Caroline. I love to change it up and integrate different styles into my practice.

What is something the Flow community may not know about you?

I got bored sky diving!

Anything else you would like to share?

I really care a lot about the laundry at flow and the health of the washing machine!

Guest Spotlight: Christine Tran

Meet Christine! She is a dedicated Flowgi and a joyful presence around the studio. Read on to learn about her current practice and her first yoga experience.

What is your current practice like and how does it fit into your daily routine?

I have a dedicated home practice on the mat every morning that links the subtle and physical practices including Bhakti (devotional) yoga, functional and meditative movements, restorative yoga, qi gong and reiki. Each day may look different and the length of time varies from 5 min to 60 min. or longer depending on what I need when I wake up and my schedule for the day. Some mornings are harder to focus and stay present, but I never walk out the door without some kind of grounding, centering, clearing, and connecting with the universe and universal life force. It can be as simple as chanting mantras and a couple of qigong movements. I also attend at least 2 classes/week at Flow Yoga with my favorite teachers.

What inspires you to practice at Flow?

The incredible, caring, and inspiring teachers, who I practice with at Flow Yoga Center - Alicia, Aqeel, Brittanie, Sam, Clare, and Cory. The new friends I've made from the Flow Yoga community, who share the practice, receptivity, curiosity, and exploration of yoga in the classroom and outside of the classroom. It's a place that holds space for me and others no matter what is happening in the world and in our lives. The teachings are always relevant, at a deeper and often subtle level. The community inspires and helps me grow personally and spiritually. I always feel more alive, present, stronger, and connected after walking out of Flow Yoga.

What was your first yoga experience like?

My first experience is the complete opposite of how I feel about yoga now. A friend talked me into trying a class when I was traveling in Costa Rica. I didn't know what I was walking into, but was curious enough to try it. The entire class felt like I was lost in a dance choreography. The teacher was kind but didn't spend any time to guide beginners like myself. I didn't understand the practice or what we were doing. It wasn't my fondest memory of yoga, but looking back now it did teach me to be present because that was the only way I could make it through the class. It couldn't have been that bad because I'm still practicing more than a decade later and loving it!

Who are some of your most influential teachers?

My most influential teachers are Dharma Mittra and teachers who have studied under Dharma - Alicia Moyer, Brittanie DeChino, Aqeel Yaseen, and Hannah Allerdice. My Yoga Therapy and Reiki teachers and my parents who taught me by example of what I was taught as the core principle of yoga - Ahimsa or compassion/non-harming and karma yoga aka selfless service. They all have been a part of my spiritual growth and understanding of what it means to be here in this lifetime.

What is something the Flow community may not know about you?

This question took me back to my fondest memories of elementary school. I spent every recess playing my favorite game of double dutch, jumping and singing rhymes to the game. I can still remember the familiar jumps, turns, and tricks in my body after all these years. I remember very distinctly how every time I overthink or try too hard, my feet would catch the ropes. As soon as I let go of the fear of getting hit by the ropes, I caught onto the rhythm and moved along with the turning of the ropes. It was probably one of the first times that I can remember experiencing surrendering and being present in the midst of movement. Double dutch may be my "first" experience of yoga. This inspires me to get back to playing double dutch!

Anything else you would like to share?

I'm so grateful to be a part of the Flow Yoga community. Taking classes and practicing next to friends at Flow Yoga is a highlight of my week and is what I do for self-care. I prioritize and plan my schedule around my favorite classes. Thank you!