Where was this photo taken? Near the 16th Street Murals in Pilsen! I love street art, and this is one of my favorite places in the city to scope out every couple months.
​
Best yoga experience: The first time standing in Half Moon Pose using a block under my hand and back on the wall. I felt so strong and excited to do something that seemed so far outside of my ability and comfort zone!
​
What do you remember about the first class you ever took? It felt like there were a million people that all looked different than me, it was hot and crowded and sweaty, and I wanted to quit most of the time I was there. I remember feeling pressure to “perform” poses rather than feel them, and it was all honestly pretty miserable. Instead of feeling empowered when I left, it felt more like leaving a gym class where I was picked last for the team (not terrible, but not encouraging). In hindsight, that studio environment wasn’t a great fit for me, but I’m grateful to have had the experience so I can empathize with others and gauge what IS for me.
Alyx Rice​
​
(she/her/hers) Marigold Plus
​
​
Accomplishment of which you are most proud of? My younger sister thinks I’m generally cool, and I’m really proud of that.
Yoga training/studies: After an unexpected one-on-one class with Mindy, I found myself signing up for Ganesha’s 200-Hour teacher training! I completed my certification in 2018 with some of the most amazing humans I know, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of this community. In 2019, I attended the Accessible Yoga Conference in St Louis with presenters Jivana Heyman, Amber Karnes, and others.
​
Super power that yoga gives you: Finding my full breath in particularly anxious or upsetting times. It allows me to slow my mind, recenter, focus on the next steps, and disconnect from the things that don’t really matter in the long run.
Yoga Pet Peeve: Unsolicited hands-on adjustments.
Athletic endeavor you want to try but are too intimidated: Scuba diving or snorkeling, especially with whales, and the whales are the least intimidating part for me.
Five words your friends and family would use to describe you: Determined, Enthusiastic, Funny, Calm, Hard-working