100 Club: Milly

1. What does yoga mean to you?

Yoga helps me come back to the union between myself and the world around me.

2. What drew you to the Shala and why did you stick around?

I wasn't much of a yogi prior to 2020. I had gone to a few yoga classes here and there while I was living in NYC, but it never developed into a routine until the pandemic, when I found myself practicing yoga every day through an online fitness platform. My boyfriend and I had just moved up to Newburgh around then, and in an effort to deepen my practice, I sought out a local studio. At first, like many other newbie yogis, I signed up purely for the physical benefits. I wasn't aware of the vast amount of history and philosophy that yoga entails, and I appreciate all of the Shala teachers for doing a wonderful job of communicating this ancient knowledge. I've also met some lovely individuals whom I've become close friends with through the Shala; before I became a member, I hardly knew anyone here. Thank you to the Shala for making me feel at home in Newburgh.

3. What's one piece of advice you'd give someone new to yoga?

Don't compare yourself to the other yogis in class, because everybody is different. Every *body* is different.

4. What's a fun random fact about you?

I was an EDM music blogger for a couple years in the mid-2010s, when I was still living in NYC. I got into many shows and festivals with a press pass and I also got to interview several musicians. It was a great way to get out and meet people when I first moved to New York from Virginia!

Join us for class!