Yoga proves to be greatly therapeutic both physically and mentally to those who participate. Laura Black, a local Yoga instructor, was kind enough to offer an inside look on this ancient practice of healing while also offering her unique perspective on the importance of Yoga.
Laura Black, 34, engages in the Three Legged Dog yoga pose with her students at Eugene Yoga. Having been teaching yoga for five years now, Laura prides herself on her ability to breakdown esoteric information for the people who are otherwise unfamiliar with the tradition of yoga—making anyone who enters her class feel welcome and comfortable.Laura revels in the traditions and teachings of yoga, but what she enjoys most is the universal love it gets from anyone who has given the practice a chance to enhance their lives. “It brings out the totality of what it is to be human,” Laura says. She’s a full-time yoga instructor, and she finds a sanctuary in participating and teaching yoga every day.Here, Laura is in her Camatkarasana pose. Laura was born in California and eventually received her masters in Dance at the University of Oregon. After a career-ending knee injury, Laura felt lost in life, but through yoga, she became strongly reconnected with herself—even saying that it saved her from suicide.Laura calls yoga “the most wildly beneficial practice I’ve ever engaged in in my life.” While still recognizing the numerous physical benefits yoga offers, Laura notes the countless mental and emotional benefits yoga provides for her and her students. She finds that she can address her mat like a therapist; and with it, she grows.Laura assists her students engaging in Supta Matsyendrasana. Laura benefits greatly from the relationships she builds with her students. Looking towards the future, Laura plans on continuing to learn and teach others about the world of yoga while also building great relationships along the way.
