Danielle McGraw

Yoga came into my life when I was 18.  I was a freshman in college who was drinking way too much and eating and sleeping way too little.  My body and nervous system were in crisis mode.  I had heard about yoga, but there were no yoga classes in my area at that time, so I went to the library and checked out a book about yoga.  As I moved through the postures in the book, a sense of peace came over me that nothing else had ever given me. I felt like I had returned home. I fell in love with yoga that day and began a regular physical asana practice.

My practice continued to develop as studios opened in my area and I had access to teachers. Yoga made my body feel amazing, yes, but more importantly, it was the only thing that got me out of my head.  My negative thought patterns were incredibly entrenched and expressed themselves loudly.  When I was in a class, focusing on “foot here, hand here, inhale, exhale, foot here, etc…….,” I couldn’t hear my inner critic.  That silence was like a drug, and I craved it all day long. Yoga was the only thing that delivered.

Yoga has been my anchor for 23 years. No matter what is happening in my life, I always return to my practice. To my mat. To my breath.  I am forever grateful for my practice. 

When I found Open Way Yoga I immediately felt like I had found home again. As Erin led us through my first class at the studio I began crying, so thankful to have found such a beautiful space and the beautiful souls who fill it.  I am honored to be practicing with all of you.