The Yoga Loft Storybook: Mary-Stuart Jacobstein

Why/When/Where did you start practicing yoga?
My yoga journey started back in 2008 as I was training for a half-marathon: my first one (of many since then!). I loved running, but hated the shin splints I was prone to getting, so I explored yoga during that time as a means to “cross-train”. However, Yoga now is everything for me: physical workout, mental exercise, and religion for my soul. I can’t imagine a day where I don’t practice for at least a few minutes, in quiet mediation or moving through chaturanga 🙂

How has yoga changed/influenced your life?
Simply put, yoga is an essential part of my life! It’s everything - my religion, my conscious practice, my special time to find ME!

What has been your experience practicing at The Yoga Loft?
After I had my son in 2015, one of my closest friends coaxed me to hit a class with her at TYL. I had always wanted to try out the studio, but I could have never dreamed I’d gain as much strength, courage, self-confidence and joy as I have experienced since that first class with Anne. Front that point on, LITERALLY, I’ve been hooked on yoga, and it’s been essential for me to keep myself grounded in the present.

Anything else you wish to share about your yoga journey?
Now that I’m pregnant with our baby girl (due in late May 2019!), I’m eager to delve even further into the benefits of yoga - especially prenatal yoga practices. The teachers at the Yoga Loft have already been instrumental in offering modifications and comfort or additional support throughout each class this pregnancy - this has meant the world to me, at this time of change, growth and transition especially - to know I can show up to any class at the Yoga Loft, and be greeted by friends and fellow yogi enthusiasts, as we join together on our mats in practice - there’s never a moment of judgment or regret or feeling that I’m enough/not enough; it’s just “inhale, exhale”. I love the freedom that yoga has brought to my presence - I am NOT the thoughts my head tells me I am! As any parent can attest, I’m sure, it’s easy to doubt yourself, so yoga for me continues to be the grounding force in my life/day/morning.