At Radiant Hot Yoga, we believe in celebrating the dedication, progress, and positivity of our community members. Each month, we shine a spotlight on a student who exemplifies the spirit of yoga through their practice, perseverance, and passion. Our Student of the Month section is a tribute to these inspiring individuals who not only embrace the physical challenges but also embody the mental and spiritual growth that yoga fosters. Join us as we honor their journeys, share their stories, and highlight their achievements both on and off the mat.
Happy 75th birthday to our radiant legend, Tessie! You are truly amazing. Since joining Radiant in 2017, Tessie has completed an incredible 958 classes and even joined us on our retreat to Thailand. Your dedication and vibrant spirit inspire us all. We love you, Tessie! Here’s to celebrating you and all your achievements!
What motivated you to start yoga at Radiant Hot Yoga, and how did you discover our studio?
Hot Yoga, and how did you discover our studio? I discovered Radiant Hot Yoga when I was aimlessly searching for peace and ways to heal wounds and past trauma. I had a therapist, and attended support groups geared for loss of a child/children. I woke up one morning and told myself “Maybe Yoga will help“.
I looked at a couple studios but none touched my soul. I came across a groupon to Radiant Hot Yoga and decided to check it out.” I never imagined stepping through Radiant’s doors would be the safe haven I yeared belonging to. Sierra greeted me with her loving smile and immediately I let my guard down. I looked around, I smiled, and whispered “this is my place.” “My soul is here.”
Seven and a half years later Radiant is and always will be my Go To Healing Space. One always knows where we belong.
How has your yoga practice at Radiant Hot Yoga influenced your physical, mental, and emotional well-being?
My Yoga practice at RHY has influenced my physical, mental, and emotional well-being in a way that physically my body feels stronger and healthier. My thoughts are clear, positive, and I smile all the time. Before RHY my mental health status was “shaky” at times. Being surrounded by positive members and a community where you feel inspired, supported, loved and hugs feel real and genuine is not only a blessing but the best medicine one can truly heal from.
Do you have a particularly meaningful yoga pose or sequence? What personal significance does it hold for you?
My meaningful yoga pose is Standing Bow! Standing Bow is significant to me because I find it to be my most challenging pose. The pose drives me to do better, it gives me the “Ump” to never give up on anything I desire to be or do. I love when Miss Darlene and other instructors say, “Stay with It, You got this, leg higher, higher, head up, look at your beautiful eyes in the mirror, go for your goals, dreams, don’t give up, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, you made it!!!” Standing Bow inspires me to be the best I can be. To love myself and release whatever guilt is holding me back from moving forward.
Can you share a memorable moment from a class at Radiant Hot Yoga that has stayed with you?
My memorable moment that has stayed with me happened before class began. I walked into class and Miss Darlene summoned me to the back of the class where she had reserved a space for me. She held my hand and announced to the class that it was my birthday! Oh Gosh! For a minute I was the center of attention. Those who know and cherish Miss Darlene know that when she speaks we pay attention! What a special Moment of attention for me Miss Darlene’s kind words about me touched my heart and to this day I am still touched and grateful for a memorable moment that no one has ever been able to do for me.
How do you weave yoga into your daily life, and how has it impacted your personal and professional relationships?
I weave Yoga into my daily life by utilizing lessons learned during Teacher Training. Teacher Training definitely transformed my life in a way that I no longer carry the load of sorrow and being angry with the past. I learned that forgiveness and letting go happens at any age, young or elderly. Awareness, Letting go and directing my emotions in a positive manner feels like releasing a hump off my back. A hump that controlled my being. lalso weave Yoga poses into my daily mornings when I’m not able to make it to class.
What advice would you offer to someone contemplating starting their yoga journey at Radiant Hot Yoga?
I would advise them to keep an open mind and not give up easily. To give themselves the opportunity to discover a transformation of their body, mind, and spirit. I would advise them to take the Teacher Training Course because midway through the course they will discover the highest level of transformation of themselves
How has being a part of the Radiant Hot Yoga community touched your life beyond the mat?
Being a part of the RHY community has touched my life beyond ways I never imagined it would. It was my destiny to be part of this community. RHY is my home and then some. The instructors are amazing, kind, caring, attentive, respectful, and loving.
RHY isn’t just about lying on my mat. It’s about togetherness. Being like-minded with the RHY community. It’s belonging, and embracing the love coming my way. Feeling free of obstacles that kept me in chains.
Experiencing amazing retreats where one integrates themselves in the culture and restores the mind, body and spirit. I am proud to be a part of a community that shines its light upon my heart. The love and caring I receive from my RHY community is what I have needed for my self-healing. I remain eternally Grateful to my RHY family for their support, love, and Kindness. Namaste!
What elements of the Radiant Hot Yoga community do you find most enriching?
The elements of RHY community I find most enriching are: The Welcoming and support of new students Feeling of Belonging The Support Miss Darlene and staff offer to RHY community Community of caring for others, respect, love, kindness, joy, encouragement and the desire to be a part of RHY.
Reflecting on your journey, how has Radiant Hot Yoga influenced changes in your personal life and outlook?
(Oh Gosh, Tearing up) Reflecting on my journey from almost 8 years ago, RHY restored pieces of a broken lifeless human. Oh the many tears I shed on my mat during my first year of instructors are amazing, kind, caring, attentive, respectful, and loving. RHY isn’t just about lying on my mat. It’s about togetherness. Being like-minded with the RHY community. It’s belonging, and embracing the love coming my way. Feeling free of obstacles that kept me in chains.
Experiencing amazing retreats where one integrates themselves in the culture and restores the mind, body and spirit. I am proud to be a part of a community that shines its light upon my heart. The love and caring l receive from my RHY community is what I have needed for my self-healing. I remain eternally Grateful to my RHY family for their support, love, and Kindness.
Namaste!
