Allison Bender
she/her | Member since 4/29/2023
I have been doing yoga for more than half my life! I had started approaching the physical practice of yoga as an adolescent with my mom and her Rodney Yee VHS tapes. I found my breath practice in yoga later on when I began practicing on my own, guided by sequence books and going at my own pace. I’ve learned so many poses along the way, and anjaneyasana has been a long time favorite of mine. I always want to stay longer there!
I joined Inner Fire in June 2023 after I decided to join the yoga teacher training program that fall; my home practice needed a pick-me-up if I was going to take a deep dive into yoga teacher training! I aim to have yoga and mindfulness support other clinical modalities I use in my psychotherapy practice.
Coming to Inner Fire is a breath of fresh air! Being a psychotherapist means I sit all day and connect with people who need help with their emotional pain. After a work day, I appreciate being welcomed, cared for, and connected to staff, teachers, and fellow yogis at the studio. I don’t have to provide for anyone; I get to receive! Yoga has helped my overactive nervous system, transitioning out of the work day, and getting back into my own body’s experience. Yoga is medicine for neck and shoulder tension that leads to headaches and migraines. The relief I get from the heat is unparalleled to previously doing yoga at home; I haven’t looked back since joining.
Victoria’s soothing presence is worth getting up for a Saturday morning practice! She helps demystify arm balances that I previously thought were unreachable, and I can tell that I’m growing with her guidance. Jane’s presence is so calm after a Monday; I am so inspired by her teaching as she is feeling each pose so deeply that she looks meditative. Every time I catch the “double feature” with Anne, Tuesday evening Hot 60 and a quick turn around for the early morning Wednesday Power Flow, I feel invincible! She is helping me build strength every time and a lot of mental toughness along the way. I am learning that I need more Yin in my life and on the mat, so embracing release is my next chapter in yoga!