Yogini of the Month: Maury Sochowski

Maury Sochowski is North Shore Yoga's Yogini of the month for March.

The mother of two from Glenview had some experience with yoga in high school, but really started practicing with Polly Leontis at the Algonquin Park District's "Soaring into the sage years workshop."

Maury is an independent IT consultant and works from home. Of course she spends many hours over a computer and says this combined with demands of consulting have made some not so positive changes in her physically and mentally. "Working on a laptop really caused problems for me. The long hours sitting hunched over my computer really can be bad for your back and neck."

Maury took a yin class with Polly at North Shore Yoga and began participating in NSY workshops such as the 21 day stress reduction challenge. She says the Yoga practices have made a real difference in her life. "I notice how I hold myself and I'm more aware of my body structure. I'm also much more mindful of what causes my stress. I don't think I was before."

Maury applies the practices she has learned every day to help with her stress and other physical symptoms of life. "I want to age well. I feel fortunate and blessed that I have found something that I can use to relieve the stress and the joint pain. During the long hours of work I try to get up and forward fold and use breath practices which calms me down. I have really learned to control stress."

She even applies her Yoga practices to parenting. "Somtimes my kids get a little stressed and I've taught them one to two breathing to help with their emotions." Maury has proven that if we do these ancient practices we can transform our lives. "I try to meditate every day. I also take time to do Asana practice when I get up in the morning. Everything works better for me if I take the time in the morning to do it."

At the beginning of the year Maury did the unlimited practice plan at NSY and feels the difference the increased practice has made in her life. "The whole concept of savasana and meditation is taking time for yourself. You learn to not let life's situations determine how you feel. You don't have control over the situation, but you do have control over your mind."

Congratulations Maury and Namaste!