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Health & Fitness

Roots Instructor in the Spotlight

Monique Hanafin first became interested in yoga while still in high school.

"I enjoyed the physical practice of yoga, and would do on demand yoga workouts. When I went off to college, I had a Denise Austin power yoga DVD that I would do in my dorm room," she said.

After her freshman year in college, Hanafin decided to take her first live yoga class, which happened to present itself at the perfect time.

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"It had been an emotional year for me. My cousin, Renee, who is my favorite person in the whole world, died suddenly and I wasn't acting or feeling like myself," she said.

In her very first class, Hanafin felt she had found something special. She enjoyed the class so much that she told her friends she hoped to one day become an instructor.

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"I loved the heat, the workout, the breathing and how happy and energized I felt. After that first yoga class, I was the happiest I had been since Renee's death," she said.

Emotional healing hasn't been the only thing that yoga has helped Hanafin with. Diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) at 22 months of age, the doctors told her parents their daughter could end up in a wheelchair. Hanafin not only beat the odds, but went on to lead a normal and very active childhood. Despite constant joint pain and swelling, she was a three season athlete for all fours year of high school.

"I have arthritis in my ankles, knees, hips, left wrist, right elbow, jaw and neck. I keep the inflammation under control by following a healthy diet and staying active," she said.

Practicing yoga has helped Hanafin maintain a strong, flexible and balanced body while also alleviating pressure on her joints.

"Moving is the best thing you can do to prevent stiffness. I read somewhere that stress is the leading cause of disease, and stress absolutely worsens RA symptoms. Yoga reduces stress greatly, helping to keep RA symptoms at bay," she said.

When asked what poses present a challenge, Hanafin replied, "Chaturanga (high to low pushups) and arm balances are definitely more of a challenge. Because of yoga, I have learned to not compare myself to others and to listen and respect my body for what it can do," she said.

In December 2010, Hanafin received an email about a yoga teacher training for children.

"I instantly knew I wanted to do it because it combined my love for kids and yoga," she said.

After two gratifying years of teaching yoga to children, Hanafin was ready to take the next step and go for her 200-hour yoga teacher training certification. For those who are reluctant to try yoga, Hanafin suggests the buddy system.

"If you are nervous, you will feel more comfortable if you try it with a loved one. Even though we lived in three separate towns, I picked up two of my friends for my first class so that we could all go together!" she said.

Hanafin doesn't believe one has to be fit, thin or flexible in order to try yoga.

"Yoga is a practice and a journey. You learn not to compare yourself to others, because it works for all different body types," she said.

Though flexibility and being tone are definitely yoga positives, Hanafin has found the practice to offer mental and spiritual benefits.

Said Hanafin, "Because of yoga, I have learned that there is power in positivity. It has helped me to see myself, my path, and my life in a different light, and have a better understanding about the challenging and difficult events of my past. I’ve learned to tap into my intuition, listen to my gut feeling, and follow my bliss. Your purpose is to be happy. From there, expansion and everything you’ve been asking for is inevitable. Find happiness first."

Monique Hanafin's favorite pose, especially for stiff necks: Rag doll (also known as Uttanasana): Feet hip width apart, fold forward from hips, opposite hand to opposite elbow, let head hang heavy. Benefits: releases tension in your neck, upper back and shoulders, calms nervous system, centers your body and mind all while getting a great stretch in the hamstrings.

For information on classes and upcoming workshops, please visit:
Roots Yoga 
220 Cambridge St.
Burlington, MA 01887
(781)272-YOGA
www.myrootsyoga.com www.facebook.com/rootsyogaburlington
rootsyogaburlington@gmail.com

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