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<strong><em>The Yoga Sanctuary:</em></strong> Can you tell us a little about yourself?

<strong><em>Diane Smolen: </em></strong>Talking about myself does not come naturally. I arrived in Florida following retirement from a career in Michigan where I had earned a PhD at Michigan State University. Several years were spent working at Lansing Community College, where I met and married my husband, Chuck Bettinson. I went on to work for the Department of Education, State of Michigan. There I was involved in developing, implementing and then directing a number of different programs with state wide scope, responsibility and high visibility.

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Chuck and I have a son, Tim Bettinson. Tim, and Margo Schwarberg, own and operate an independent restaurant in the suburbs of Cincinnati. Both have had long careers in the restaurant business.

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Two of my proudest undertakings have been sharing my life with the Bettinsons and my educational attainment.

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<strong><em>TYS: </em></strong>When and why did you first start yoga?

<strong><em>DS: </em></strong>Yoga for me began 5 years ago at our very own Yoga Sanctuary. At the end of a lengthy rehabilitation period following major back surgery that fused the last two vertebrae of my lumbar region, the therapist suggested I try some form of exercise that would be a bit kinder to my body. At that time, I was willing to try anything. I had already had a hip replacement and was faced with giving up many of the activities that I loved – long walks, running, working with my performance dogs and competing with my dogs in canine agility.

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I attended a Yoga Sanctuary Open House, bought a mat and a strap and signed up! Margit helped me through my orientation session. I even wrote down all the props I would need for my first gentle yoga class. I wasn’t certain I would remember them and Margit had shown me how to use them safely.

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Since that time every class, every instructor, every gentle correction has been a positive and life changing experience.

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<strong><em>TYS: </em></strong>What are the greatest benefits of practicing yoga?

<strong><em>DS: </em></strong>I love my yoga practice for many reasons. I’ve strengthened my spine, back and leg muscles and my balance has improved. I learn something about myself and my body with every session. I have learned to quiet my mind and be still. I have learned what it means to be present even though I still find it a challenge to achieve. Yoga has helped me strive to be a better person. My life is much richer as a result of yoga.

<strong><em>TYS: </em></strong>What is your favorite yoga pose and why?

<strong><em>DS: </em></strong>Downward facing dog is my favorite yoga pose as it stretches my back and my hamstrings, two of my tightest areas and reminds me to re-establish my breath

<strong><em>TYS: </em></strong>Do you have a favorite book or quote that you would like to share?

<strong><em>DS: </em></strong>Several years ago in a gentle yoga class and then later in a meditation class, Melissa taught us a mantra that I have come to use almost daily.

May I be safe,

May I be happy,

May I be healthy,

May I dwell in peace.

I have added - with acceptance and understanding for all.