Student Spotlight: June 2020

Daphne Anderson​

"I can carry yoga with me wherever I go."

The Hot Yoga NorthWest community is full of amazing students.
We see it day in and day out.
You show up on your mats to do the work, and that work reflects tenfold out into your lives away from the Studio. 

This month, we are spotlighting one student who truly LIVES Yoga - she infuses it into every part of her life, and you can feel that when she's around.

"Read More" to get to know just how amazing this yogi is!

Check out our Student Spotlight Interview with Daphne below!

What's your favorite color?
Mint

What's your favorite food?
​Indian

How long have you been practicing at Hot Yoga NorthWest?
6 years, but actively practicing the past 18 months

What's your favorite class?
Original Hot Yoga, OHY - Beats, Express Hot Yoga, Hot 26+, Hot Vinyasa, Yin Yoga

What are your roles / hobbies outside of the Studio?
I've been nurse for more than 15 years and my specialty focus is forensic nursing. I sit the on the Medical Forensic Board for the Oregon State Attorney General's Office Medical and am a statewide instructor for our states forensic nursing program. I also work part-time at the Washington State School for the Blind. Currently, I am in business school and getting ready to complete my first term as an MBA candidate! Prior to that I lived an worked in NYC and was a shoe designer. Steve Madden was my first employer! The Wolf Of Wallstreet is actually a very realistic movie! I love my husband, Ben, affectionally called Bengineer (as he is an engineer), fur mama to Apple the Pacific Northwest Pug, auntie to my nieces and nephews, wanna be gardener and flower lover. Love to cook, entertain, travel and explore.

How did you discover the Studio?
I found an ad on Groupon - wonderful foray into the world of Hot Yoga!

Do you remember your first class? Tell us about it.
The first time I tried hot yoga, I wasn't into it. The intensity of the heat was very overwhelming and I was really insecure and intimidated. I wanted to love it I even bought a membership for a year and never went, not once. True story. I took the Hot Plus 26 seminar with Adi Westerman in the spring of 2019 and that was a deal breaker! It was the only time I had tried any other style of yoga. I cannot express how important it is to experiment with different styles. It's only enhanced my hot yoga practice. I was inspired during this time as well. Rachel and Nancy were taking instructor training in BC, their passion and commitment to the sport and philosophy of yoga was very humbling.

What made you decide to first come practice at Hot Yoga NorthWest?
Interest, curiosity. I wanted to know what the buzz about hot yoga was!

What's the biggest benefit / obstacle you've experienced or overcome since practicing at Hot Yoga NorthWest?
One benefit has been learning so many different styles of yoga. My favorite style is Hot + 26 and express Hot Yoga. But, with Vinyasa being newer to the studio, I'm really enjoying that style as well. The biggest benefit are the instructors and students. Nothing but uplifting, positive, people. I look forward to upcoming events, challenging myself physically, and being part of one of the coolest groups of people in Vancouver. If you want a judgement free, encouraging atmosphere where you can do meditative, physical, and emotional work in hot room with support from one of many highly trained and motivating teachers - please come!

Why Yoga?
I can carry yoga with me wherever I go. Whether it's the physical challenge of the practice, the commitment, the mental work, the pride I share of being a part of a collective community at Hot Yoga Northwest. It's a big collection that comes to the yoga mat!

What advice would you give a new student at the Studio?
Just try a class. You'll be surprised at the many benefits you encounter from just one class! There are so many different types of yoga classes available now. I still feel like an imposter and a poser. Through corona I was a slacker, but I know I will always have yoga to go back to.

Tell us why you love Hot Yoga NorthWest?
I feel like I belong to something that makes me a better person. I'm respected and accepted. I am challenged and I am cheered. No matter my progress, I always have a spot In the room.

Daphne, 
Thank you so much for sharing some of your story with our community!
You are such an important, loved member of the HYNW Tribe.
You have a heart of gold and we are so happy you are HERE!
- The HYNW Team
​🔥🔥