Have you had the pleasure of meeting Pat?

I remember sharing a class with Pat and feeling inspired to be like her when I ‘grow up’. Since then, I have viewed her as a tree in a forest, only she is planted in our studio. Her roots are deeply connected to our community and her branches unendingly reach out, welcoming new students and familiar faces.

Here, I gained more insights as to what makes Pat stand out.

Jane Morimoto: When did your yoga journey begin?

Pat Blair: I dabbled with yoga off and on in the 80s but didn’t take my first formally trained class until the late 90s. Life has a way of taking us on some detours, but I eventually got back to a more consistent practice, as I tried different locations and explored various styles of yoga.  I finally began taking classes at a club after work from Jennifer Prugh. 

As a former Special Education teacher, I appreciate how necessary yoga is for my mental and physical health. 

JM: What brought you to Breathe Together Yoga?

PB: When Jennifer Prugh shared with me that she was opening Breathe Together, I knew I would be there on day one, which I was. Oh, what a joyous event that was!

JM: How has your practice evolved?

PB: Over the years, with an aging body, injuries, new knees, etc., my practice has evolved and acclimated to my current body conditions. For me, it has been a profound lesson of letting go of what no longer serves me, and embracing what does.

JM: What insights have you gained?

PB: Oh my, so many yoga lessons that I have learned throughout the years!

Yoga, contrary to what many non-yogis often think, is not about being a pretzel. Quite the opposite, as I learned when just dropping into a pose or racing through them. I then suffered the consequences as I tried to look like somebody other than myself.

I found it was instead about conscious, thoughtful movement that integrates the body. It is about balance and breath and staying true to oneself with love and integrity.

JM: How do you continue to challenge yourself?

PB: Yoga, as my body changes, is a challenge unto itself; to keep continually showing up and doing what I can, with appreciation.

I decided to try the Aerial Basics classes a year ago. It was a challenge to get comfortable with doing what was right for me, even though the wise Breathe Together teacher, Sarah Khayat, always says – “If it is not right for your body, don’t do it”. 

I thought I’d learned that lesson about yoga, but this new dimension challenged me to relearn that concept.

JM: What excites you about the Breathe Together community?

PB: I love coming to Breathe each and every day. 

It is a studio with heart, soul, joy, and community. It is filled with caring teachers and friendly students. The beautiful space is filled with smiles, hugs, learning, conversations, and sharing. I feel immensely blessed and fortunate to have Breather Together in my life.