ERICA MONROE

Erica Monroe

E-RYT 200, YACEP, Certified Yin Teacher, Certified Reiki Master Teacher, Hot Asana Yoga University Faculty

December 2008 I took my very first yoga class, I still remember where my mat was placed, what I was wearing, the feel of the room, and the Savasana, even though I had no clue then what Savasana was or what I was doing the other 80 minutes of class. I didn’t take my first class for any major reason other than my friend Paula kept asking or telling me to give it a try. Paula would tell me that yoga would make me feel good, I was unaware that felt bad. So I finally went and took my first class with Virginia Gallagher. It was amazing, like I said I had no clue what was happening but I loved it. The Savasana, the part were we lay down for 10 minutes with a lavender cloth and receive a massage, that is when I knew I would be back. I don’t like to admit to myself that I have Attention Deficit Disorder, most of my life I considered it a super power that my brain moved extra fast. My brain was always on, I was always on. Until, Savasana. The perfect combination of heat, music, and a vinyasa class ending with Savasana helped me find the first quiet moment that I have possibly ever felt. It was euphoric, yet peaceful and foreign. The foreign sensation didn’t bother me to much as I begin to practice regularly 3 times a week. I was addicted, chasing the 10 minutes of freedom at the end of every class while getting stronger, more flexible and Hot Asana became my second home. 2014 I signed up to attend Hot Asana Yoga University's 200 hour teacher training, Which has been one of the best decisions of my life. During Teacher Training, Reiki was discussed and I was interested in knowing more. About six months later there was a flyer, a yellow flyer with information about an upcoming Reiki level 1 Certification. I was so excited and called Dana Preshous to sign up. She was beyond lovely and asked if I have ever had a session. Nope, I have not. Dana said I should have a session before class started, which I thought was a good idea myself. My first Reiki session only confirmed that I knew I wanted to learn more about Reiki and become a Reiki Practitioner. Once again, I found quiet, peace, and a relaxation that was unworthy of words. I became a Reiki 1 Practitioner, a year later Reiki 2, and level 3 the following year, all of which I took from Dana Preshous. Then, I was fortunate enough to apprentice under Dana for a year and a half to become a Certified Reiki Master Teacher. Yoga and Reiki were 2 things I didn’t know much about but wanted to try. I will always be grateful to Paula for suggesting yoga, Virginia for training me and introducing the word Reiki, and Dana for seeing who I am. Because of them, and many others I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I am humbled to teach along side my teachers but I will always remain a student.