My name is Marlo Ziegler: I was born in Royal Oak and I now reside in Waterford since 2004, with my Husband Troy, and our 3 children.
I first came to yoga while I was managing and apprenticing at a Tattoo shop in Berkley. A regular client of ours, whose mother owned the YogaChi Studio in Birmingham, was looking for part-time counter help. I felt the call for change, & decided to apply for the position. While working at the yoga studio the owner, my teacher Linda Kay, asked if I wanted to join the RYT200 training. Since I had no prior experience this would allow for a clean slate (or, fewer bad habits: lol ) for her to work with. I can still hear my Dad saying, “Go for it Mar, I’ll even pay”.
So I did: I signed up for the Teacher Training. But, I was not in the right headspace: heavy smoker, meat eater, partier, so I was not open to fully taking in all that was being offered. I am proud to say this non-smoking, non-partying, vegan has come a long way, I am proud of the Teacher I have become. Thanks Dad for the push.
I do remember my first class, Ashtanga Primary Series. The sun salutations alone were enough to kick my butt, but what stood out was the calmness in the students around me. While I was sweating, trying to catch my breath, everyone else was at ease. I remember going in to Supta Padangusthasana A, knee bent, back and head crunched up, hamstrings screaming and the woman next to me went to enter Supta Padangusthasana B, dropped her foot right on my chest and flattened me like a rolling pin. It’s a story I still share to this day with new students.
After the training ended, I found out I was pregnant with my first daughter. We decided to move away from our current area to Waterford, finding a cute little home across from a lake and down the street from my children’s soon to be elementary and middle school. While pregnant I started practicing regularly at the Waterford Parks & Rec. This is when I fell in love with Yoga. Feeling my body and mind change from moment to moment gave me power and a calm I’ve never felt.
So much of my life was changing, and Yoga put me in touch with my inner being. I started to immerse myself in everything yoga. Eventually becoming an RYT200 school in 2011, with the opening of Chela Yoga LLC in 2012, just after the birth of my 3rd child.
Chela is still open, just in a new location at 72 N. Williams Lk, Waterford 48327.
In Spring of 2020 as the world shut down, I registered for my RYT300 with Asheville Yoga Center where I entered the most amazing ‘Ala Cart’ Yoga teacher training program via zoom. Live, professional, highly educated teachers from around the world came together to answer all my questions. I was eager and excited to be in the classroom again.
My studies focused mainly on therapeutic, trauma-based healing modalities for aging and injured bodies, including mindfulness meditation, chakra work and addiction.
I teach daily at Chela Yoga, a free style sort of practice. I enjoy teaching a mixed level class meant for all bodies and abilities, to practice together. Modifications and mindfulness are at the heart of each class: it’s important for each student to be seen and heard, not just placed in a one size fits all practice.
I’ve pondered on the question of what asana is my favorite, and to be honest I can’t pick. Each time I step onto my mat, my body and mind feels so different, picking one pose is too difficult. I will say any movement that helps release my Psoas is my jam right now. It’s something I incorporate into all my practices these days.
Karma Yoga is also a large part of my practice, from teaching free classes at the surrounding schools, girls scout troops, community centers, to fundraising for nonprofits, to adopting a road under Chela Yoga’s name, to starting a community garden with all produce going to a local food bank. I am grateful to be a part of my community where I have seen my kids grow and prosper. I am grateful to have touched so many hearts, and have had them also touch mine. I am grateful to the YAGD for housing a safe space, for keeping Yoga’s traditions alive, honest and meaningful. I’m honored to be a part of this group, and I’m honored to have been chosen as Member of the Month. I appreciate all of you and I look forward to growing as a community.