Name & Hometown: Ruth Bennet -I have lived in Troy since 1982. I was born in Chicago, moved to west Michigan with husband and 3 small children in 1968 – which was a “big culture shock”. We lived out in the country between two small towns. In 1970 when my youngest child started school, it was time for me to explore yoga. I found a class at the Kalamazoo YMCA (25 miles south of where we lived). It was life changing: a wonderful teacher, Jan Bhuyan, who studied with Indra Devi & Sivananda Yoga Center in Quebec- from the very first class I was hooked.
Who or what inspired you to be a yoga instructor? In the late 60’s I read an article about yoga in a Chicago newspaper. It sounded like something I wanted to try.
Describe your style of yoga: My yoga practice has evolved over the 49 years since I began. Now in my early 80’s my practice and classes combine gentle Hatha Yoga with focus on restorative breathing and meditative/relaxation
What’s your favorite yoga pose? Cat/Cow Pose • Bitilasana / Marjaryasana. It brings release to the tightness in my hips and spine.
What brings you to the mat? Knowing I will feel better mentally, physically & emotionally
Do you work for a yoga studio or have a private practice? I teach a Gentle Yoga class at the Troy Community Center on Wednesday mornings, and on Tuesday mornings I have a class in my home for five women I have known for years – its part yoga & part women’s support group.
Discuss how being a member of YAGD has helped you in your yoga career: I joined YAGD just a few months after my husband of 33 years died. I found a wonderful community who supported me in my return to teaching yoga, and have provided continuing education thru workshops, seminars and generous sharing of yoga teaching experiences.
Do you have a favorite yoga story, from your teaching experience? About five years into weekly yoga classes – my teacher greeted me as I entered -“Ruth”, she said “I have a funeral to attend this morning, you can teach the class today – here is the lesson plan”. Thus began my teaching career.
Is there anything else you would like to add? Two of my three children practice yoga. My oldest daughter, Jan started her yoga practice as a teen and has been teaching yoga for many years. When I was visiting her in Denver, I went to her Saturday morning class where the students thanked me for introducing her to yoga, so she could be their teacher.