Marsha is going to be hosting a Yoga Retreat in Mexico at Xinalani, on March 5-12, 2011, where she will incorporate a fusion of travel adventure, wellness and good karma.
Xinalani: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview with us and allowing our readers to learn more about you and your upcoming yoga retreat. How did you find out about Xinalani Retreat and why was it important to you to bring your group to our retreat in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta?
Marsha: I was introduced to Xinalani , Yoga Spa Retreat, by an email from Jean-Baptiste. I found it very intriguing and so my husband and I went on an adventure to check it out. What we found was a magical oasis and we spent four days in paradise decompressing from the busyness of life. A desire was sparked to share this place with my students and a retreat was booked. Jean-Baptiste and Ana Paula were such gracious hosts and Shakti nurtured us with her wonderful healthy cuisine. The staff and the people in the village next door made us feel so welcomed. I can’t wait to return.
Xinalani: How did you move into practicing Yoga from being a Personal Trainer?
Marsha: I attended a personal training conference and signed up for a yoga class. It was eye opening and love at first down dog. Well, maybe not love at first, it was more like shock. I had no idea how stiff I had become from western fitness. This peaked my interest and woke me up to the fact that I needed yoga to balance out my physical body. From that experience I begin to seek out a teacher to study with and attended a yoga conference in 1997 where I found John Friend and the newly formed Anusara yoga. I signed up for his teacher training the next year and that was the day my life began to shift in a very transformational way. I was drawn to yoga for the physical benefits and had no idea how
much it would enhance all dimensions of my life.
Xinalani: You have been a student of John Friend for many years. How has he impacted your training, your teaching and your life?
Marsha: Wow, I could write a book on how he has impacted my life , but I will try to shorten my answer. I was fortunate to begin studying with John in the early days of Anusara. In those days I had the opportunity to attend many trainings and retreats that were small and intimate and we had such close contact with John. I treasure that time and all I learned from him. As he has evolved and Anusara has grown in size, I am still inspired by his capacity to continue to guide us all to a higher level. Every time I leave one of his trainings I am so on fire to continue my study of yoga and refine my teaching skills. He is a great motivator and has high standards for Anusara yoga teachers. I like lining up with the life enhancing philosophy he teaches. Not only am I inspired in my teaching but knowing him has taught me to be a better person. John has also helped me personally during some difficult times in my life and I am forever grateful for his love and support.
Xinalani: What was the reason you opened Fusion Studio and why did you chose the name and warehouse space it is in?
Marsha: Prior to opening my studio in 2000, I was quite nomadic. I taught yoga at several locations and still did in-home personal training. I felt scattered and drained and decided it was time to land and put down some roots. I found this cool, old warehouse built in the 1800’s with giant wood beams, original maple floors, brick walls and lots of natural sunlight. It was perfect! Then I began the search for a name and while digging in the thesaurus I came across “Fusion; to unite or blend into a whole”. I thought this was in line with what yoga so gracefully offers us. The ability to unite our mind , body and spirit. But also I wanted Fusion to be a place where people could come together and unite hearts and help make the community and world a better place.
Fusion Studio is a beautiful oasis but more importantly it is a bright, loving community of inspiring and diverse students and teachers; a group of people committed to illuminating not just our individual selves, but also the community around us. In the 10 years of Fusion’s existence, I have witnessed minds open, bodies transform, hearts soften , healing occur and relationships grow. Fusion has been voted the last 3 years in a row as “Best Yoga Studio in Eastern Iowa”.
We did have a major challenge in 2008 when our city was hit by a horrible flood that wiped out our downtown businesses for a 10 block radius. The river rose 33 ft out of it’s banks and Fusion was filled with 6 feet of sludge and contaminated water. I lost everything. It was such a devastating time for our city. Some of my students lost their homes and their businesses. Luckily with the help my students I found a temporary place to teach within one week we were back up and on our mats. Thankfully , the Anusara greater community came to my rescue and I was flooded with love and support from studios around the country. They sent yoga props, financial aid and cards of encouragement. Because of their love and generosity I was able to rebuild my studio in the original space, and even better than before.
The entire ordeal made our local community much closer. I am forever grateful to John Friend and the amazing Anusara kula for being my life raft.
Xinalani: Tell us about your classes?
Marsha: I love to inspire my students to explore their full potential and try to teach my classes in a very uplifting, empowering and supportive manner. My classes are a fusion of playfulness, community connection and attention to detailed alignment. I have extensive experience in the therapeutic aspects of yoga and am committed to helping others in their healing process. I am genuinely dedicated to my students and incredibly grateful to each one, for they teach me so much about my own journey and the beauty of life.
Xinalani: Many people who have never experienced Yoga are often afraid to try it or feel that they may be too weak or undisciplined to do it, or possibly for medical reasons, they are unsure it is right for them. Tell us of a situation or two where someone who had one of these concerns, joined one of your classes?
Marsha: I tell people that if you can breathe then you can do yoga. One of my teachers, Betsey Downing once said, “You don’t need to be flexible or strong to do yoga, just conscious.”Anusara is so inclusive, anyone can do it. I have students of all ages , shapes, sizes and abilities. It is my personal mission to make them all feel comfortable, capable , worthy and acknowledged.
Xinalani: What is your mantra today?
Marsha: Our challenges are our greatest gifts.
Xinalani: If you could change one thing about your past life, what would it be?
Marsha: I wish I would have found yoga earlier.
Xinalani: What is your main goal for the next year ahead?
Marsha: To continue educating, inspiring and encouraging more people through Anusara yoga. To play more and cultivate and nurture my creative side.
Xinalani: What will you be doing with your group during your Yoga Retreat in Mexico to connect with the local community?
Marsha: We will be gathering the local school children of Quimixto for a Mexico Yoga party and gifting them with books and school supplies. On my last visit we had a brief encounter with these lovely children and they made such a lasting impression on me that I made up my mind when I returned I wanted to do something to enhance their lives.
Xinalani: If you could spread your love of life with the world, what advice would you give from your own personal experience?
Marsha: Lawrence Le Shan said “ Don’t worry about what the world wants from you, worry about what makes you come more alive. Because what the world really needs are people who are more alive.” Find something you love to do and dive in. Don’t wait for someone to give you permission to enjoy your life, seek joy daily in the little and big moments.
Xinalani: Is there anything you wish to share with our readers that we have not covered?
Marsha: I am so looking forward to returning to Xinalani and sharing it with others. I am also anxious to see everyone! LIFE IS GOOD... and then I get to do yoga in paradise,,, ahhhhhh....even better.
Xinalani: Thank you so much Marsha and we are so excited to see you again in March!
