Guest Spotlight: Anna Connolly
photo credit: Claire Packer
Meet Anna! She is a long-time Flowgi, who also writes & sings her own songs. Learn more about her below :)
What is your current practice like and how does it fit into your daily routine?
Sigh... I cannot tell a lie... My daily practice varies... But at minimum I sit and meditate for even 5 minutes. I do this in the evening, after my shower, in order to continue winding down from my day and clear my mind (or try to!) before going to bed.
What inspires you to practice at Flow?
My practice at Flow is like soothing medicine for my mind, body, and soul. I discovered Flow a number of years ago... Has it been 6 or even 8 years? I immediately fell in love with Flow, and when I would try other places, they didn't measure up for me.... I love the variety of courses and teachers at Flow. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach, which is just great. I can always find a class that fits my mood or physical state... slow or active, hot or not. But what I really love about Flow is the warmth and the welcoming atmosphere. When I enter the stairwell of the P Street location (which is still my favorite!), I immediately feel a sense of calm....
What was your first yoga experience like?
My mom introduced me and my sister to yoga when we were in elementary school! I remember she would have us all do a morning practice together on TV -- it was a practice and show led by Richard Hittlema. (I just googled him, and his practices are on YouTube!) I did gymnastics when I was in elementary school, so I enjoyed yoga right away.
Who are some of your most influential teachers?
The teachers that resonate most with me are Cory, Brittanie, Angela, and Catherine. I was also a big devotee of Shawn Parell's when she still lived and taught here. I will never forget the time I was in her class, and I thought to myself, "I hope Shawn doesn't move away because I love her class so much!" and at the end of the class, she announced she was moving away!
What is something the Flow community may not know about you?
I just released my first record--yes on vinyl (and CD)! A long time ago, when I was a teenager, I was into punk music and the punk scene in DC. I've always had lots of musician friends, but I never thought to play myself. Only after my kids were born did I start taking guitar lessons--but only because I thought I would entertain my kids by playing guitar! They didn't care about that at all, but I liked the guitar, so I kept playing. Eventually I wrote a song, and then some more... I've been playing shows around DC regularly for the last two years, and I just set up my first show in NYC on 1/31.