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7 6 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 9 Deason Art First Friday Show March 1 • Travis Jean Emporium OFFICIAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL ARTIST Dina Deason dina.crownover@gmail.com • 478.737.8213 put, I feel more connected to my body." Another Southern Soul student, Brian Kurtz, began practicing yoga in February 2017 to help with back pain. "I had to try something, since nothing helped long-term for my aching back," he said. "Little did I know how much I would enjoy yoga." His first instructor was in her late 70s: "She was a great inspiration to me, and taught me you can do whatever you set out to do and make your life and body better if you work at it. So, I did just that," Kurtz said. e variety of yoga classes and yogis in Macon might be surprising – we aren't Asheville or San Diego, after all – but one might attribute this diversity to a long, quiet history of yoga in Macon. Local yogis often credit the beloved Molly Martin for bringing the practice to our community more than two decades ago. Macon yoga instructor Ashley Dunwoody began studying yoga with Martin at age 15. Dunwoody recalled her initial impressions of yoga: "I found it incredibly calming, and I loved the physical aspect of it." Dunwoody went on to study under several international yoga masters, and is widely respected for her practice and instruction. No matter what form of yoga one happens upon, Dunwoody said, "dropping into the present moment, connecting to the breath and gently touching with loving kindness the areas of the body that feel tight and bound. is is the heart of the practice." With classes available throughout the day, Sparks and Southern Soul both help support the burgeoning practices of people of all ages and walks of life, and share a vision of making yoga accessible to everyone. Just as the owners of Southern Soul pursue their mission to correct misconceptions of who can practice yoga, Sparks co-owner Megan Carson "strives to create a unique, dynamic and welcoming environment where every level and every body can be inspired and transformed." Namaste, Macon. See you on the mat. "Practicing yoga teaches you how to breathe and how to slow down your heart rate and mind. It can truly be life changing." -Carolyn Reichert JESSICA BROWN AND BRENDA HUTCHESON