Maggie Metzinger

RYT 500, Yoga Therapist

• Tell us, when did your mind-body first bend or move you to it's will?   Although I’d explored the chakras and energetic philosophy in the ‘90s, it was 2000 before I investigated the physical practice of yoga. A consistent traditional Hatha yoga practice helped facilitate healing from surgery and an auto accident. What started out as a means of physical therapy has become a life-long adventure.
• Besides your obvious coolness, what makes you so qualified to teach?  Yoga Geek that I am, I have multiple certifications.
  • Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, RYT 500
  • Registered Yoga Therapist, International Association of Yoga Therapists (also considered an additional 300 hours through Yoga Alliance)
  • Certified Teacher, Traditional Hatha Yoga, Ranjana Pallana, mentor
  • Certified Teacher Adaptive Yoga, for students with MS, Parkinson’s and similar special needs.
  • Certified Teacher, Relax and Renew Restorative Yoga
  • Radiant Child, I and II
  • Fitness Certifications, Sara City Workout, I and II
  • I have been blessed to attend workshops with the following Master Teachers:  Seane Corn, Tim Miller, David Swenson, Gary Kraftsow, Judith Lasater, Ananda Yogis Diksha and Gyandev McCord, Rod Stryker, Shiva Rea, Brian Kest, Irene Beer, Ted Surman, Wade Morrisette and Shakta Kaur Khalsa. 
  • (ed. and practiced in the same room as yours truly ... which should probably be at the top of this list)
• What other things are you qualified to do?   I have a BA in Journalism/Marketing from the University of North Texas. I’m a First Dan Black Belt in American Karate (believe it or not, there are many commonalities to yoga). I’m a Master Facilitator of Usui Reiki, an ancient Japanese method of natural healing. I love to dig in the dirt so much that I became a certified Denton County Master Gardener. Yoga in the garden – now THAT’S heaven!
• What can we expect to see, hear and do in your classes?   Have fun! Life is serious enough so it’s helpful to have a playful approach to self-discovery. My goal is to provide an environment where yogis can challenge yet nurture themselves, find joy in their practice and patience in their hearts. I also believe in the shared sacredness of chanting, and have been known to break out in a smile and an OM in the beginning, middle and/or end of class. I must also confess that I am an alignment geek. The human body is the most incredible machine – really, in all of mankind’s brilliance, could we ever make a machine as exquisite as us? (Nah, I doubt we can top the Maker’s work.) So, while you are busy challenging yourself, and/or honoring yourself by backing off, you will hear lots of alignment-based quips to help you on your way.
• What pose/move do you dig the most and why?  There are so many! Can I have two favorites? I have two….Hanuman (splits) and Eka Pada Urdva Dhanurasana (one legged wheel). Why? They require a unique combination of opening yet engaging the body, they open the mind and heart, and require faith to explore. Says it all!
• If you could push a button and remove a pose/move from history, which one and why?  While I wouldn’t want it removed from history, Navasana (boat) is my least favorite posture. Previous injuries and surgeries make this asana a practice in patience and metta – loving kindness. Like eating your vegetables as a kid (before they become so yummy), I try to get my daily dose of Navasana in and pretend I like it.
• Like, what's your sign man?  Totally Pisces! (ed. like half of us)
• What are 3 things that make you smile real big and cheesy?
  • My incredible family
  • Digging my toes in the sand in Virginia Beach
  • Pass-along Gardening…sharing plants with fellow gardeners (ed. yes, yes, yes ... we do like this)
• What is your favorite quote when you're in need of a little inspiration?  Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right. Henry Ford’s reply when he was ridiculed for endeavoring to create a horseless carriage.
• If you could do anything to change the world, what would it be?  Encourage daily Savasana. Not naps. Savasana.
• Any other interesting information you would like to share with the nice people reading this here Bio?   Gardening tidbit: The lotus needs two things before it can bloom: sunlight light on its face and muddy, mucky water for its roots. Without one or the other, it’s just another Lily pad in the pond. We are like that; to thrive, we need the experience of both in order to blossom. (ed. so, I'm okay with the sun part of the analogy ... what part of me is supposed to be in the mud?)