Dragonfly Yoga: Flexing the Mind, Body, and Spirit
By Bruce Collier March 13, 2003 Issue

Yoga is commonly perceived to be a route to relaxation and spiritual serenity, but Dragonfly Yoga Studies owner/instructor Laura Tyree’s introduction to yoga was anything but stress-free. Injured in college, she developed chronic back problems, and turned to the centuries-old discipline as a kind of therapy.

“I didn’t want to go the medical route,” she says, “and yoga was actually cheaper.” So in 1987 she began working with Jan Campbell, a highly respected instructor. Two “painful, exhausting” but productive years later, Campbell offered Tyree work as a substitute instructor. In 1990 she made the acquaintance of another master practitioner, San Francisco-based instructor Rodney Yee, whom she credits with having had the most influence on her approach to yoga. Yee still lends his knowledge and expertise, and the two continue to communicate. Tyree gratefully credits numerous other yoga teachers with her current success.

Dragonfly Yoga Studies now has two studios, one in Destin and the newest, freshly completed studio in Fort Walton Beach.

Both studios are similarly spare, clean and simply furnished. Shoes are left at the door. Soothing music and the sound of water gently flowing create a space of calm. Cabinets line the walls, for storage of mats. Students furnish their own mats, or can purchase one from Dragonfly. Students have a variety of choices, yoga not being limited to one style. In fact, Tyree routinely interviews prospective students as to lifestyle, habits, general medical history and physical limitations before recommending which kind of yoga would be most suitable.

Choices include the “foundation” Asana, which emphasizes correct form and alignment and prepares the practitioner for other forms of yoga. Vinyasa, favored by athletes, develops stamina, balance and flexibility. Ashtanga relieves stress and tones the body. Also offered is a “gentle” class for those seeking to unwind, and “whole-birth yoga,” intended to strengthen and relax expectant mothers.

Four levels, of increasing complexity and proficiency keep the students moving forward, though Tyree emphasizes the process rather than the end result: “there is no finish line.” Interestingly, there are no mirrors in the studios. The instructors, who check students for form and offer advice and structure, do the only observation. “Some of the students are fairly driven people,” observes Tyree.

The origins of yoga are disputed. One theory finds its origin in Tibet, some 5000 years ago. Yoga has flourished in India for 1000 years, where it has become deeply entrenched in Hinduism. What attract most to the discipline, according to Tyree, are its physical and stress-relieving properties. As is the case with many fields of knowledge, the ranks of yoga instructors do contain their share of unqualified or under-qualified instructors, she adds. Tyree herself has complied with the certified instructor standards of the Yoga Alliance, a kind of watchdog organization dedicated to articulating and maintaining quality standards and practices.

“Eventually the Alliance standards will be the standards everyone will follow,” she commented.

The interview continues at a nearby café. Two freelance instructors, Amy Likins and Bridgette Lowe, stop by for coffee and a chat. Both teach at Dragonfly. Tyree cherishes their contributions.

“They’re essential people. I’m always learning from them, and from others. I meet people every day in incredible life circumstances, overcoming challenges.”

Though benefits commonly occur within a short time after classes begin, “Yoga instructors aren’t gurus or sages. We don’t fix people. We provide them with information and a means to help themselves, to gain a deeper understanding of themselves.” The physical benefits are not to be discounted, either. “Yoga stimulates the whole body, keeps you young.” Tyree laughs: “I still get carded.”

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