Happy 12th birthday, Evergreen Yoga!
This year we are celebrating our birthday in a unique and special way called celebrate12!
Twelve students will be sharing their yoga stories with you as part of our birthday celebration. Jennie Latta is the first student you’ll hear from (below).
I hope these stories will energize you to keep growing in your yoga practice, to try new things, and see what happens.
If you are just considering how you might begin a practice, experience is the best teacher. I hope you will be inspired to come to class and learn how to practice.
Happy reading!
Jennie Latta
Jennie has been attending the Barefoot Boot Camp classes on Mondays & Thursdays since February 2017. We had fun taking these pictures a few weeks ago. She has been practicing yoga occasionally for about six years, but more intensely for the past two years.
Why did you start yoga? 
I started yoga because it was part of another exercise program that I attended. I started to make it the focus of my exercise when I got to know more about it and the challenges it presents. Although I had been more or less active throughout my adult life, I started daily exercise when I finished chemotherapy in 2013. I practice yoga four to five mornings each week now.
What are the benefits for you – physical AND/OR other benefits?
I don’t always look forward to coming to the mat early in the morning, but I always feel terrific as the hour comes to a close and throughout the day. The benefits of yoga for me include strength, flexibility, balance, confidence, and perseverance.
Do you have a favorite pose?
I really like arm balances and head stands – so inversions (although I’m not a fan of shoulder stand). I’m working on developing more flexibility.
What else would you like to share about yourself?
I was born and raised in Memphis and am 57 years old.
I work as a United States Bankruptcy Judge and an adjunct professor at the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis. In addition to the J.D., I have an M.A. in theology and a Ph.D. in philosophy, which might explain in part why yoga appeals to me.
I am a Benedictine Oblate of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana, and like to sing Gregorian chant. I play bassoon in the Germantown Symphony Orchestra and the Memphis Wind Symphony.
I like to knit — especially socks. I’ve been married to Jim Latta for 38 years. We have five grown children and three grandchildren.
