Five years ago, I was introduced to yoga most unexpectedly. I traveled to Tennessee for a girls’ getaway to the Isha Foundation, where we signed up for something called Inner Engineering. It was supposed to be a fun trip, something new to learn while spending time together. Little did I know I was about to embark on a journey that would completely shift my perspective on life and myself. When we arrived at Isha, my friend and I were in for quite a surprise as we were asked to eat vegan, refrain from talking at meals, wake up at 5 a.m. for practice, and no alcohol was allowed.
We found ourselves silently laughing in our minimalist white rooms, wondering, What have we gotten ourselves into? It was quiet. Simple. Slow. But as the weekend unfolded, I discovered something far more profound. During my time there, I learned asanas that woke up my body and filled me with inner peace. I realized that yoga was more than just movement. It was about emotional release, curiosity, and reconnecting with myself.
For the first time, I experienced a deeper appreciation for the body that houses my spirit.
When I returned home, I met a beautiful soul who is now my yoga teacher and an inspiration in my life, April Waldrop. She came through a referral from a friend, looking for a space to teach. Today, she offers individual yoga sessions at Torus, creating a supportive community around the practice. At the time, I was going through a life transition, what I like to call my “breaking apart stage.” Fresh from my Isha trip, I was drawn to the way yoga made me feel, and I believed that spirit was guiding me in this direction.
Meeting April felt like divine timing. In my individual sessions with her, I became more attuned to my body. I learned to listen to it, recognize where it held tension, and discover how to surrender and let go. Through movement and breathwork, my mind found quiet, and my body found release. Some days, that release came through tears, other times through shaking or sound. Each pose had its own energy—some brought me strength, while others helped me release the emotional burdens I had been carrying.
Yoga also helped me build confidence.
I could now find myself able to do poses I never thought possible, and each success brought a new sense of inner power. What made it even more powerful was the space April created for me—an environment where I could show up fully, no matter what I was going through. She was present with me, offering encouragement and wisdom, holding space for all I brought into the room.
A form of connection I had not experienced before.
April’s teacher, Tricia Fiske, now works at Torus, offering individual yoga and pranayama classes alongside April. Having both of these incredible teachers in our community is a true blessing. Tricia brings her depth of knowledge and experience, adding a unique layer to the practice. Together, they provide a holistic and nurturing environment for our community to explore yoga, breathwork, and healing.
This practice has allowed me to deepen my connection to myself and recognize that I am a soul in a body. It has taught me to appreciate, nurture, and listen to my body. Yoga has also helped me set boundaries—emotional, physical, and spiritual—while developing compassion for myself. When I notice my body reacting to a trigger, I am now able to pause, respond with grace, and avoid spiraling into old trauma responses. Yoga is now an integral part of my life, and I brought it to Torus to share the power of self-discovery and healing. Sometimes, finding yourself does not just happen in a psychotherapy room—it can begin on the yoga mat.
Written by: Jamie Kruse, LCSW
Experience Yoga at Torus
Individual Sessions with April Waldrop and Tricia Fiske. 30 to 60 minute personalized sessions of movement, breathwork and meditation.
Yoga and Your Mental Health with Jeffrey Erl. A yoga class for beginner’s focusing on mental health and building a yoga practice. Every Saturday at 10am, starting October 12th.
Hormone Yoga Balancing Workshop with Bridgette Shaw-Bane – November 10th at 10am