member spotlight – Alison Valentine
Grace, Growth, and the Quiet Strength of Practice
At Prana Yoga Center, our community is the heart of everything we do—and there are some members who leave a lasting imprint on the studio with their presence, dedication, and quiet wisdom. One of those members is Alison Valentine.
Alison’s yoga journey began over 20 years ago, in a small loft studio on Cedar Street in St. Charles. It was the early 2000s, and she was in the midst of raising twin toddler boys—caught in the whirlwind of motherhood and searching for stillness.
“I was desperate to find some stillness in my mind and body,” Alison recalls. “Louise was my teacher, and I was hooked the moment I met her. She was gentle and kind and gave me the foundation to build my poses without judgment.”
That first class was more than a workout—it was an invitation into a new way of being. Over the years, yoga has become an anchor for Alison: a reliable source of calm, clarity, and confidence amid the natural ebb and flow of life.
“Yoga is a practice. Practice builds good habits and requires patience. Every time you’re on the mat is different—so let go of the judgment and just be. The same is true for daily life.”
Yoga as a Compass in Challenging Times
When life feels overwhelming, Alison turns to the mat—not just for movement, but for a deeper reconnection with herself.
“Walking into Prana immediately puts me at ease,” she says. “I enter with an open mind and trust that whatever the teacher brings to me is what I need in the moment.”
This sense of surrender, of trust in both the teacher and the practice, is part of what has kept her coming back to Prana for over two decades. Despite a full schedule, Alison finds ways to carve out time for yoga—because she knows firsthand the profound effect it has on her mental and physical well-being.
“I squeeze in as many classes as possible with my busy schedule, and I never regret being there. Yoga buzz is a real thing!” she laughs.
Off the Mat and Into the World
For Alison, yoga doesn’t end when class is over. Its teachings ripple into the rest of her life in subtle but powerful ways.
“Yoga is a practice. Practice builds good habits and requires patience,” she explains. “Every time you’re on the mat is different—so let go of the judgment and just be. The same is true for daily life.”
This mindset—of curiosity instead of criticism, presence instead of pressure—has helped Alison navigate life with more grace and self-compassion. “We never know what each day will bring, so lean in and move through it as gracefully as possible,” she says. “Remembering to breathe and let go of all the internal noise has been extremely helpful in my daily life.”
A Healthier Body, A Stronger Voice
Yoga has had a transformative impact on Alison’s health—not just physically, but in how she communicates about her body and its needs.
“I’ve learned to really stop and listen to my body,” she says. “Yoga has given me the confidence to be proactive when I speak to my doctors and trust my instincts.”
This confidence shows up in her relationships, too. She’s more grounded, more open, and more comfortable having honest conversations—with herself and others.
“I’m not afraid to question, research, or talk to others about my health journey,” Alison shares. “Yoga has changed my life in so many ways.”
An Invitation to Pause
Alison’s story is a beautiful reminder that yoga doesn’t require you to be perfect, flexible, or have it all together. It simply asks you to show up.
It’s about carving out moments of stillness in a noisy world. It’s about noticing your breath, your body, your emotions—and meeting them with curiosity instead of criticism. And, as Alison has shown us, it’s about carrying those moments with you into the rest of your life.
We’re so grateful to have Alison as part of our Prana community—her warmth, wisdom, and authenticity are a gift to everyone who practices alongside her.
Next time you’re on the mat, take a page from Alison’s practice:
Come with an open mind.
Trust what’s offered.
We’d love to hear from you! ✨ What’s your favorite aspect of yoga that you carry into your everyday life? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we can’t wait to read your stories and connect with you!