Member Spotlight: Darlene Naglich
15 Years of Movement, Connection, and the Joy of Coming Back
For more than 15 years, Darlene Naglich has been a familiar and welcoming presence at Prana Yoga Center in Geneva, Illinois. Whether attending her favorite classes, exploring a new workshop, or connecting with fellow members, Darlene brings curiosity, enthusiasm, and a genuine love of movement to her practice.
A retired teacher, lifelong learner, outdoor enthusiast, and soon-to-be grandmother, Darlene embodies something we deeply value at Prana: wellness is an ongoing journey of discovery, connection, and growth.
Recently, that journey took an unexpected turn when an injury forced her to step away from the practice and community she loves.
Her experience has given her a renewed appreciation for the strength we build, the movement we sometimes take for granted, and the people who make Prana feel like home.
A Place to Unwind, Recharge, and Reconnect
For Darlene, coming to Prana has never felt like something she has to do. It's something she genuinely looks forward to.
After more than 15 years of classes and workshops, she continues to find joy in the experience.
“As soon as I step through the doors at Prana, I always feel as if a weight has been lifted off me,” she shares.
That feeling of relief, along with the anticipation of having an hour dedicated entirely to herself, has kept her returning almost daily over the years.
For Darlene, the benefits extend well beyond physical movement. Prana offers her an opportunity to release stress, quiet anxious thoughts, reconnect with friends, and simply be present.
And after all these years, that feeling hasn't faded.
When Movement Is Suddenly Taken Away
This past May, while vacationing, Darlene experienced an unexpected setback. A fall resulted in a broken collarbone, requiring seven weeks of immobilization while the bone healed.
During that time, she developed frozen shoulder, a painful condition that limits shoulder movement.
For someone accustomed to an active lifestyle and regular yoga practice, the experience was particularly challenging.
“This truly gives meaning to the phrase ‘Use it or lose it,’” Darlene reflects.
But the physical limitations were only part of what she found difficult.
She missed the familiar rhythm of coming to Prana. She missed her teachers, catching up with friends, and sharing those small but meaningful moments of connection before and after class.
“Prana has always been a huge part of my equation for good health and wellbeing,” she explains.
Being away reminded her that Prana was more than a place to exercise. It was part of her everyday life and a community she deeply valued.
Rediscovering Strength, One Movement at a Time
After three months away, Darlene finally returned to Prana.
And the feeling?
Liberating.
She was grateful to walk through those familiar doors again, reconnect with friends, and gradually return to the movement she loves.
Although her recovery continues through physical therapy and modified movement, she has discovered a new appreciation for what her body can do.
“I never realized before just how quickly things can change,” she says.
Movements that once felt routine now carry a deeper significance. Balance, strength, flexibility, and mobility represent more than components of her yoga practice. They're part of the independence and freedom she values in everyday life.
Darlene describes the work we do in our everyday asanas as being “truly like an insurance policy.”
She shares that her orthopedic doctor and physical therapist have discussed how her established movement patterns and muscle memory may be helping as she works to regain strength and mobility.
For Darlene, years of consistent practice have taken on new meaning.
I never realized before just how quickly things can change.
Her experience is also a reminder that progress doesn't always mean moving further into a pose or accomplishing something new.
Sometimes, progress means returning to something familiar, respecting our limitations, celebrating small improvements, and appreciating what our bodies can do today.
A Curious Spirit Beyond the Studio
Darlene's enthusiasm for learning and exploration extends well beyond her yoga mat.
When she's not at Prana, you're likely to find her enjoying nature while walking her dog or studying Spanish through online classes.
She's been learning Spanish for several years, inspired by a desire to communicate with the parents of her two sons-in-law, whose families speak Spanish.
What began as a meaningful way to connect with family has grown into a hobby she genuinely enjoys.
She also loves traveling and looks forward to exploring again as her recovery progresses.
But perhaps her most exciting adventure is still ahead.
This October, Darlene and her husband received wonderful news from their oldest of three children: they're going to become grandparents for the very first time!
With a new chapter of family life on the horizon, Darlene is eagerly anticipating the joy of becoming a grandmother.
It's one more adventure for someone who has never stopped learning, growing, and embracing new experiences.
The Heart of Prana: Community and Connection
When asked what has stayed with her most throughout her years at Prana, Darlene doesn't point to one particular pose, workshop, or accomplishment.
Instead, she returns to the people.
People in the classes and the teachers here at Prana have been my true motivation to continue practicing.
For Darlene, Prana is a place where the outside world can temporarily fall away. It's a space to pause anxious thoughts, restore energy, and experience moments of genuine peace.
And it's a community that welcomed her back when she was ready to return.
Her story reminds us that the value of a consistent practice isn't measured only by how deeply we stretch, how long we balance, or how many classes we attend.
It's also found in the strength we carry into everyday life, the resilience we discover during difficult moments, and the relationships that encourage us to keep showing up.
Darlene, thank you for sharing your journey and for being such a cherished part of our Prana community for more than 15 years. We're so happy to have you back on your mat, and we can't wait to celebrate your exciting new adventure as a grandmother!
Find Your Place at Prana
Whether you're beginning a yoga practice, returning after time away, or simply looking for a welcoming place to move and connect, there's room for you at Prana.
We'd Love to Hear From You
One of the things that makes Prana special is the connections we build along the way.
Tell us in the comments below: What's something about the Prana community that keeps you coming back?