The Yoga Loft Storybook: Courtney Marden
Why/when/where did you start practicing yoga?
My Mom, Kristan Marden, has been teaching yoga for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I remember being encouraged to go to her teen classes or help practice sequences with her. I never understood yoga or “wellness” and why she was so passionate about it. As I got older, I discovered different aspects of yoga that aligned with my interests. I slowly started to willingly attend her yoga classes and became her mini-me yogi. I love hot power yoga but I also crave a restorative flow almost nightly.
How has yoga changed or influenced your life?
Living with different forms of anxiety most of my life, it has been difficult, at times, to be able to truly love myself, my mind, and my body. Yoga has allowed me to find peace within myself and the environment around me. It will forever be a practice that I have in my tool belt no matter where I go in life. Yoga has also introduced me to some of my favorite people, this incredible community, and sparked my love for integrative health.
What are your plans for next year?
After transferring from a different college my freshman year to support my mental health, I am currently attending Salem State University with plans to graduate in fall 2022. I am studying movement science/health education and will graduate with my teacher’s license. My dedication to health stemmed from years of self-discovery and growth, leading me to now wanting to change others’ lives. I also hope to get my health coaching degree from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I love working with kids so I could definitely envision myself in a school or having my own business one day. Incorporating mind and body health will be part of my future job in some fashion.
I am blessed to live in Marblehead with the other 21 members of my extended family but would love to move to Boston in the next few years. Though, as I have come to realize, plans don’t always work out, sometimes we just need to breathe, trust the process and see what happens!
What do you hope to accomplish in your new role at the Yoga Loft?
I am grateful to Julie, Ellory, our Studio Assistants, Teachers, and students for kindly welcoming me into the role of Assistant Manager. When I started working at the studio six months ago, I couldn’t have foreseen where I am now but everything has aligned so perfectly. I know that this is something I was meant to do. The Loft is one of the most special places and communities that I have ever been a part of. I want to see it, not only, thrive but continue to grow and expand, reaching the hearts and homes of more people.
A quote that you love or would like to share?
I have always been, and will always be, a quote junkie. I have been a motivational nerd since I learned what Pinterest was. I am constantly sending my friends deep quotes on life and love. But if I had to pick just one, I will go back to my roots with- “She Believed She Could So She Did.”
I had this on a mantra band around my wrist all throughout high school and I still remind myself when I need the inspiration! Also my signature line, YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me and until then, see all you beautiful people in the studio :)