Feb
19
Live Yoga
1227 Johnson St
White Rock, BC
604-720-2057
www.liveyoga.ca
Lauren Hanna, owner of Live Yoga in White Rock, shares her personal story about learning to live life from the inside out.
Lauren Hanna was the image of a typical, carefree 17-year-old, growing up in the affluent community of White Rock, BC. Until one night, in the summer of 1999, when her life was forever-changed.
The details of the evening are almost dreamlike to Lauren now, 10 years later. At the age of 27, she sits across from me in a White Rock cafe, married, 6-months pregnant with her first child and living a life she never imagined; indeed, one that was very nearly stolen from her.
Sadly, the story is one we hear far too often: While crossing the street near Semiahmoo Secondary School, Lauren was hit by a drunk driver. Going 90kms an hour, the car hit her with such force that she flew 20 meters in the air (higher than a lightpost), landing on the opposite side of the road.
“It was unreal. All I remember is stepping onto the street…and then I was in the hospital. I feel so blessed that I didn’t feel any pain. But I knew I was very hurt. I could see it in everyone’s eyes.”
The resulting injuries left Lauren wheelchair-bound and in severe pain, with months of surgeries and recovery ahead of her. For a 17-year-old, coping with the fact that her face and body may never be the same, was devastating.
“My face was cut and disfigured, my teeth were shattered, and my body was broken and bruised. I was terrified! I was 17 years-old; it mattered that I was pretty and athletic. Those things are important when you’re young. I know now that they’re frivolous and fleeting, but when you’re a teenager, those are the benchmarks against which you define yourself; you believe that your self-worth depends on the external things.”
At the time, Lauren was planning a career in fashion. Despite the intensive surgeries and rehabilitation that followed her accident, in 2002 Lauren was still able to graduate from the Art Institute of Seattle in Fashion Marketing. These accomplishments were remarkable, but she continued to be plagued by physical pain and emtional distress. By the time she returned from college, Lauren had fallen into a severe depression and sadly, was planning her suicide.
“I was going to spend a few weeks visiting friends and family, sort of saying goodbye before taking my life”, she says.
It was during this time that Lauren’s mom invited her to a yoga class. 
“I had no interest in yoga”, says Lauren smiling as she reminisces. “And I was terrible in the beginning! But I figured it would be a good way to spend quality time with my mom.”
It was during her third class that something shifted for Lauren. Through breathing and internal reflection, she felt herself surrender to her sadness, her anger, and her fear. She turned to her mom, tears streaming down her face, and pleaded for help.
“I broke down; I melted in despair and begged my mom to help me.” It was an instant of awakening for Lauren; the moment she reclaimed her life.
Following that day on her mat, Lauren made the decision to commit herslef to yoga. She began her RYT teacher training in 2005 at It’s Yoga and when she returned home she quickly set her sights on starting her own yoga studio. She wanted to provide a place where students could honour themselves and their practice in a supportive environment.
Today, the physical and emotional scars a faint memory, Lauren is the proud owner of Live Yoga in White Rock.
“Through yoga, I found the peace and mindfulness necessary to heal. I found that I could connect with my body, my breath and my mind”, says Lauren. “It changed my life. And now, through my teaching and my studio, I hope that in some little way, I’m helping other people come to terms with their life struggles also – no matter how big or small they may be.”
Set in the heart of White Rock, Live Yoga has a strong dedication to the community. Lauren strives to reach and inspire her students to find time in their busy day to listen to their bodies and step onto their mats. The studio now provides 26 classes per week and holds many different workshops every year.
A true entrepreneur, Lauren has created a great business that she is fully passionate about, but more importantly, Lauren has found peace in body and mind.
Lauren, your spirit infused me with newfound motivation to live my life with true purpose and intention. Thank you.
