I didn’t think true healing was possible.
“I didn’t think true healing was possible. But once things started to shift, there was no going back for me.”
One of our favorite parts about Thrive is the community we have built together. Each of us brings something unique to the mat—it is what helps us create a safe space where we can all continue to learn, grow, and simply be. To celebrate what makes Thrive Original Hot Yoga so special (psst, it’s you all!)—we're going to start featuring some of our fabulous members.
Last week, we showcased one of our long-standing instructors Erika B. Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to a fantastic client, Diaz Saunderson. We were immediately smitten with him from the first time he stepped into our studios nearly two years ago. His positive, friendly attitude is infectious. He is a deep thinker with an impressive dedication to his sense of self, well-being, and spirituality. Still, it wasn’t until Jenny sat down to talk with him that we learned he had a history of chronic pain and had tried just about everything to help before finding Thrive Hot Yoga (Original Hot Yoga).
We wish we had a fraction of his wisdom when we were 24—he is so insightful that we decided to let his words speak for themselves—check out our conversation below.
We hope his story will inspire you as much as it did us.
Meet Diaz Saunderson.
Diaz in Standing Bow Pose @ Thrive Hot Yoga in Farmington Hills, Michigan
Jenny: What made you come to Thrive in the first place?
Diaz: Initially, it started as a therapeutic relief to address many of the physical pains and aches I had dealt with daily for most of my life. I’ve been visiting chiropractors, therapists, pain specialists, sports-specific side therapists, and acupuncturists and have had multiple surgeries for different conditions since I was 10 or 11 years old.
“Hot yoga was one of the first outlets where I saw any sort of relief.”
Everything I was doing, including regular yoga, felt like it was always making things worse it's never really helping anything.
Hot yoga was one of the first outlets where I saw any sort of relief. It didn't come right away. I struggled and had some difficulties at first, but it never felt like it was too much to handle—it's always felt pretty manageable.
Over time, I shifted away from all the external work and therapy I was doing and focused more on hot yoga—that helped me, plus so many more benefits that I'm eternally grateful for.
Jenny: Wow, that is incredible! I had no idea you were going through all that. So if you didn't see any results after your first class, what made you keep coming back?
Diaz: Nothing I had done ever really provided any kind of long-term fix. Everything I tried before always seemed like it was too much or it gave temporary relief. Like with regular yoga, for example, it just didn't seem like something I could pursue because the pain was so intense or the flexibility wasn't there.
“Learn to listen to your body— you know what feels right at the moment. There are times when we can push ourselves to our limits—but there are also times when we need to focus on recovery. ”
With hot yoga, the main difference was that even though I hit roadblocks or felt like I was pretty limited with what I could do when I first came in, the pain wasn't as intense as other things I had tried. Within a few weeks, I had the flexibility that I honestly never thought I would see in this lifetime.
I was surprised by what my body was able to do. Original Hot Yoga allowed me to feel like I was in more control—working with my body rather than it working against me.
Before coming across Thrive, I was at a really low point. I didn’t see how things could change for me. I had gone so many routes that I wasn't sure anything would provide a fix. I was a little skeptical at first, but after feeling how things opened up and how it managed the pain levels—I wanted to pursue it more frequently. Within about a month, I was in better shape than ever. And the pain that I was dealing with daily had almost completely subsided by then.
Jenny: Wow. I can't believe this is the first time I have known this about you!
Diaz: I was very reserved (laughs) at first. I had put the possibility of healing out of my mind as being attainable or acceptable in this lifetime. But once things started to shift, there was no looking back for me. Progressively, it just felt like such a natural and wholesome development. It didn't feel like I was forcing anything. It didn't feel like I was going too far outside of my comfort zone.
Jenny: So the hot yoga practice was less painful than other exercises and other yoga that you've tried? That’s fascinating. What have you learned about yourself and your body along the way?
Diaz: The first thing I realized is that our bodies are much more capable than we tend to believe or give them credit for—that was eye-opening for me. I also felt like it put me in touch or opened up a connection with my mind that wasn't there before. I felt like I gained a bird's eye perspective. Now when thoughts and emotions fill my mind, I am conscious and aware of them when they arrive—but I don’t always feel like I have to interact with them— they don't have as much pull on me. If that makes any sense?
Jenny: That makes total sense. The thoughts are there, but it's like they're not affecting you're not as much of a part of your identity. You don't have to take them on.
Diaz: Exactly. Like when things come up. It feels like I'm getting like two versions of what's happening. How it would have affected me in the past or how it would have expressed itself overall. Now I approach it with a more objective perspective.
Jenny: Amazing. If you could offer advice to yourself in the beginning or to anyone just starting on their yoga journey—What would you tell them?
Diaz: Practice compassion for yourself. Because, at the end of the day, everyone's journey starts very differently and progresses in different ways. And that's okay.
Learn to listen to your body— you know what feels right at the moment. There are times when we can push ourselves to our limits—but there are also times when we need to focus on recovery.
“I felt like I blossomed after coming to Thrive. It helped me make sense of things and feel more strongly connected to the ideas that I came across on my own.”
It gives us perspective and ideas for overcoming roadblocks or pushing through them. Self-compassion was a huge thing for me.
Jenny: Oh, that's beautiful. I feel like many people don't understand that it is a practice of self-care, self-compassion, and a community where you get to come in however you are. What's your favorite thing about Thrive?
Diaz: I'm so thankful for the open, welcoming, and thoughtful community you all put together at Thrive. The accepting nature, the collective mindset, and the strive to want better for ourselves in an uplifting and inclusive manner. It's not something that you come across often in day-to-day life. It gives you room to want to try things for yourself, do more, and be a little more willing to open yourself up to different things and ideas. It's not a mindset that it's easy to come across—to have a collective of people like that, with like-minded goals and like-minded energy—it really is heartwarming.
Jenny: It's so heartwarming, and I wish I could take credit for it, but I can't. There are so many amazing people who come in, and I feel humbled by the incredible people who walk through the door. People like you.
Diza: I felt like I blossomed after coming to Thrive. It helped me make sense of things and feel more strongly connected to the ideas that I came across on my own.
PRACTICE LIKE DIAZ
On average, Diaz practices 2 - 4 times per week and feels like that is his magic combination to maintain his mood and keep his chronic pain in check. He particularly loves the helpful instruction and high energy of Michelle’s Hot 60 classes. He also enjoys the in depth instruction and guidance that come with the Original Hot 90 classes. Discover what works best for you by checking out the various options in our class schedule. And be sure to click on the new student special if new or haven't been to Thrive in 12 months
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