"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful
than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin
than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin
my yoga journey
If you are in doubt about yoga, I started there too. I tried classes off and on, but didn't warm to them right away. Maybe I was too distracted at the time, or too resistant to awaken to the effects of the practice. Persistent aches and pains, and limited class options led me on an amazing journey. You may also be at a similar threshold, ready to embark on your own yoga expedition.
I told myself I would purchase an eight week pass at a local studio and see what developed. That led to more inquiry and practice, and it wasn't long before the benefits were too significant to ignore. I wondered about yoga teacher training and the owner of the studio recommended Kripalu Yoga & Wellness. During the month-long intensive training, I discovered that yoga was much more than a physical endeavor. Asana (posture practice) is only one of eight limbs of yoga. Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga led me to make changes in my behaviors (yamas & niyamas). Yoga classes and a home practice helped foster inner awareness and concentration (pratyahara & dharana). Working with breathing techniques (pranayama) released emotional tension. I also added meditation (dyhana) which has led to a spacious sense of the grace that awaits (samadhi). My inquiry into deeper practice has made significant changes in my life, and in my relationships. Shortly after the 200 hour teacher training, my family faced the challenge of losing three loved ones in the span of a year. It is my belief that I was led to yoga practice to sustain me as I faced these losses, and gain perspective on the moment to moment experience of life. I have continued training at Kripalu completing the last module of their 500 hour program in May 2013. The path continues to unfold as I offer sessions in a variety of settings, meeting people of all ages and walks of life. I have added Integrated Positional Therapy to my teaching tool box, and I have completed an Ayurveda and Yoga Specialist training at The Himalayan Institute. I studied Yin Yoga at Rama Lotus Yoga Centre, Ottawa CA and most recently completed the Y4C, Yoga for Cancer training with Tari Prinster. The latest yoga exploration has been with Five Elements Yoga® Teacher Training created by Jennifer Reis. I am hoping to add Yoga Nidra to my teaching skills by training with Jennifer in April 2019. The lessons I have faced through yoga and loss lead me to volunteer for my local hospice. This added to my practice and acceptance of impermanence. I am now the Volunteer Coordinator for High Peaks Hospice. I feel this is my yoga off the mat and the lessons keep flowing. Though initially resistant, I now say I am humbly open and curious to what arises in this never ending, ever evolving process that is yoga. |
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"If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself. If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, than eliminate all that is dark in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation." - Lao Tzu