"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. In the search for relief from persistent aches and pains, I continued trying classes and eventually I was 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 heard 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. Being removed from my family and daily routine I was able to be immersed in the practice exploring pranayama (breath work), concentration, and meditation as well as the more familiar posture classes. We were lead through many experiences that encouraged a deep dive inward, peeling away the distractions and defenses built up through life. 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. The internal shifts of these events brought me to a connection with hospice. This added to my observations and acceptance of impermanence. I am now the Bereavement Coordinator for High Peaks Hospice. I feel this is my yoga off the mat and the lessons keep flowing. I maintained a full teaching schedule for almost ten years. I now teach randomly and for the joy of it. I am finding great pleasure putting more energy into being the student of yoga and of life. Small offerings of guided yoga, here and there, remind of the gifts of practice and connection with others. It is an offering and a receiving. 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
