My Journey to Yoga

A little over two years ago I took my first yoga class. It all started because I told my friend about my stiffened shoulders and neck and she automatically said: "you should try yoga, it will all go away with yoga". I (always) felt intimated by yoga because I thought you would have to be some sort of contortionist to be in a yoga class and never even thought of trying it. I went on Groupon and bought a 5-class package because I said to my self I should buy the minimum in case I didn't like it. My first yoga class proved to me how wrong I was.

In the first class, I was able to do some poses, I struggled to get to most of them, and there were a few poses that I could totally not do, but that was OK and I was not the only one in that situation. In my awkwardness I felt comfortable and my instructor took the time to focus on the new students (like me) and made a point to tell us that it was fine if we couldn't do the pose because yoga is not about "doing a pose", yoga is about loving your body and opening your heart. After that very first class I felt better, physically and mentally, my shoulders and neck felt softer and I couldn't wait until the next class. Before the end of the 5-class package, I decided  I wanted to practice yoga on a regular basis. My body felt different, leaner and my mind was calmer. I felt happy at the end of every class.

Yoga is not about being able to do a headstand (which to this day I cannot do), it is more about self-confidence and conquering your fears. Yoga is not about being flexible but dedicated. Yoga is all about growing to become a better person, more tolerant, patient, kind and committed. It is about respecting your body and that includes your injuries. But most important yoga is about being present.

Last year I completed the 200-hour teacher training program and became a certified yoga instructor. I still have too much to learn and many challenges to take, I keep learning about my body after every practice. There are poses I'm still not able to do and I accept that; I accept the fact that there are things in life I cannot change or master, and that is totally fine. Yoga took me to a journey of love and respect for me and for others.  

My recommendation to you, if you are deciding whether to give yoga a try, is to get just a few classes at a studio conveniently located near you. Try different yoga styles (Vinyasa yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and much more) and decide which yoga style is better for you. When you find the yoga style you like, attend to classes, be consistent with your practice and you will feel how your body and your mind will change.

That's all I have today! I hope you had a great weekend!!