Why I practice?

Jun 2, 2023

I began my yoga journey almost twenty years ago and fell in love with the practice. It may not have been love at first because learning a difficult pose or the Sanskrit language wasn’t easy. I found myself in a love hate relationship. But each time I got on the mat, I learned to give myself a little grace and let go of the idea it would be perfect. Letting go, I felt home in my body. You see, it’s my practice and my pose doesn’t have to look like an Instagram pose of perfection. When I let go of perfection and saw my yoga as my practice as well as an opportunity to learn about myself along the way, I fell in love. The practice can be perfectly imperfect. Sometimes when it’s a hot mess, that’s a great opportunity for growth.

My practice over the years has helped me to conquer fears, appreciate my body for what it can do, appreciate the breath as a gift, make peace with myself, make new family all over the world, and realize we are all on a journey together, imperfect and yet perfect in our own way.

Time on the mat allows me to quiet the mind. When on the mat I’m not thinking about the busyness of the world, what’s for dinner or what bill I have forgotten to pay. I am right there with each breath, with whatever tension or joy that arises. I welcome whatever openness my the body and mind allow. I release into both with each inhale and exhale.

I’m in a better mood for practicing. Whether I am in a class full of students or practicing on my own, joy and happiness seem to take over. The joy of being able to move and to share with others, happy hormones are released improving my mood.

My personal practice gives me the chance for Me-Time from the world, from social media, from others. Whether it’s fifteen minutes or an hour, this allows me time to visit with myself, refuel, to be with what it is. Remember we cannot give from an empty cup.

I’m more flexible in my body and my thinking. If we are tight in our tissues we are more than likely inflexible in our thinking. My practice has encouraged me to open up to new possibilities and to stretch into new growth.

I have more confidence. Through my practice l have learned patience and with my best foot forward, even if I don’t get it right the first time, to keep trying. It’s during this time, I grow in self-acceptance as well as gain a sense of accomplishment. I begin to feel more comfortable in my skin, in my practice and with anything I do.

Yoga helps me reduce my anxiety. Anxiety and panic attacks would wreak havoc on my body. My muscles tense, the breath was shallow and my mind would be all over the place. Yoga has helped me to learn to take one breath at a time and know this too shall pass. When I take time to focus on my breath, my body and mind connect helping me to realize it’s all gonna be okay. In one hundred years will it matter anyway? I have to choose to take time to connect with my breath, to be mindful, fully aware and live in each moment.

The practice gives me more energy. If you know me, you know I LOVE a coffee pick me up, but a little time on the mat can be most beneficial to increase my energy level. When sluggish, gently moving my body on the mat gives the chance to move the stagnant out and move fresh energy in. I can regroup and go on with the task at hand.

I invite you to join me on the mat and let me help you in your yoga journey!