What is yoga to you? Yoga to me is self improvement, centering, awareness, strength of mind and body, clarity, truthfulness and kindness. Through practicing for many years and so differently throughout the last 12 years, I have learned that yoga is so much more than the physical practice (asana). Many don’t even realize the benefits they get from breathing and letting go of external stresses.
I first began to practice yoga regularly in college. I had always wanted to give it a try, so a few friends and I decided to take advantage of free classes offered to students. Here I learned about breathing: breathing into a tight muscle; breathing to focus your attention away from anything going on outside of the here and now; breathing to hold a pose; breathing to acknowledge something weighing on your mind and being able to release that thought. Here I also learned about hatha and vinyasa, and that a teacher can make you love or hate your practice.
The last 8 years since graduating college, I have explored many studios and practices. At one point I even went through a Groupon phase where I would buy discount packages to try out different local studios and figure out what and who resonated with me most. A little over a year ago, I found my home at Little Ocean Yoga in North Palm Beach.
I chose this studio because of the people. At the core of everything I love about this little room that I visit almost daily is the people. You open the door, and you are greeted with smiles, hugs and warmth, whether you know everyone or not. There is no pretentiousness. It’s a place where everyone can come together from their different journeys and be in sweaty stillness together, no judgement, no preconceived notions. Oh yeah, and the teachers are THE. BOMB. Because they care about you, your well being and your health. There is a major focus on anatomy at this studio, which drew me in. Why do we do certain poses the way we do them, and how do you modify for your body? They won’t adjust you without knowing you and getting your permission first. This is so important, and many studios do not put this important factor into practice. This studio has become my happy place, a place where I have gained lifelong friends, strength, flexibility, confidence and so much education.
Less than three weeks ago, my yoga practice brought me to a whole new level when I began an intensive 10-week 200-hour teacher training certification course. I didn’t enroll in yoga teacher training to quit my current life and become a full time yogi. I enrolled to push myself out of my comfort zone; to learn; to improve my practice; to become a better human being; and of course to have the tools and skills to teach a class every so often if I get that amazing opportunity! I also really love to help people, and I could only be so lucky to be able to do that through the practice of yoga. I have only scratched the surface of my teacher training and overall journey, but I have already learned so much about myself, my practice and even YOUR body! I can now tell you that my back leg is a bit extended in that Warrior 2 pose photo taken in Muir Woods on a freezing April morning. BUT, while the pose may not be “perfect,” I felt strong and at peace. And I am also learning that everyone’s yoga practice is unique to themselves. In Warrior 2, NOW having my heels aligned instead of heel to mid-foot positioning helps the positioning of my hip. It’s so interesting how little adjustments make a huge difference, but everyone’s body is different.
I could talk for days about yoga and my personal yoga journey… But I am excited to continue to share what I am learning and how my life will shift for the better. If you’ve never tried yoga, I encourage you to give it a try!
