I first started doing yoga in 2019 as a means to get in daily exercise. I found a studio close by, quickly signed up and began my first class… little did I know until walking in the very hot studio, this was a heated vinyasa. My fight-or-flight response quickly kicked in as I thought of ways I could walk out with no one noticing, but something happened. I don’t quite know what it was, but I stayed and practiced the entire class. Before I knew it, I was hooked. The heat challenged me and ignited a passion for this practice. I knew I wanted to dive deeper.
Throughout the years of my yoga journey, my practice has transformed both on and off the mat. I enjoy taking a variety of classes from Vinyasa and Rocket, to Slow Flow and Yin. I’ve learned that while the physical aspect, our Asana, is an important part of yoga, there is so much more to be discovered. Yoga is rooted in our breathing—practicing breath work in class made me more present and intentional with my movements. And practicing at home helped me with stress, anxiety and just being more mindful as a whole. I began feeling the influence of yoga in my every day, and it was providing me continued growth mentally, physically and spiritually. The roots of yoga can serve as a means of self-discovery, a way of betterment for yourself and your community.
I will forever be a student of yoga—there is always something new to discover, foundations to dive deeper in. It is a humbling practice where we all come to learn and grow together. That’s the beauty of it. You can “win” at yoga—you simply come to your mat, be present and breathe.
