my yoga journey

I have been a yoga student student since 2011, but over the last several years, I have built a consistent practice that has slowly transformed my life. my formative years as a yoga student lacked an influential instructor to teach me the importance of breath and energy throughout my practice. as I moved through several personal struggles with severe anxiety and bouts of depression, I found myself on my mat more frequently. I began practicing regularly with instructors who put more emphasis on the breath work and emotional aspects of the practice, rather than physical movement alone. when my practice became more consistent, my struggles became more manageable. I learned how to use my breath intentionally, to listen to my body and my mind, to find peace within myself.

while the stretching, flowing, and physical attributes of yoga by themselves are wonderful and can be incredibly beneficial, my love of yoga ultimately comes from the connection of the mind, body, and soul. a connection to my truest self. a connection with no shame or judgement. a safe place when I feel unsteady that allows me to fully feel whatever I feel and let everything else go. I have become more in tune with myself and with the energy that surrounds me.

the reality is, healing doesn’t happen overnight and the road is almost never straight and narrow. but, by doing the work and finding that true connection, healing is possible. the more difficult it is, the more it needs to be done for change and transformation to occur. no mud, no lotus. whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional healing that needs to happen, I get on the mat. and heart openers are my favorite.

inhale to create space, exhale to let go.