Why Do I Practice Yoga?

Why Do I Practice Yoga?

Hi there!

I wanted to take a moment to talk about why I practice yoga. I started this blog post off by beginning to list the many benefits of yoga. It seemed a bit generic so I wanted to touch on a few of the personal reasons that I practice.

Let’s start from the beginning. My first yoga class was actually at a gym. I don’t remember the teacher or the specifics, but what I do remember is that feeling that I felt as I left my first yoga class. I walked into that class a nervous, stressed out, confused human being. I walked out of that class feeling confident, grounded, ready to take on the world. From that moment, I craved more. Fast forward a few weeks, I began to “studio hop”. If you offered yoga, I wanted to come! I tried SO many different kinds of yoga. I wanted to find what I liked best.

As my journey with yoga progressed, I found myself at a yoga studio not too far from home. I can remember every little detail of that class that I took, thirteen years ago. The way the room smelled, the warm breeze that poured into the tranquil space I found myself in, it was a summertime evening with just the right temperature, the sound of my teacher’s voice as I melted into my mat, the way I felt grounded down, the feeling of peace that seemed to take over every inch of my body and mind, that post yoga bliss that I carried with me for the next day. I kid you not, if I close my eyes, I go right back to that moment. Fast forward to this current day. I am now a registered yoga teacher with my very own studio. That feeling that I cultivate in my own yoga practice was something that I knew that I had to share with the world. I had to do my part and for me this is my path to true bliss.

Over the years, I have found myself in moments of panic, of fear, of uncertainty. I highlight the negative because yoga has taught me the way. Yoga has guided me to find peace within myself. To weather any storm that I find myself in. It does not matter what is going on around me. As long as I can control what is going on within me. As long as I can find my breath, as long as I can turn to my yoga practice, then I am able to bring myself back to where I feel most at peace.

What is your “why”? Why do YOU practice yoga? I would love to hear more!

Finding Calm in Chaos

Finding Calm in Chaos

Hi there!

Happy first day of Spring! Thank you for taking a few moments to enjoy our first blog post. We’ve been living in some exciting times these past few weeks. Our studio is up and running and our time spent with you has been everything we dreamed it would be! We cannot thank you enough for your love, support, and encouragement. I’m counting down the days until we are back in our happy place.

I know that the last few days have been chaotic for us all. I myself am doing my best to find peace in so many moments of uncertainty. By practicing what I preach and living my truth as a yoga teacher, I must do my best to keep calm and carry on. Not just putting on a brave face, but truly finding peace within my own being. My best suggestion is to take as many moments as you need…as many moments as you can, to calm and center yourself. Any exercise where you can ground yourself. I’d like to share a few of my favorite practices.

A yoga practice, whether you are a seasoned yogi or this is all uncharted territory. It is never too late to start. Your practice can range from a few minutes to an hour, perhaps even longer. As I always tell my students, as long as you are breathing you are doing yoga. Finding your inhales and your exhales is a really beautiful way to feel grounded. You can do this from anywhere, not just your yoga mat. Take a walk in the woods or step outside. Feel the sun on your face and breathe in that fresh air. Find thoughts of gratitude. It is NEVER a bad time to find something to be grateful for. It can be anything! And it will bring sunshine to even the darkest of days.

My hope for you is that you find calm within any chaos you find yourself in. We are in this together. You are not alone. You are NEVER alone. I’m sending you a giant virtual hug. If you need anything, I’m happy to hop on a Zoom meeting with you, correspond via email or answer a Facebook/Instagram message. I’m just one click away. Be well, my friends.