For many years, I dreamed of getting certified in yoga instruction. Last year I decided it was time to either do it or quit talking about it (the same way I thought about this blog ).
I just knew there was more to yoga than the physical movements and poses. I knew it was more than a way to make your body stronger and more flexible; I certainly didn’t realize before I got into it that the practice of yoga ON the mat was really practice for the time that I was OFF the mat. That was the bonus!!
I learned that putting our bodies in shapes that we wouldn’t normally find ourselves in, trains our brain and nervous system to remain calm in stressful situations that we encounter in our daily lives. By calmly and mindfully breathing through each posture, we learn that breath is what carries us, and something that we can draw upon whenever we need it.
It is the life force energy that we all possess and can use to our advantage! By being patient and non-judgmental with ourselves during the practice, we learn to do the same with ourselves and others when we leave the mat. We train our brains for kindness, calmness, and compassion. That is the connection to and awareness of our highest and greatest self!
Contrary to what I used to believe or understand, yoga is accessible to all, no matter what their physical capabilities. Yoga is breath. Yoga is a way of life. Yoga is a way of showing up in the world with more kindness and more compassion. If you ask me, we could certainly use a lot more of that right now!
Sending love and light,