It's very difficult to describe to an innocent inquirer the many ways yoga benefits one's life. In order to fully understand, it must really be practiced and the heart must be opened to interpretation. Yoga provides different experience for each individual, yet it is the same.
To me, yoga is a chance to connect - to draw my attention inward and connect with my breath, with movement, and to connect to the Earth. This may sound quite strange to some, and very familiar to others who may read this, but to yogis, it makes sense. Yoga is the most powerful and reverent form of exercise I have ever experienced, and it has the power to heal and calm both the body and the mind. As an instructor, I have experienced its power firsthand, in my life and in the lives of my students.
Yoga is a need. Yoga is a center. I need yoga, for it centers me. Yoga is my chance to push the world aside for a short time, focusing only on existing in those short moments I practice and meditate. Yoga allows me to reflect on the things I love, the things I am grateful for, and the things I hope for.
Over the past few years, I have done a lot. To some, it may look like I am searching for something, or that I'm not satisfied, or that I don't know what I want, and I have actually heard this from people in my life. But to those who know me well, I am just being me.
I have a lot of hats. We all know this. I am a yoga instructor, natural nutrition educator, an insurance specialist, a runner, a hiker, and in the recent and distant pasts I have been a server, a medical transcriptionist, a receptionist, a physical therapy aide and manager. I think that about covers it. If I missed any I'm sure you'll let me know. ;0)
A lot of people may think that's an awful lot of hats to wear or have worn in my short lifetime, but to me it's essential. Why? First of all, I look back at the many, many relationships I have made and wonderful friendships I now have because of the things I have done. I am also insanely grateful for the learning experiences I have had through each one of my occupations. I can truly say they each played a part in shaping me into the person I am today. I would in no way be able to handle the stressors I am faced with each day if I didn't have the skills I acquired along my journey.
I feel a great purpose and great balance in my chosen paths, and I embrace them fully. I have many talents and exploring each of those is important to me - I know who I am and I love discovering and nurturing the different aspects of my being.
Some people may think that I'm a bit unstable, and that's okay. I think that I am a little different from most people, and that is just fine with me. I enjoy being who I am, I enjoy the fullness of life I experience, and most of all, I enjoy the people and relationships I build along the way. I enjoy this beautiful land I live in and the ability I have to choose, to be free, and to be me. I feel so blessed to have the wonderful experiences I have had and have yet to enjoy, and I thank you all for being a part of my life, big or small.
~NAMASTE~
