Have you ever had an urge to try something new, but you weren’t quite sure what it was or where to begin? That’s exactly how I was feeling; hungry for a different challenge, but unsure of what to do – then I figured it out. I needed to find a new way to challenge my body, to get it to move in different ways, so naturally I discovered Yoga!

I had tried Bikram yoga in the past, but it was always on and off and it never really grabbed me. I never felt like I was really ready to fully embrace the art, but the urge to try again was strong, so I was willing to give it another shot. The hard part was going to be fitting it into my schedule. I had checked out a few studios, but the hours were either around the time I had to take my son to school, or during my jiu jitsu training. . . To be honest I was feeling pretty discouraged – I really wanted this to work but didn’t see how it would happen.

Then it hit me! Why not go back to school and take a yoga class? I was instantly energized by the idea, and within seconds I was looking up the schedule of yoga classes at my local Junior College. I was going to have to get lucky, because it was a little late to be registering for classes, but luck was on my side! One class was still open and it just so happened to be at the perfect time. It was meant to be!

I went into my first yoga class thinking it was going to be all about working on our flexibility, balance, and overall body strength, but I was wrong – it was way more than that.

“Yoga is the artwork of awareness on the canvas of body, mind, and soul.” – Amit Ray

Yoga is a spiritual practice that helps to unify the body, mind, and heart. Most importantly it gives you a direct experience; an opportunity to truly listen to your body. It teaches you how your conscious and subconscious mind can both heal you and harm you. It’s mind opening when you start to listen to your thoughts! Good or bad, they shape your reality.

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.” – Lao Tzu

It may be frustrating at first, like anything new – but if you stick with it, the benefits are life changing! I’m a beginner, but what I’ve discovered thus far has me beyond excited. I’m looking forward to continuing this journey and feeling myself thrive!

Yoga – 8 BENEFITS

1. Natural Pain reliever – Practicing yoga can reduce joint pain and inflammation.
2. Improve Balance – Yoga can help train your mind and body to keep a good standing balance and posture. Extremely helpful in reducing falls for older adults.
3. Improves Breathing – If you practice yoga consistently it will teach you how to breathe effectively so that your body can get as much oxygen as possible. You become more aware of each breath.
4. Helps Reduce Stress – Each class provides you with a calming experience. A chance to shake off the stress of the day and re-energize.
5. Improves Mental Health – Yoga is one of the best activities you can do to help improve your brain’s functioning. It provides you with a technique called mindfulness. Mindfulness is when you shut off your mind and take a break from the stress, problems, and negative thoughts.
6. Improves Strength and Flexibility – Each class works on movements and poses that help stretch and strengthen the muscles.
7. Improves Self Confidence – Yoga improves your mind to body connection. Each pose or movement improves your alignment and helps you feel more comfortable in your own body.
8. Improves Posture – Many of us have careers where we are sitting all day long. Poor posture can cause back, neck, and other muscle and joint problems. Yoga provides you with movements and stretches to help correct your posture.

Click here to find a yoga class near you.