Finding My Flow

Loving the journey I am on.

September is National Yoga Month, a time to celebrate the practice of yoga, learn about its benefits, and encourage people to give it a try. I also feel it's a good time to share the latest part of my journey. About two years ago, tired of constantly worrying about the future and second-guessing past decisions, I began looking for something to help me be more present in my life. I started exploring mindfulness and meditation techniques. Yoga was a natural progression from there.

I was very resistant to the whole idea of yoga for many years. To be honest, I thought it was a silly waste of time. And wasn’t it just stretching, anyway? I took my first yoga class purely by accident, and it just reinforced what I believed. The leader of the Pilates class I attended was out, and a yoga instructor stepped in. It was so slow, I wasn’t sweating, and why was she making us lie there for so long at the end!?  I left the class before the lights came up, and I’m sure I immediately jumped on a treadmill to make up for the “wasted time.” It may have been a lovely class, and she was probably a great instructor, but I just wasn’t ready.

Fast forward many years and my desire to be more present in the moment led me to a free community yoga session in the park. Now I was ready. I began taking a few classes here and there, and from that time on, my passion has grown. So much so that I have begun studying to become a certified instructor. It may be purely for my own personal knowledge, or it may become a part of my work. Only time will tell where this will lead.

On a scientific note, the benefits of yoga have been well researched and include:

• Improved Flexibility, Mobility, and Balance

• Increased Muscle Strength and Bone Density

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety

• Improved Sleep

• Improved Mood and Mental Health

• Increased Heart Health

All excellent reasons to give yoga a try!

On a personal note, I want to share the benefits I’ve experienced. It’s much more physically challenging than I expected. I’ve learned to move my body in ways that I never would have even thought of trying. The one-legged poses are my favorites, especially the Bird of Paradise (look it up!) I haven’t quite mastered it yet, but I’ll get there. My strength from weight lifting has come in handy in some areas, but yoga has brought it to a different level.

Mentally, yoga has brought the biggest change in my life. The breathing, focus, concentration, and necessity of being fully present in the moment are exactly what I need. Practicing yoga slows my racing thoughts and brings my anxiety and fear down to a much more manageable level. Few things in life bring me the kind of peace I experience during a yoga session.  

I love that yoga is a deeply personal experience. Your practice doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, and it doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact, there’s no wrong way to do this. Breathe, listen to your body, and meet yourself where you are. It’s a beautiful thing.

The yoga community I’ve encountered so far has been welcoming and helpful. I’ve heard stories of studios and teachers not being as nice, but I haven’t run into them. Everyone I’ve met has been kind, non-judgmental, and completely sincere. A very grateful shoutout to Laurie at Half Moon Yoga, Lynn at Sunshine Yoga Shack, and most especially to the beautiful soul that is Sarah Clayburn. They have all been instrumental in moving me forward in this journey.

This path has been both a humbling (very) and exciting experience. In some ways, this is all so foreign to me, but in other ways it feels like I’m coming home. I know that I’m just barely touching the tip of the iceberg, but I’m so excited about what lies ahead.

So, in honor of National Yoga Month, I would love to encourage you to explore yoga in whatever way fits your life right now. It doesn’t have to mean going to a studio, although there are some wonderful ones to join. It could mean just checking out a video online or reading more about the history and benefits of yoga. Remember, yoga isn’t about perfect poses (thank goodness), it’s about exploring the connection between your body, mind, and breath, and how the practice makes you feel. And you can start right where you are.

I would love to hear your thoughts on yoga. Is it something you have thought about trying? Do you already have a regular practice? If so, how has it changed you?

Stay well, my friends, and see you on the mat!

Alicia