Yoga – Where My Journey Began
In 2016, in a quiet little town where yoga studios didn’t yet exist, something shifted in my life. Someone opened a yoga studio in their home – a charming Victorian house on a peaceful street – and unknowingly opened a door that would change everything for me.
The First Class: Hot Power Fusion
The studio was tucked into the widow’s peak of the house, with old hardwood floors and wraparound windows that welcomed the light. The class was Hot Power Fusion, a style I assumed was what yoga was all about. It was intense, sweaty, and challenging – and I was hooked.
For years, that was my understanding of yoga. Just one flavor. But fast forward nearly a decade, and I now know that yoga, like life, comes in many forms. Discovering gentler styles of yoga was like realizing you’ve only ever tasted vanilla – and suddenly someone hands you rocky road, mint chocolate chip, and Raspberry sorbet. Life-changing.
From Workout to Awakening
My journey began with asana, the physical postures of yoga designed to prepare the body for meditation. At the time, I had no clue there was more to yoga than movement. Meditation? That felt impossible. I genuinely believed my mind would never be able to sit still.
But with each class, something shifted. I started to notice not just physical changes, but mental clarity, emotional release, and a growing connection to something deeper. Yoga became more than just a workout – it became a doorway to a new way of being. I’ll always be grateful for those early classes. They planted the seed of transformation.
The Voice Within (and How It Changed)
When I first started, I didn’t know the names of the poses. I wasn’t sure if I was doing them “right.” I had no awareness of what my body could truly do. And then there was that familiar inner critic – the voice that said:
“You don’t belong here.”
“You can’t do a handstand.”
“Why can’t you get through the core section like everyone else?”
That voice was loud. And while it hasn’t disappeared completely, it’s much quieter now. Through yoga, I’ve built strength not just in my body, but in my self-worth. No, I still don’t love handstands. And yes, core work is still a challenge. But now, I know I belong in that room – and that makes all the difference.
From Student to Teacher (and Always a Student)
As yoga continued to shape my life, I eventually became a yoga teacher. That shift deepened my practice even more. I began to understand yoga not just as a way to feel good physically, but as a practice of connection – to self, to others, to something greater.
Some days, I still feel like a beginner. There is always more to learn, more to discover. Other days, I feel rooted in my practice – deeply connected to my breath, my body, and the beautiful community that yoga has brought into my life.
Final Thoughts
Yoga began for me in a sun-drenched attic room, as something I did for fitness. It’s now become a lifelong companion – something that supports me through joy, grief, growth, and stillness.
Whether you’re just stepping onto the mat or you’ve been practicing for years, know that there’s no “right” way to begin. Just begin. Keep going. Keep exploring. You never know what flavors of yoga – or transformation – you might discover next.
Have you experienced a yoga journey that shifted your perspective? I’d love to hear your story! Connect with me on social media or reach out to [email protected] and keep following the blog for more inspiration around Yoga, Adventure, and Wellness.
