After taking various yoga classes over several years, I
built up the courage to attend an “ashtanga beginner’s drop in” class. The work
was hard, but the passion of the teacher and the energy I felt from the
practice touched me. I knew deep down
inside that I loved this practice. I
continued to attend classes as I could and as they were offered – around two
nights per week. As much as I enjoyed
the practice, I didn’t love practicing at night – I left class energized and uplifted
and then had to quickly calm down so I could sleep. I knew this was meant to be a morning
practice and was asking around for morning class options to no avail, so I kept
up with my evening practice.
I will never forgot the day in May 2012 when I received the
Facebook group invite to join the “Morning Mysore Club” – an early morning Ashtanga
practice group, taught by Taylor Hunt from 5:00 – 8:00 am. Joining the club required a commitment of
attending three classes a week for one year.
I didn’t even have to THINK about it.
I knew in my heart that this program was for me and that the dedication
needed would be good for me. I signed up
and came to Yoga on High for my first morning class on June 1, 2012.
I was so nervous parking in the dark lot and walking up to
the studio. As a 31 year old woman, I
felt like a teenager on the first day of school. “Who will be here?; Will they know me?; Will they like me?; Will I be the most inexperienced student?; Will Taylor like me?; Who the hell is Taylor?”. I took a few deep breaths, walked into the
studio and unrolled my mat in the second row.
I still remember who I was by…..Teresa…… who has a beautiful practice
and one that can look intimidating to a newbie. I remember her being so nice and smiling at
me several times, which made me feel welcome.
I still get to practice next to Teresa now…we are both teachers and
friends.
I won’t lie. Waking
up at 4:00 am for yoga was not an easy transition. First of all, it required a HUGE lifestyle
change for me: no more late dinners and drinks, no more closing down bars, no
more last minute evening social plans. I
had to establish a firm bed time and, even harder, I had to inform my group of
very fun and very social friends. Also, for the first few weeks, I was TIRED
during the day – I wasn’t sure waking up at 4 was sustainable. But, it got easier….much easier as I fell in
love with the practice of Ashtanga. In
fact, three days a week of practice turned into 4, then 5, then 6 days a week
as traditionally prescribed. I reached a
point where practicing made me feel better; it grounded me for the day to
come. I wasn’t the same person without
it and “skipping” was no longer an option.
I have practiced sick, injured, sad, heartbroken, mad, stressed, tired
and hung-over (I don’t recommend that
last one – it is never fun). It’s not
always easy to “bring my ass to class”, but I do and I NEVER regret it. In fact, I leave feeling better than when
I arrived 100% of the time.
I leave practice knowing that I have just done 60 – 120
minutes of the hardest work I will do all day; work that challenges me on a physical,
mental and spiritual level. I have
fallen, cried, cursed, smiled and laughed.
But when I’m done, I roll up my mat and drive home with a fresh
perspective on my day.
I leave class every
morning believing in myself.
I didn’t always believe so greatly in myself though. In fact, I was very unsure of who I was. Not to mention, nothing about the practice
came easy to me. I see some people come to
class who were gymnasts, dancers, athletes and the physical part of the
practice seems to come naturally. This
wasn’t me. I have worked incredibly hard
for every pose and every “yoga breakthrough”.
Although my practice hasn’t advanced as quickly as some, I am glad. The hard work, focus and dedication that I
have been forced to cultivate has changed me…changed me for the better.
I couldn’t have done this alone, though. I owe my practice and its benefits to the
person who has believed in me more than I believed in myself – my teacher,
Taylor Hunt. Honestly, the simple act of
writing this fills my heart with gratitude and brings tears to my eyes. Taylor, like any gifted teacher, gives the
student what they need even if the student doesn’t know they need it or want it–
compassion, love, encouragement and sometimes a big swift kick in the ass.
Ashtanga yoga has taught me about love; how to truly love
myself, those around me and life in general.
I can’t imagine my life without it.
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