About
6 years ago I found myself in a place of self hate, feelings of low
self worth, and my confidence was in the shitter. Coming from a
background of disordered eating, disordered body image, and constantly
overexerting myself with exercise, I was searching for a place to
realign and focus to liberate myself from internal demons. I was lost
and I could not be found. That is until I found yoga (I know it sounds
cliche but hey, its true).
I started off my yoga journey trying out all the wide variety of
classes, ranging from hot flow vinyasa to a hatha flow class and
occasionally an Ashtanga 1-2 level class. With a busy schedule of
finishing graduate school, working 3 jobs and balancing family/friends, I
found myself coming back to the structure, flow, breath and focus of
the Ashtanga practice. As the years progressed, my on again/off again
relationship with yoga began to transform. Initially alternating my
practice with training for various half marathons, my mind would
constantly crave the calmness, focus and release I achieved with my
Ashtanga practice. I was slowly developing an ability to leave the
constant turning of wheels in my brain and come to a place where mind,
body and spirit connect as one.
I had started Crossfit at Fit Club in German Village and met one of the
girls there, Kandi, who I bonded with almost immediately over yoga. She
told me about this style of practice called Mysore where they practiced
in the mornings anywhere between 5-8 am. She explained to me how the
class was a self-led style of Ashtanga where you progressed through the
various series as you practiced developed. At this time I was practicing
1-2 times a week in between my busy work and Crossfit schedule. She
gave me 2 free class passes and said “just give it a shot”. I held onto
those class passes until about 3 month ago.
I was rummaging through my wallet and found the free Mysore class
passes. I had decided in January to start my journey of yoga teacher
training and said to myself, nows the time to give this Mysore a go. The
first day I walked into the Mysore room, I felt the rush of energy
flowing from the bodies in the room. The close mats, the low lighting,
the incense burning, the harmonious breath coming from all directions; I
knew right away I had found a place where it just felt right.
I had heard stories of Taylor Hunt, most recently about his travel to
Mysore, India and his Ashtanga practice. I was most definitely
intimidated...... however my fears were quickly put to ease. Taylor
immediately came over and asked if I had practiced Ashtanga before and I
gave him a quick snippet of my practice. He stated what he wanted me to
do and I started my flow. In the room, I felt the calming I had once
experienced in my previous practice, however this time it was
overabundant.
I now crave my practice in the mornings from 5-7am (even though I can
only make it 3 days/week due to work). Over the last 3 months, I have
been able to cultivate a self led practice that allowed me to transcend
into places I had never been before. With the help, motivation, push and
support of my instructor Taylor, my practice and overall self worth has
grown exponentially. So far I’ve laughed, fallen, tripped, cried,
pouted, and glared at Taylor during my practice, all while progressing,
focusing, and smiling with my breath.
Ashtanga yoga and Ashtanga vinyasa practice has taught me to love myself
again, to value my abilities, to use my breath to calm myself, to
appreciate my thoughts and let me pass by as needed, and to get away
from the negative self talk that clouded my mind for so many years.
Taylor has been truly tested me in ways I never thought possible during
my practice and I’m every thankful for every minute of it. My confidence
in myself if ever growing and yoga has made that possible.
As my journey into the world of yoga teacher training begins (leaving
for Norway in 10 days for three extensive weeks of training!!!!), I will
constantly channel the Mysore room, the community of yogis and the
energy I receive during class. Ashtanga is my best friend. It listens to
me. Its always there for me. It knows what I need. I cannot picture
myself without it.
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