There are two types of people in this world; those who love to follow trends and those who absolutely despise them. I’ve noticed that more and more people have been opening themselves up to the practice of Yoga -which is amazing!- But the growing popularity has also given many the false idea that Yoga is just another celebrity trend or, “Hipster ratification”.
Yoga is not a fad; it’s a beautiful way of life.
About ten years ago I decided to take a spiritual chill pill and try my hand at the practice. It was the greatest decision I had ever made. My first class was intimidating- that I’ll admit, but by the end of the class I realized there was no reason anyone should ever be afraid or nervous to try yoga, including myself.
If you’ve ever taken a class at the gym, you know that sh*t is scary. There’s jumping, there’s running, and there’s a lot of yelling.
Really? You’re yelling at me? I don’t even want to be here, and now you’re screaming in my face? No thanks.
There are really only so many boot camps you can take before you want to eat yourself into a rebellious coma. I have enough stress in my life; the gym shouldn’t add to that. That’s why I chose to give Yoga a chance.
Initially, when I started my practice, it was to get fit, but I never thought it would help me find myself.
The practice isn’t about getting, “in shape”, per say- it’s more about overall health in your mind, body and soul. You’d be surprised how much easier physical activity is when you’re in the correct state of mind for it, and anyone can do it!
HERE THE SKINNY ON YOGA:
It makes you feel beautiful…
No matter what shape you’re in, no matter how long you’ve been doing it; there’s something about the entire practice that gives your body fluidity and brings out your natural grace.
Imagine? You can feel beautiful in gym clothes with your head upside down and your foot in the air. That’s magic.
You’ll never be judged…
Never. Never, ever. I have taken classes at many different studios and outside settings with many different people over the years, and I have never once felt like those who surrounded me were placing judgment on me. That’s just not what it’s about. I’ve seen people who are in fantastic shape modify poses to make them easier, and I’ve seen many people that society would deem out of shape, do things that I could only imagine myself breaking my neck if I tried attempting it. It proves to you that if you think it, you really can do it.
Yoga welcomes everyone…
Any age, any size, any religion- Yoga does not discriminate, and we all know the world needs more acceptance. I have sat next to grown men who you would think would never be caught dead in a Yoga class. I have shared my practice with women who were eight months pregnant, cancer survivors, the young and the elderly. People from all walks of the earth are coming together for one purpose, and that is to find inner peace.
The practice is about finding your true self and being comfortable with who you are. It teaches you to have good intentions and let go of the things that bring you down and hurt you because that is only poisoning your personal well. It truly is freeing.
You’ll be in the best shape of your life…
My schedule has changed drastically over the years, so keeping up with my practice hasn’t always been easy. What I can say is that when I do dedicate time to it, my body changes faster than anything else has ever made it change. I start feeling better mentally & spiritually, and stronger physically in just a few classes.
Whether I’m feeling drained from the week and take a late night restorative class or a Bikram (Hot Yoga) or Vinyasa class to power through a workout and sweat out my stresses, my practice never lets me down.
I urge everyone to try it at least a few times in your life. Speak to those who have let this practice into their souls and hear what they have to say. Read about stories and watch videos such as Arthur Boorman‘s to see what Yoga can really do for your life.
Believe me when I tell you, this is not a fad or new trend that will die in a few months. This is a way of life that will help you see the beauty and hope in the world as well as in yourself.
#YogiForever
