I dove deep into my yoga practice the Fall of 2016 during my first year of my education undergrad. I thought of yoga as an exercise first. I come from a history of of dance, musical theater, Olympic style wrestling, and heavy weight lifting. I assumed that I would be able to transition into yoga rather seamlessly, but it was an awakening challenge.

Yoga taught me how to open my eyes, ears, and heart. My entire physical practice pre-yoga was based on a product, performance, or grade. How high can I kick? How much weight can I squat? My focus was always on the things I could improve or achievements I could obtain. Yoga opened my eyes by letting me see myself for who I am everyday. It’s not about the end goal, it’s about what is happening in the moment. Yoga opened my ears allowing me to listen to my body in a way I never had before. Coming from a performance background I was used to pushing through the pain. The mantra was ‘no pain no gain’. I deconstructed these beliefs through yoga by listening to what my body and mind needed at each moment. I discovered the courage to recognize and avoid things causing physical or emotional pain. Yoga opened my heart by teaching me it is all about the practice. My important realization of yoga is there is no performance, no final product, no “right” or “wrong” way practice yoga, just my way to practice. The process is never ending and everyday there is something new to explore physically, mentally, or emotionally. Yoga continues to teach me how to love all versions of myself, the good, the bad, and the ugly. In addition, I opened my heart to a whole new group of people who are sharing their own similar but unique experiences.

I encourage anyone and anybody to allow yourself the opportunity to come experience yoga! I promise there is a place for you in our big, loving, bright, and sweaty yoga community!