It’s more than feeling like Gumby

Nearly seven years ago I attempted my first yoga class.  I had been training for triathlons and found my body shape was changing due to all the vigorous workouts. With that came tight muscles and joints.  A special Thank You to my friend Johanna who introduced me to yoga.

After developing a regular practice, I started to see many  great benefits.  The stiffness in my joints decreased, my muscles seemed to elongate, my ego was left at the door and my mind began to clear.  There is more to yoga than being able to touch your toes, turn yourself into a pretzel and feel like Gumby.

According to Patanjali, there are eight limbs of yoga:

• yama (abstinence)
• niyama (observance)
• asasna (posture)
• pranayama (breath control)
• pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
• dharana (concentration)
• dhyana (meditation)
• samadhi (super conscious state)

For me, one of the things I enjoy most is seeing  transformation.  Awareness about in my own body, mind and spirit shift when I practice regularly.  Teaching yoga has become a true passion.  Whether I  am teaching to a full class at a health club or a group of students in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse, change is happening.  Breathing patterns shift, everyday movements become a little easier, mind/body connections appear.

This picture at the top is how I see yoga, a vehicle for change.

be well-