Yoga, is for Every Body, and Quite Possibly our Answer to Divisiveness (a Yoga Journey)
As a runner and cyclist with the injuries that follow, people told me I should do yoga for years. Literally, years. I disregarded this advice. Often with the thought that “I don’t have time for yoga, it’s hard enough to find time to exercise!” If I am honest, I also remember clearly observing the lithe-like bodies walking out of a yoga studio with their mats and thinking, yeah, there is no place for me in there. Oh, if only I had known!
I have been practicing yoga for 14 years now, and instructing for two. There are many personal benefits I have noticed in myself and also in others. I have experienced greater focus following yoga, increased energy and motivation, and much better sleep! I have noticed strengthening and lengthening of my muscles. One of the main benefits I have noticed is the overwhelming sense of peace and calm that most often follows a class and has carried forward into the day. The experience of not thinking about anything else for at least one hour is so completely freeing and also settling at the same time. I have found yoga to be a helpful mood regulator and anxiety reducer. I simply cannot imagine my life without practicing yoga.
My yoga journey started in a Bikram studio. It was HOT and the instruction was harsh. It was old school, hardcore Bikram yoga. I was blown away by the challenging poses and puzzled by the strict instruction that was required by Bikram. To be honest, the urgency and harshness of some of the cues caused me to feel fear of hurting myself until I reached a level of comfort and ease. I credit my initial yoga practice with healing my overworked, over trained, tight and stressed body. It did not happen overnight nor without opening my mind to the possibilities. I began to explore other types of yoga and embrace the benefits of all.
Author in Warrior II pose
Abundant research shows a consistent yoga practice allows one to reap physical, mental and emotional benefits. Of course, I want everyone to practice yoga!! I wish every studio considered every body, but I have not found that to be true. As my love and appreciation for a consistent yoga practice grew, I began to seek out yoga classes even while traveling. At first, I expected all studios to be like my home studios. I quickly realized that each studio I visited was unique in format, approach and personality. I did not always feel seen or welcome. Taking what I needed from each experience and leaving the rest has been part of my journey. It is not by accident that I chose a yoga teacher training program based on inclusivity, equity, emotional awareness and sensitivity towards trauma. Yoga truly is for every single living body. How dare I say that when you can’t touch your toes, you ask? Simple. No matter age, gender, race, or ability, if you can breathe, you are practicing yoga already. To not honor that simple fact, is not honoring the practice at all. The word “yoga” means “to join”, “to yoke”, or “to unite”. This practice refers to, among other things, the harmony of mind and body. That access is achieved through breath. There is nothing quite as leveling as breathing in unity with others. I believe yoga has an ability to unite a community, and even to heal a divide.