I love yoga…yup there’s a phrase I never ever thought I would use. I always imagined yoga was for twiggy, bendy babes who rocked teeny tiny pants and had flippy ponytails and uber cool water bottles…talk about pre conceived judgement.
So why the about face? Well I started doing Yoga in early February this year and I fell in love. I practice Dru Yoga which is flowy and has a dance element, traditional yoga sequences and an amazing relaxation at the end. I gotta tell you I also love my teacher Dani, god she’s good. I instantly felt comfortable around her which is vital, I have never felt judged by her, only encouraged.
After I finished chemo and radiotherapy I really wanted to lose weight but felt my body was betraying me every day. I had been left fatigued and in constant pain from lingering side effects, 30+ kilos heavier, limited limb movement after surgeries, weakened heart and was…well, I just felt broken.
Eventually I realized it wasn’t about losing weight, I needed to put my body back together. I needed to tune into my body, listen to it, nourish it, honour it and heal it.
After meeting Dani at a networking morning tea, I knew the universe was tapping me on the shoulder so I made the leap and booked into a class. BEST MOVE EVER! The beauty of her classes was that at the time I started they were small, sometimes only 3 or 4 students, so it never felt intimidating or overwhelming. I went into her classes with an attitude of ‘just go with it’….let it go and surrender. These days Dani has a new space and her classes have grown…I’ve grown too, in confidence, mind, body and spirit.
Here’s what yoga has done for me…
- toned my body.
- allowed me to connect with and listen to my body.
- given me back flexibility and movement in restricted limbs.
- balances, calms and energizes me.
- gives me pain relief.
- combats fatigue and stress.
- Helps me sleep better.
- releases toxins from my body.
- helps me listen to my higher self.
- has taught me to honour and look after my body, mind and spirit.
You can do yoga anywhere, practice relaxation and meditation anywhere and reap the rewards at anytime…stop, drop and yoga LOL.
You don’t need fancy schmancy clothes for yoga, loose comfy pants or tights and a tee will do and I go barefoot. I take a blanket for relaxation especially handy on cold nights. As I’ve progressed I purchased a bolster to support me while laying on my back for meditation, that’s it.
I recently had 3 weeks off because my misters birthday, a road trip and work dinner all fell on yoga night (damnit), when I returned to class I just slotted straight back in and felt amazing afterwards like my body was giving me a huge hug. There will be another break soon when my next surgery happens but I will practice what I can at home and do the relaxation and meditation.
Yoga might not be for everybody but I’m so glad I tried it because it loves me as much as I love it. Remember all yoga classes will be different as will the teachers…find the right fit for you. We finish each class with the words shanti, shanti, shanti,….which means peace.
peace out,
Great post Jen, I have seriously been considering giving yoga a try. I think I may just have to! Your class sounds great – is Adelaide far from Caloundra? Lol.
Haha Shanon, maybe a tad 🙂 give it a go, I hope you love it as much as me x
I have stopped and started yoga a few times…always put myself last and let it lapse….but not this time I tell you.I won the yoga auction at your High Tea so have now had the kick up the bum I needed.Am starting this week
YAY!…I will see you on the mat on Tuesday night Sam. It’s gonna be great x
Looking forward to it!
I just left a comment on your post linked to on blog chicks and have realised that the October that you mentioned was probably not the one just gone. So I will have to go and do someone reading 🙂
I have never tried yoga, and feel as though I am such an inflexible and in coordinated person, I am a bit intimidated by it, but you do make it sound very appealing.
Dani I was soooo lacking in flexibility and movement when I started but graduall I’ve got better. What I love about yoga is that it really doesn’t matter about what level you are at, you are running your own race so to speak. X
I’ve been doing Pilates and Yoga at my local gym and am loving it. I think it’s so true, you have to feel comfortable in an exercise class and not intimidated otherwise you’ll never go back. Glad you’re loving it x
Oh I love pilates too but the budget doesn’t stretch that far at the moment. Glad you enjoy both they are soooo good x
The thing with yoga that I’ve discovered is that it finds you when the time is right. I tried yoga several years ago and didn’t mind it but didn’t love it, so didn’t stick with it. I’m into my 4th week of trying yoga and I love it! It’s the perfect thing for me right now and I’m so grateful for it. Shanti, babe. x
Very true Sonia, I think when we are ready for the mind, body and spirit connection then yoga just feels so right. I’m so pleased you are loving it x shanti