WHY I LOVE YOGA.

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. I needed to stop being at war with my own body.

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…

1. toned my body.
2. allowed me to connect with and listen to my body.
3. given me back flexibility and movement in restricted limbs.
4. balances, calms and energizes me.
5.  gives me pain relief.
6. combats fatigue and stress.
7. Helps me sleep better.
8. releases toxins from my body.
9. helps me listen to my higher self.
10. 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,

til next time

Jen x