Yogaland

I am addicted to a drug and its labeled "YOGA". I cant get enough of it. I yearn for the challenge. I sweat pain away during each practice. I mentally escape to an island of just my mat and I and sometimes my toddler. Yoga has directly affected my life. It has changed the way I view everything. I value life and earth so much more. I started my Yoga practice in December and have been sucked in since. I used to battle with my weight and how I viewed myself, never thought I was ever at my best. I was the type of person who hit the gym about 5 times a week, doing leg days, arm days, cardio and abs, all body part days which do not get me wrong, forced me to be consistent and learn muscle memory and how to focus on my eating habits. This is what started to mold my foundation to a healthier me. After so many strenuous workouts, and I literally do mean very intense sessions I began to feel a little better. I began seeing some results, I was leaning out and building muscle, I thought this was the road to success. I continued searching for my happy place. I still was not completely satisfied with myself. I didn't want to continue these types of workouts only to end up looking like a man, or a competitor in some fitness competition. That look just is not for me no judgment to any who go for that look. While in my hunt, along came a little friend called "instagram", I used this tool to assist me in my regular workout routines, help me change things up a bit, which I did and it was very useful. However, I came across the hashtag #yoga, I scrolled thru for a minute which turned into hours and I was immediately taken over. I said to myself, "I want to do that." My first couple attempts were complete failures, as I was never a gymnast in my past, these stretches and poses did not come natural to me. I would almost be in tears of how strenuous something as simple as reaching for your very own two feet could be. I thought, dang, as much time and effort I have put in at the gym with weights and machines and I cant even reach my toes?? something was wrong here! At that instant I immediately took a different approach to my "workouts". I put down the 45lb weights and decided to learn how to balance my very own 130lb body! I am only at the start of my practice but I cannot tell you how amazing my body feels. I don't feel tight all the time like I used to. I have learned the art of breathing! I didn't even learn this when I was going thru labor with my little one, imagine how much it would have supported me then. I used to be so afraid of getting upside down, now all I want to do is be inverted. The body is an amazing temple. Yoga has cured headaches, stress, pain, uneasiness, the list goes on. Yoga is not just about getting into a pose and viola you have completed the task...it is a mind, body, spirit transformation. Yoga puts you in places where you are most uncomfortable and forces you to conform to them. People are constantly on the go, in a hurry, Yoga puts a stop to your time and asks for just a little one on one with yourself. There are so many health benefits to Yoga and I am beginning to feel the magic it is imposing in my body. My toddler who joins me now and then in practice really enjoys being involved in something mommy is passionate about. I love that I am able to teach her by just doing my own practice and that she wants to learn. It honestly warms my heart. I am a full-time mom, my never ending chore list can get a little overwhelming at times and I have to admit taking some escapes into my Yogaland is all I need to make it thru each day. There is an entire community of Yogis from all level types that you can associate with.

 If you haven't yet gotten inverted, what are you waiting for? Don't let fear hold you back.