There are very few things in life we control. As much as we wish we could, and try as we might, there is absolutely nothing we can do to change the outcome or control these situations. We waste so much time and energy being frustrated and angry in our lives that we sometimes forget to actually live them. The only thing we can control is our reactions to the things happening around us. After three years of yoga, this has completely set in.
When I started doing yoga it was for three reasons:
Fitness/weight loss.
My spine. I had been diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 14 and was supposed to be doing physiotherapy three times a week. Having no coverage, this was quite pricey and I stopped going. I was doing nothing and my spine & the pain were worsening. I felt like I was crumbling.
Stress/depression. I suffered from severe depression through most of my teenage life and spent most of it medicated. This coupled with an extremely difficult and trying year, led to stress related acid reflux and eventual an anxiety attack. I didn't like the person I had become. I was so stressed out, frustrated and constantly negative. It was exhausting.
I finally decided I needed to do something to change my life. I decided not only did the people around me deserve a better me, so did I.
I remember my first yoga class and thinking, "This is SO hard". I probably spent the whole class looking at what everyone else was doing and trying to keep up with them. I remember being sore afterwards. But I kept coming back to class; at first once a week, and then eventually twice. Yoga quickly became a big part of my weekly routine. I found that not only did I look better, I felt incredibly better. I became much more aware of my body, the food I ate, my actions and most of all my reactions. This is something that I still work on to this day, but yoga has 100% made me more aware of my reactions to the things happening in my life and to acknowledge & accept when they are out of my control or not worth the stress. I have realized it doesn't matter how good I am at a posture, but that I am there to better my mind; myself. I feel this awareness, acknowledgement and acceptance through yoga has definitely helped me grow to be a better person. By becoming a better person for myself, I am better for the people and the world around me.
After practicing on and off for three years I now find it feels like so long between yoga classes. My goal is to start going to three classes a week starting November, and come January four classes a week. I say I am too busy to make it more than my usual two classes, but anything is possible when you try. I will stop making excuses and find my way on to my mat because only good things will continue to come from it. Yoga has definitely changed my life for the better on and off the mat and I know there is no other place I belong than right here.
Thank you for helping me become a better me!
Courtney
"To treat myself to a wonderful nurturing and life sustaining practice, a very loving and inviting place."
David T.
"Yoga takes me out of myself and makes me more at peace"
G.D.
I thought you should know how special Downtown Yoga is.
Rebecca H
"Yoga, Peace, Joy, Hope"
Adele Grogan-Fox
"Attending Classes at the Downtown Yoga Studio gives me a sense of love peace and community that I return to for sustenance. It feeds my mind, spirit, soul, and body."
J.E.
"I enjoy the friendly and relaxing atmosphere."
Beth Morris
"I like the downtown yoga studio for rejuvenating my energy by regular practice. The instructor, Gina and others are full of energy and enthusiasm. It is a pleasure to share yoga with them everyday."
Rinkey