My Testimonial on the Path of Yoga

Before Yoga

Before yoga, on the most physical level, I could not touch my toes. My hips were uncomfortable, and it was somewhat painful to sit cross-legged on the floor. My left hip, in particular, was seized up and had limited external rotation. I experienced aches and pains, carried a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders, felt low back pain, and was always mindful of how I moved after dealing with bouts of sciatica on and off through my life. Overall, my body was stiff and not what I would describe as flexible, balanced, or strong.

On a more subtle and energetic level, I paid very little attention to my breath and had little awareness of how my breath affected my movements and energy levels. Breathing was a subconscious action that I didn’t really get involved with much.

Emotionally, I was relatively anxious and stressed and not sure what to do with those feelings, so I would end up feeling down or depressed and looked for external comforts (alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, food, etc.) to help “numb” those uncomfortable feelings.

Mentally, my mind was scattered, overworked, and tired of thinking so much! I had a lot of negative self-talk and doubt, which created low self-esteem. I was led by my thoughts and not my inner wisdom or intuition.

Spiritually, drained. What do I believe in? Where is my connection to the greater whole? I felt separate, on my own island.

During Yoga (because there is no After, it is a journey of Union and Unity)

The physical effects of yoga on my body are many! After about 6 months of a continuous practice, my left hip finally unseized. Yoga is not a race to the finish; it is a slow journey that gradually unfolds you. I now sit on the floor cross-legged for probably about 20–30 minutes without discomfort. I can certainly touch my toes with ease. My balance has improved 100 times over and is my favorite part of my physical practice. The strength I’ve created along my back and core has given my spine so much more ease and comfort! I don’t really ever think much about “throwing out my back” or that pesky “sciatica pain” I used to deal with. I feel physically strong, balanced, and flexible. I feel better physically at 48 than I ever did in my 20s. And it didn’t happen overnight! It’s a process and a journey that I intend to keep on.

On the subtle and energetic levels, I have learned to harness my breath, and it is the most amazing tool I can use to feel better! I’ve cultivated awareness of how I breathe, the qualities within my breath, and how my breath can ease my tension, anxiety, and tiredness. I’ve had a morning Pranayama practice for almost a year now, and it is my favorite way to start the day. I’ve even been able to hold my breath regularly for 2 minutes. Again, it’s a slow but rewarding journey.

Emotionally, I’ve learned to work better with my anxiety, stress, and depression by finding more rewarding ways to soothe and calm my nervous system, whether it’s movement, breathwork, being outside, taking a walk, or giving myself a break. I allow myself to feel my feelings and try to honor them and then move through them.

Mentally, I have the tools to try to harness my thoughts and not let them have control over me. By quieting my mind, I have tapped into my inner wisdom and intuition. Having a mind that is more still allows for my innate senses to become more clear.

Spiritually, I feel connected and whole and part of something greater than myself. I feel connected to the community around me and an overall sense of well-being.

Am I perfect, enlightened, always positive, and feeling good? No way! But I have the tools to help get me back on track when I feel lost or “off.” I have a practice that helps create consistency in my life and makes me more aware of myself physically, mentally, and emotionally. This journey of myself to myself is the best thing I’ve ever been able to gift to myself.

The path and practice of Yoga and being able to share Yoga as a teacher is my dharma, my purpose here on this beautiful earth.