Yoga Found Me

Yoga Found Me

Spiritual Awakening

I remember my first yoga class still to this day. I had so much fear around the whole situation. It’s funny, because it wasn’t my idea to start yoga. It wasn’t some calling I felt deep inside. In fact, I was probably on the polar opposite side of things when it came to listening to my higher power. Being able to connect to myself. (I do attribute yoga to one of the starts of that). My husband was the one who pretty much forced me into going. 

Either way, I was scared to go. I remember emailing and asking a whole bunch of crazy questions. . . the owner of the studio probably was really excited to have me join. (insert eye roll here. LOL) 

After much internal convincing, I finally committed to going. I bought a new yoga mat, figured out the “perfect” outfit and even dragged my mom along like some security blanket. Back then, I was thinking I would be in this studio full of Yoga Journal cover yogis. They would look at me with “judgy” eyes and laugh at my lack of knowledge. The crazy stories we tell ourselves. Stories to keep us safe really. 

My experience was the opposite. It was full of kind people. The room had an amazing relaxing energy. I sat at the back of the room (you know . . . to keep myself safe and unnoticed), and proceeded to listen to the instructions. It was the first time I had closed my eyes and actually breathed. And I mean really took deep breaths. The first time, I had to be silent and listen to my body. The first time, I laid in savasana and gave myself permission to relax. (relax – this crazy person? With the crazy monkey mind, I didn’t have time for that). But boy did I need this. I promised myself I would try to my fullest and keep an open mind. 

This was the start of my addiction – the start of my internal growth to spirituality.

It didn’t take long for yoga to become my place of worship. And when I say worship. It was a place to honor myself. To honor this third-dimensional body I inhabitant. 

It became far more than the moving poses completed in each class. It became my moving meditation.

My mat became, for the first time ever in my life and still to this day, a place of non-judgement. No matter how I am feeling or what is going on in my life, it shows up for me and supports me. The four corners keep me safe, inspire me and push me in ways I never knew. There is no room for judgement here. I am fully accepted for who I am! More importantly, I accept me for me here. And it’s where I can be me!

Tears have been shed, laughter and frustration shared on it. But it has helped me grow into the person I am today. With each practice, whether a strong Ashtanga class (my first real love), or a calming yin class (next love), I grew stronger not only in my practice but stronger in myself.

Being me. Stepping off the mat and into the world a more aligned and better me. 

I have been blessed to learn from so many teachers before me. I honor and  acknowledge the space they held for me. As I continue to grow and learn, my practice will change and I am excited for what will come next. And like life, I am excited for what I will learn next. 

This practice is my worship – It’s my church – it’s my therapy – It’s where I can be me 

It’s a place I promise to always show up for myself and for my students. In any way needed. 

So, whether it’s yoga, a pool, a skating rink, a gym, or a soccer turf, find your place. It’s more important than you will realize to have a space to be freely you. To draw into and connect – to feel a little peace. 

My Practice

As always, if you like help on your journey, please feel free to message me. I am here to help guide you. 

Sincerely, Shanna