A Love Letter to Yoga

Yoga has been a big part of my life for quite a while.

My favorite style has always been vinyasa, and I generally prefer a slower flow with longer holds, compared to a vigorously quicker paced or heated flow.

I started practicing regularly in 1999, as a way to get out of my head and bring down my anxiety, and it still serves that purpose for me now. It’s led me into understanding my own body, and trusting the inner wisdom and intuition I’ve always known were there. It has taught me patience and self compassion. How to breathe through the chaos and find calm admist the storms.

It continues to help me battle perfectionism. It’s taught me that the journey is far more important than the destination, and that balance is found in the most unexpected places.

I’ve learned that every day, my body is different, and it’s important to truly tune in and listen. Like for many others, yoga led me to meditation.

Bottom line, yoga has been an anchor through so much. It has gotten me through the hardest times, and has also been a source of pure joy and celebration. An added bonus that I can’t leave behind – it was the introduction to some of my favorite people and closest friends.

If you know me, you know I like a whole lot of variety of movement into my routine. These days I focus more on weight lifting and walking/hiking, but I still try to incorporate yoga weekly. This is much reduced from earlier years, and it’s very rare that I’m on my mat inside a studio. Rather, it’s almost always on my own at home, and I follow the guidance of what my body is asking. Some days it is more of a vigorous flow and challenging myself; arm balances are still my favorite for playtime. Lately, though, I’m craving a lot of grounding and focused on more restoration.

This is one of my favorite things about yoga – there are so many different styles and variations, it can be approachable for everyone, every body, with any number of modifications if needed.

To everyone who has joined me on the mat and to the beautiful community we continue to build – thank you. Here’s to the endless journey of growth, strength, and peace that yoga brings into our lives. 🖤