My mind did a full 360. Yoga was suddenly empowering and compelling. Just like life, is never quite mastered. There is always another pose or variation and I liked that. I stopped being competitive with others or myself by trying to beat times or personal bests. Instead, I took a step back and took time to observe and scan my own body and mind. What I could do that day became enough. Even if today wasn’t as productive as yesterday or the results improved. I learnt through yoga that trying and showing up is the goal and if that goal is too high today, tomorrow is a clean slate.

I learned that my body gives me cues all the time. The secret to discovering exactly what my body could do was not in the number of miles or reps, it was in being focused, controlled and present in what I was doing.

When relaxing (Savasana), I stopped trying to halt thoughts and distractions. I learned to acknowledge thoughts and distractions then let them pass. I learned not to judge them or give them space but to accept them. Watching them pass, like clouds in the sky became soothing instead of stressful. I am not the master in this but remembering being present and showing up is enough helps me.

We left Colorado for a while but I kept up yoga. When I  returned, I was sad to find that the place where I had discovered yoga, the military community here did not have a yoga instructor. I decided I wanted to give back. I wanted guide/share/be inspired by those who are ready. To host a space in a day for another. 

I applied for a scholarship and was lucky enough to be accepted (shoutout to MyVinyasaPractice). I studied and learned and after passing my certification, my new adventure began.