Yoga has become an integral part of my life, grounding me in a way few other practices have.
My journey with yoga started with the casual attendance of a gym class in my late 20s, driven more by curiosity than commitment. Back then, the fast-paced sequences were all I thought I needed—I’d skip out before shavasana, dismissing the stillness as unnecessary. But yoga is a practice that evolves with you, and it’s now one of the most vital parts of my daily life, nourishing my mind, body, and spirit in ways I couldn’t have imagined back then.
A Journey from the Mat to Life
For those who have followed my blog, you may know that my true immersion into yoga happened during the pandemic. My family, spanning four generations with varied physical abilities, wanted an activity we could do together, and yoga offered that bridge. It quickly became clear to me, that this was more than a simple workout. Each stretch, each breath, became an invitation to connect with myself, with my family, and with my own faith.
Yoga has a way of rooting you in the present, connecting you deeply to your body and spirit. As a Christian, I see my yoga practice as an extension of my spiritual life. Through each flow, I feel a greater connection to myself, to God, and to the world around me. The intention I bring to the mat aligns with my beliefs, enhancing my daily life and my understanding of my own journey.
The Physical Benefits: Strength, Flexibility, and Healing
One of the many reasons I love yoga is that it meets you exactly where you are, regardless of age, body type, or physical capability. It’s gentle yet challenging, allowing me to build strength and flexibility without pushing my body beyond what it can handle, especially as I navigate past injuries. Yoga has been kinder to my joints than the intense, high-impact workouts I was used to in my younger years Whether I’m flowing through sun salutations or holding a deep stretch, my body thanks me, feeling more open, strong, and capable.
Since adding Taekwondo to my weekly routine, I find that yoga has become even more essential. The high physicality of Taekwondo leaves me sore, especially on tough training days, and yoga brings the relief my body needs. It helps me stretch and release the tightness, realign, and settle back into a grounded, peaceful state after intense sessions.
On days when I miss my practice, I feel it deeply—not just physically but mentally and spiritually. My body craves the movement, the stretch, the deep breaths. I’ve come to appreciate how yoga slows me down, grounding me and reminding me to listen to my body. Every practice is a reminder that true strength is not just about pushing forward; it’s also about honoring where you are.
Yoga as a Tool for Healing
Beyond the physical, yoga has played an essential role in my healing journey. Each breath is an invitation to let go of tension, to settle into myself, and to embrace where I am with grace. For the past three years, as I’ve worked through both physical and emotional healing, yoga has provided a space to process, to release, and to reconnect. It is both gentle and powerful—a safe space to explore, push boundaries, and find peace in the present moment.
Yoga is a practice clinic for life, where I learn patience, resilience, and trust. It has taught me to be present without attaching expectations, to trust myself, and to accept each day as it is. Every pose, every breath is a step toward understanding and nurturing my own needs.
Nature and the Elements of Practice
Practicing yoga outdoors, especially in the fall—my favorite season, adds an element of renewal and connection for me. There’s something uniquely grounding about breathing in sync with nature, allowing the wind, sun, and fresh air to deepen the experience. Nature has its own healing power, and I feel that amplified every time I take my mat outside. Whether it’s the rustling leaves or the warmth of the sun, nature reminds me of the simplicity and beauty of being present.
Starting Your Own Practice
If you’re curious about yoga, I encourage you to start simple. Yoga doesn’t require a gym membership or any elaborate equipment—just a mat and a willingness to show up. You don’t need to be at a certain fitness level or even “flexible.” Yoga is for everyone. It’s a great place to begin if you’re looking to jumpstart physical activity or add a healing, mindful exercise to your current routine. And if you’re anything like me, you might just find it becomes essential.
Each practice, whether a morning flow or a gentle nighttime stretch, allows me to step into stillness, setting the foundation for a life lived more fully, more connected, and more at peace. Yoga is my journey of self-connection, a practice that has become as natural as breathing. It’s not just a form of exercise; it’s an exploration of self, a celebration of resilience, and an embrace of life as it unfolds, moment by moment.
BTW: “Yoga is not about self-improvement, it’s about self-acceptance.” ― Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa
Are you new to yoga or a seasoned yogi? Share your experiences or questions in the comments—I’d love to hear how yoga has impacted your life!
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2 Comments. Leave new
I miss yoga so much. I look forward to getting back to the practice
The practice will meet you when you are ready. Namaste.