So why don’t you ever blog about yoga anymore, my critical part says???
Here’s what’s going on with the whole yoga thing….
I started doing yoga about 8 years ago while I was going through a period of depression after losing 60 pounds. I really flirted with yoga. I’d attend hard core for about 3 months, and not go for about 9 months. This pattern continued for many years.
Then about 2 years ago, I really wanted to commit to going to yoga on regular basis. I struggled, though because since going to yoga the first time, I had gained about 75 pounds. My body was different. Yoga was hard and not comfortable. I started taking private lessons to find out how I could modify and adjust the poses for my body.
I used these amazing resources:
I started going to yoga for about 3 times a week for over a year. I found a teacher I loved, even though I was triggered from time to time when various teachers would project their own bad body thoughts on to me.
Then the last 6 months, I’ve drifted a bit. I still go to yoga at least once a week. But, things are different. I’ve started practicing with a new teacher, so maybe that will inspire me.
From time to time I think about adding more yoga in, but now that I am exercising regularly (2 years ago I was not), it’s hard to add more yoga into my schedule.
I am not interested in beginning a home practice. I love the sense of community or kula that vibrates when I am in a class.
So, yeah… my relationship with yoga evolves & changes… as do most of the relationships in my life!
What’s YOUR yoga story?
I do yoga anywhere from 2-4 times a week in addition to other workouts. I teach yoga too and at one place I do a big chunk of the class with the participants and at another place I do maybe 50% because I walk around as I cue, offer modifications and slight adjustments. I’m definately on a yoga journey. I want to grow, learn, teach, and write. I just started a blog here on WordPress maybe a month ago. It is my hope to teach a a yoga series in my backyard this upcoming summer. I already teach at Air Force base fitness centers and get a regular attendance of health adult clients. I do want to expand out of that box with other types of clients. So thought I’d start with my backyard. Have to let you know how that goes.
Kristen
Thanks for popping by, Kristen! I love getting adjustments from my instructors, and I’m sure your students appreciate it as well!
When I first injured myself running a few years ago, I turned to yoga to help. But try as I might, my over usage injuries were not healing, and I was definitely not liking yoga. I was using it as a filler. But forcing myself to attend classes only resulted in eventually giving up on it, and not going at all. So, I spent about a year and half away from yoga, before trying it again. When I went back to it this time, it was for a much different reason. I was ready for it. I wanted to be there. And I had an appreciation for all that it had to offer (and what I could do with it). This time it stuck! Or I stuck. Whatever–I’ve fallen in love with it. I attend a class once a week, and do a little practice on my own whenever I feel like it. It’s now an integral part of my health and wellness, and I can’t imagine not having it as some part of my life.
Love this! Thanks for sharing your story. It’s nice to know that yoga is always available to us.
I have tried yoga (at home) various times over the last several years, never sticking with it. I want to like yoga, but I’m finally coming to accept that perhaps I don’t and I should stop forcing it – when my body and mind are ready, I’ll know. In the meantime, I’ll keep looking for a slower mind/body practice that I do like.
That seems wise. Have you ever tried NIA? I tried it during my stay at Green Mountain. It might be a nice fit!
Thank you so much for the mention! To me, what you’re doing is yoga — you’re finding what works for you (how, where, when, etc) and trusting that. Nothing more yogic than that, in my opinion!
Anna, thank you for reading & commenting! You are definitely a role model for me. I will take your beautiful wisdom to heart.
I made a commitment to myself this fall to do 10 minutes of stretching a day. I am grateful that I have practiced yoga and are familiar with some poses.
I am not adding a class to my schedule but my body is responding gratefully to the stretching!
I love that!
I’ve never really enjoyed yoga. I don’t know why (I hyperextend my legs / knees a bit and hurt them sometimes), but I just don’t get a lot out of the class. I’ve done pilates over the last 5 or so years and appreciate that a bit more.
Hi
I have never tried yoga before…I kinda feel intimidated by it. But I do struggle with enteral anxiety so I guess I should pursue it. What would u recommend as a starting point?
I would recommend going to a class! Look for classes marked Restorative, Basics, or Gentle! Let me know how it goes!