I can remember as far back as high school feeling focused and happy while working on my own calisthenics. Over the years this evolved into teaching myself Yoga and then treating myself to Yoga in a studio. Forever grateful.

My practice has changed over the years as it should. From Vinyasa to Iyangar and now to a blended version of everything that has been taught to me and some that I’ve created myself.

I insert Yoga and meditation into my day about 2 to 3 times a day. Because I teach, I find inspiration from the members at the Studio along with how I am feeling! All week long I flesh out suggestions along with what I am actually capable of doing this week.

The reason my practice is blended is because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is a painful debilitating disease that affects the joints, specifically the hands, wrists, shoulders, & feet paired with Exhaustion. UMMM Yoga! Especially Vinyasa. I still have my moments though! You can catch me from time to time trying to keep up on a Saturday morning Vinayasa class. I love it and the Yoga Loft encourages all of us to do what we can!

Right away I cut back on how many classes I taught around our city because with Auto Immune, many a time it’s brought on by spreading ourselves Thin. Which brings us back to the point of Yoga and Yogic lifestyle – It’s all balance. Be kind to yourself so you can serve others. I kept my Sunday Night Class and moved it a touch earlier.

As soon as I slowed down my practice I noticed right away my classes got fuller, and fuller with everyday people like me, who have ‘stuff’ they are dealing with. Comments I appreciate so much as to how I have a variety of ways to move through the practice – My 1 liner is: Don’t leave any Yogi’s behind… ok well I have many 1 liners lol! But that’s the most important 1; Don’t leave anyone behind! And for my personal 1 liner it’s to Practice what you teach.

Most mornings I roll around on my floor with my Dog trying to play and practice. Most lunches I head to our conference room at Murray GM to practice. My Challenge is to un plug and finish my evening with Yoga and meditation. That’s the biggest Challenge because when I get tired after a day of work or volunteering etc.… and hopefully you can relate, I just want to turn off my brain and catch a Netflix show. But, when the jeans start getting tight I know I need to inject some discipline and unplug and practice in the evenings. I am always grateful when I do, always, even if the practice in the evening is 15 mins… it’s 15 minutes I am healing my mind heart and body.

Next Blog I’d like to demonstrate How I accomplish a satisfying practice with plenty of modifications!

Until then, be well friends.