We commonly hear the phrase: ‘yoga is not just about the physical practise’ and that the poses are just a small part of what yoga is truly all about.  Like many people in our culture that begin yoga, I decided to start for primarily physical reasons. I wanted to be strong, stable, flexible & aligned in a healthy & balanced way. I also was curious about the relaxation and breathing components I had heard about. Yes, I started to see the physical benefits like improved strength & flexibility, reduced aches & pains and improved breathing patterns. But as time went on, I was surprised to see that some other things in my life were starting to shift. The reasons why I practised were starting to change too. I realized that yoga was benefitting me on so many levels (or ‘koshas’): physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically and spiritually.  My yoga journey looks a bit like this so far:

1993: “It’s challenging. I’m not very good at it, but for some unknown reason, it feels good so I’ll just keep doing it. Madonna does it, so it must be a good.”

1995: “I’m getting better at it! It helps me improve and maintain my flexibility and strength. I love how relaxed I feel at the end of a practise.”

2000: “It reduces my aches and pains is reducing my migraines! My digestion is even better. My teachers keep telling me it’s all about the breath, but I don’t really get what that means.”

2002: “It helps me effortlessly maintain a healthy weight and body image, gives me boundless energy, and inspires me to share it and use it therapeutically in my physiotherapy career. I feel so calm, relaxed, clear, and peaceful, yet energized at the end of practise. Oh and weirdly, I’m getting taller!”

2004: “It’s what keeps me grounded, balanced & centered. I’m learning more about the breath. I’m starting to understand that part of it. I still love how incredibly peaceful I feel at the end of a practise.” Read more →