My Yoga Journey

For someone who is very active and chooses to train frequently, getting injured can be something that tests my patience rather a lot. And don't get me wrong, I know these are not huge issues and can be fixed easily, in comparison to many worse things other people are having to deal with! 

Back in June last year I pulled my inner thigh muscle and after looking after it and doing what I needed to / not do, it got better. This photo was taken when my leg had recovered and was strengthening. We had just smashed this awesome, challenging hike up a mountain in Skagway, Alaska. It was hard and my leg could feel the strain as it was still a bit weak. But, we succeeded, and so did my leg! I then tore my intercostal muscle in september. I was not able to be active, let alone train and my patience was challenged once more. I wanted to jump around, lift weights, do cardio and stretch. When I looked at this picture and reminded myself just how worthwhile and important the wait, the patience and the rehab actually was.  I realised again, it is all possible!

This was when my yoga journey began. My sister became a qualified yoga instructor and as soon as I felt like it was time for some rehab and to get my body strong again, she started teaching me. 

I practice yoga by myself now, with her and in group classes. I still train in the gym, use free weights and do my own body weight workouts, but I have found such a connection to my yoga practise that it's not surprising I crave it most mornings. 

My body has become stronger, my flexibility has improved and the mindfulness that comes with it is truly amazing. 

I recently became even more thankful for my mat and my practise. I started doing a lot of yoga and meditation to help give me peace with something very negative that I had to deal with. I used to go to the gym, whack out a big cardio and weights session and it would help with stress. It would never help me feel at peace with my mind though, not like yoga does. 

For me, yoga is not about staying in poses for long periods of time, even though they are awesome, or about the strength or your flexibility, for me it is about the breathing and the energy flow and how you feel afterwards.  

I guess my point is, try it out!! If you are looking for peace of mind, something to help you start your day, assistance in focussing your thoughts, look into yoga! Give it a go! You will realise you are stronger than you think. 

When you own your breath, nobody can steal your peace.