If you asked me to describe my yoga practice in one word, I wouldn't be able to do it. You see, it's been such a blessing for me to find an exercise that I like, truly love, and that I can and want to stick with and one that is not only an exercise for my body but also for my mind and my soul. Yes. Yoga is an exercise for the soul. Who wouldn't want to get behind that?!
I had a really rough day yesterday. Safe to say, we - the children and I - all had a rough day. It was Thursday, we were all worn out from the busy week behind us, and Omi was out with the sickness. Man, when that girl gets sick, even the slightest runny nose....RUN! Needless to say, we stuck it out survived. Not only was it a day full of three year old tears, but Benjamin is going through a developmental leap right now, so he's clingier and clumsier than usual, so we had all just had it. By 2:00, I started to feel defeated, and I HATE letting those emotions and negativity seep in. It's hard to turn it around when we are all losing it together...or is it? We can let the emotions defeat us, get the better of us yet again, or we can do something about it. Just turn it around. It really is that simple, yet we have to have an open mind and heart to let those feelings in. I wasn't defeated, and yesterday doesn't define who I am. It was just a hard day out of so many days I am fortunate and blessed enough to spend with these little people who won't be so little for very long.
You know the saying: "get some fresh air?" It's a simple phrase, perhaps overused, but it's so important to remember to do just that when we find ourselves in thick, mucky situations. Yesterday was just no good, but by stepping out of the murkiness and into the sunshine, figuratively or literally, we can easily turn it all around. Yoga very well could be my sunshine. It is my happy place - the place where I can let it all go and just breathe. It all sounds so simple, and it really really is. How important is it - yet simple enough - to just be in the moment and breathe? Thoughts are no longer present - only your breath. If thoughts arrive, you turn up your breath and as soon as the thoughts trickle in, they trickle right out. It is the most basic skill in life - breathing - in order to live, yet sometimes, we just can't let go of what life throws at us. We all too often forget or think it's too hard to find the time to breathe.
Yesterday, that's exactly what I did. I created a space to just let it all go, let go of what happened earlier, and just be present in the here and now. Meditation along with yoga is now my most powerful tool in life. I want to scream it from the rooftops for all to hear. Yoga is better than any therapy or drug. It's health benefits are truly remarkable and aid in everything from stress-relief to heart health. It has become a way of life for me, pulling me out of stress and chaos that may come my way.
The simple act of just breathing. That's all yoga really is. Becoming one with your breath and body. Soon, you feel the power of your mind and body working together for the sole benefit of your very soul. It is powerful, peaceful, and makes you stronger than you ever thought possible! Since I've been practicing, I can do things that I never thought possible in my adult years. Not only have I become stronger physically and my flexibility is through the roof, but I feel more connected mentally than I ever have before. I am a better person thanks to yoga and thanks to my wonderful yoga family here in Savannah. Yoga inspires myself and others to be better, to think clearer, and to eat healthier....to do good things. It is a total win, and it all takes place right there on your mat. How hard can that be? Go on and give it a try. Still trying to get Andrew to give it a go, but he is a hard sell. I'll never give up! :) Hey, if this lady can do it, so can you!
This video was taken on Thursday - the worst day of the week, yet I was able to get upside down and turn it all around. Yoga is my therapy - my happy place!!
This video is mindblowing. It shows how yoga can totally transform a person if you simply just do it. (Thanks Nike). :)
