Movement has always been an important part of my life. Growing up, I was heavily involved in gymnastics and dance. While studying psychology in college I decided to enroll in an intro to yoga course. I was instantly drawn to yoga as it embodied the mind-body connection I was learning about. I was also taking an intro to Buddhism course at the time so these two complimented one another perfectly. Having struggled with anxiety, I was always searching for a way to navigate emotional distress without use of medication. Yoga provided me with the tools I was looking for in so many ways. Yoga is not just a physical exercise like some may think; it is a holistic practice that combines movement, breath work, and mindfulness. It has been practiced for thousands of years and has been proven to have numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. One of the most significant benefits of yoga for me has been its ability to help manage stress and anxiety which is why I practiced so often during my 15 year career as an emergency department nurse.
Along with the benefits yoga provided me, as the healthcare worker, I also saw first hand how simple breathing exercises and relaxation techniques helped my patients in the emergency department. I often witnessed how simply slowing and paying attention to the breath can lower heart rate and blood pressure, provide ease for invasive procedures, and assist in pain control. Guided imagery and meditation provided similar benefits in patients so I would incorporate those techniques often throughout my career. When we move through the poses of yoga, or asanas, we engage in slow, deliberate movements that help us connect our bodies to our breath and bring our attention to the present moment. This mindful movement allows us to release tension and stress that we are so often holding in our bodies. As we move through the poses, we focus on our breath, which helps to calm and regulate our nervous system and activate our body's relaxation response, or the parasympathetic nervous system.
When I was 27, I lost my Mom to a traumatic brain injury. This has affected my life more than I could have imagined at the time. Through yoga, meditation, and spirituality, I have been able to navigate my grief and also stay connected to her in other ways. My yoga mat became my sanctuary in times of sadness, anger and confusion. As grief is not linear and is ever present, I still allow myself to fully experience my grief, and all of my emotions, through breath work and movement which has been life changing. What I've learned over the last 20 years is that yoga teaches us to cultivate self-awareness and self-compassion. Throughout my struggles with endometriosis and infertility, I've turned to yoga for healing and to navigate my emotions around pain, loss and acceptance. I miraculously became pregnant with my beautiful daughter after being told I would never be able to have my own children. Throughout my pregnancy journey, I practiced prenatal yoga which helped immensely with my labor. I practiced postpartum yoga and now have the pleasure of sharing my love for yoga with my daughter.
Through regular practice, I am learning to observe my thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing myself to develop a greater sense of acceptance and understanding, no matter how I am feeling. This self-awareness has helped me to recognize when I am feeling stressed or anxious and has allowed me to take proactive steps in managing these emotions. In addition to the physical and mental benefits I've received from practicing yoga, I've also developed a strong sense of community and support along my journey. When I signed up for my 200-hour yoga teacher training program, I had no idea the type of connections I would have with like-minded individuals who are also on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Being part of a supportive community can be incredibly empowering and can help us feel less alone in our struggles, which for me it definitely has. Yoga has been a powerful tool for navigating stress and cultivating peace throughout my adult life. By practicing yoga, we can release tension, calm our minds, and create self-awareness and self-compassion while building strength and resilience. My hope is that yoga can positively impact your life in the same ways it has mine.
