Thoughts on yoga…
I originally wrote this in 2017, which feels like it was just yesterday. I recently stumbled across this piece and realized that everything I wrote then feels just as relevant to me today. Of course some of the information is a little outdated, but it still felt worth the share.
Happy Sunday, my lovelies! I am inspired to write this morning after reading an article from KiraGracem a yoga clothing company on a mission. For those of you who don’t know everything about me, I am a devotee of Yoga. I have been practicing for almost 30 years. Living in Boulder, Colorado, I have been fortunate to have access to the who’s who of Yoga.
Desiree Rumbough is a yoga teacher (and so much more) who was recommended to me by my first yoga teacher. It just never aligned. I’d see her name here and there and always let out a little sigh thinking about what I might have learned from her. But of course, it comes full circle! Here goes:
KiraGrace hosts an Empowering Women Interview Series. I’ve missed the first three, but today’s interview was with none other than Desiree Rumbough, so of course it was exactly what I needed to read.
These are her words:
“When I can do the work to feel my emotions and then transform my mental state from one of negativity…to a lighter place of courage, joy, hope, or acceptance, I feel empowered. I also feel a bit empowered when occasionally I find my balance in a handstand.”
How on-point is that?! For me, much like for Desiree, it’s my yoga mat; as long as I can get to my mat, I know I won’t implode. When, for whatever reason, I don’t make it to my mat, I know I’m in trouble. I’ve had some of my best breakdowns in Down Dog, uncontrollable nose running and tears streaming. Embarrassing? Yes. But it happens, and yoga is the doorway for me. I will always feel better, even if it takes awhile to make the shift. I think the key to the doorway is to get out of the way and let out what is deep within, lying patiently. That’s what happens when I'm on my mat. My body is in charge in a very fluid and organic way. My brain gets to take a little nap and my soul can speak in the form of practice. It’s really quite beautiful, and until this moment I don’t think I’ve realized just how beautiful.
Yoga is not for everyone, I know that. What I think is important, is to make the space for yourself to search for your own yoga, your own place to come back to self.
I believe we are all here to make ourselves and others feel stronger, more confident, more empowered, and to use our power for the greater good of humanity. Not to take it away. Not to make you feel less than, imperfect, like a thing in need of fixing. You and I together can do wonderful things. It starts with me, going deep, excavating, unearthing the pearls of wisdom and sharing what I learn so maybe it won’t be as challenging for you.
