Yoga has been an integral part of my life for more than twenty
years. It’s been a respite, a source of recovery, and an incredibly
heart-opening way for me to earn a living. When I arrived at Lotus Yoga
for my first class in the fall of 1996, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would
I be able to do the poses? I wondered. Would I be
comfortable in a room full of strangers? Would I find a source of peace
in the midst of the chaotic life I had been living? It was a slow
process, but in the end, the answer to all three questions was a resounding
“yes”, and over time, I discovered that to practice yoga from the inside out is
a gracious blessing.
Last week
one of my yoga students suggested I weave together my love of yoga and my
passion for writing. While I’ve often been asked over the years to make a
video or an instructional CD, I’ve always been hesitant to teach yoga without
being able to observe my students and notice what they might need in the moment.
Because I only work with five or six people at a time, our classes are highly
individualized, based on each person’s energy level, the challenges they bring
to the mat, and their intentions for the session.
When Katie suggested, “You
could write simple yoga practices designed around a word…an intention...and
include five or six photos that show the poses with detailed instructions on how
to modify for individual needs.”
"What a
wonderful idea," I smiled. "That's exactly how I've been
practicing these days."
Later that
night, I thought about what yoga has given to me, especially during this incredibly challenging summer. What I need to practice now
is not a host of planks or headstands or scorpions. These days, I’ve come full
circle to that chilly Tuesday night in November when I entered a yoga studio
for the first time seeking peace…seeking love…and needing a deeper connection with
myself. Now, more than ever, I’m striving to walk my talk…and am
delighted to share the journey with you.
Welcome to
Peace…Love…Yoga.
I’m so glad
you’re here.
