The Art of Yoga

Yoga is a journey of discovering the connection between body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is Sanskrit for the meaning to join, bind, or yoke. For a long time, I misunderstood what yoga was all about. Around 2010, I thought it was just a trend, something associated with a particular image that I wasn't sure I belonged to. I imagined walking into a class surrounded by people who knew all the poses, while I struggled to keep up. The thought of feeling out of place or being judged left me a little intimidated by the practice before I had ever truly experienced it. Those doubts inside of me couldn’t have been further away from the truth; and thank goodness this changed when my closest friend, Marilyn, invited me to try yoga on the beach. It was a moment that opened the door to something that became an important part of my life. Sharing the first experience with someone I love so dearly made it even more special. The sound of ocean waves, the sand beneath us, and the rhythm of my breath was the beginning of Yoga, for myself... not as an image or a trend, but something deep and personal. And personal is what yoga is whether in nature, in a classroom, or wherever you are - it meets you where you are at. Practicing yoga shifted something within me, and I discovered that it nurtured my mind, body and spirit in ways that I couldn't imagine, or even describe. I was drawn to the stillness, the movement, the breath, and the opportunity to just be present. In fact, it helped me to recognize the patterns of thoughts and opinions I had carried without even realizing it. I was hooked, and over the years yoga became a companion through all the different seasons of my life. My practice quietly grew and deepend. What was once an intimidating and small view became something so profound. A space where I can learn and reconnect with myself. A place where I can listen and honor where I am at in the moment. And 15 years later with the encouragement yet again from dear Marilyn, I studied yoga deeper and became an instructor. Today, I hope that I can be that voice of invitation and encouragement like my best friend. I hope that you can try the chance to move in a way that connects mind, body, spirit, nature, creativity, and curiostity. The body's innate wisdom that it holds has the capacity to heal and form a relationship much larger within. Just as the earth moves through cycles of growth, rest and renewal, yoga reminds us that we are continually changing and unfolding. My hope is to share this practice in a way that invites you to experience yoga for yourself, one breath, one moment for yourself to find your way home.

A space for you, love,